This paper suggests that by operationalizing the concept of commitment in the shape of a model, a new insight is provided in improving software processes—a more human centered approach as opposed to various technical approaches available. In doing so the SPI managers/change agents are able to plan better the software process improvement initiative and benchmark successful projects (as well as failed ones). Results from five interviews with SPI professionals on the proposed Behavior-based Commitment Model are reported, together with early results from the empirical test in 14 software process improvement projects. Early results suggest that the behaviors introduced in the model are relevant in SPI initiatives, the use of model raises the awareness about the people issues in improving processes, and the model could be used aside with CMM, SPICE or other process improvement models.
P. Abrahamsson· Software quality journal· 10 citations
The focus of the research and practice in software process improvement (SPI) is shifting from traditional large-scale assessment based improvement initiatives to smaller sized, tailored initiatives where the emphasis is on the development personnel and their personal abilities. Personal software process (PSP/sup SM/) is a method designed for improving the personal capabilities of the individual software engineer. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge within this area by reporting experiences from Denmark. The findings indicate an improvement in effort estimation skills and an increase in the resulting product quality in terms of reduced total defect density. The data shows that even with a relatively small effort (i.e., 10%) used in defect prevention activities (i.e., design and code reviews) almost one third of all defects could be removed and, consequently, the time required for the testing was reduced by 50%. On the basis of this data, the use of the PSP method in the software industry is discussed.
P. Abrahamsson, K. Kautz· Proceedings of the EUROMICRO...· 17 citations· ⚡2
Several studies have revealed the fact that nearly two-thirds of all software process improvement (SPI) efforts have failed or have at least fallen short of expectations. Literature and practice have shown that commitment to SPI at all organizational levels is essential for the success of any SPI endeavor. A research model for studying the existence, development and interplay of SPI-related commitment is introduced in this paper. This study suggests that software organizations operate through strategic, operational and personal commitment nets. These nets consist of actors, drivers, concerns, actions, commitment, and outcomes. The commitment nets model is applied in a study of four industrial SPI initiatives. The results from two of these cases are reported here. The results show that SPI is driven through the formation and reformation of commitment nets. The contents of strategic, operational and personal commitment nets are laid out and implications are discussed.
P. Abrahamsson· Annals of Software Engineeri...· 35 citations· ⚡2
Agile software development methods have been suggested as useful in many situations and contexts. However, only few (if any) experiences are available regarding the use of agile methods in embedded domain where the hardware sets tight requirements for the software. This development domain is arguably far away from the agile home ground. This paper explores the possibility of using agile development techniques in this environment and defines the requirements for new agile methods targeted to facilitate the development of embedded software. The findings are based on an empirical study over a period 12 months in the development of low-level telecommunications software. We maintain that by addressing the requirements we discovered, agile methods can be successful also in the embedded software domain.
Jussi Ronkainen, P. Abrahamsson· International Conference on...· 71 citations· ⚡5
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Mobile phones have been closed environments until recent years. The change brought by open platform technologies such as the Symbian operating system and Java technologies has opened up a significant business opportunity for anyone to develop application software such as games for mobile terminals. However, developing mobile applications is currently a challenging task due to the specific demands and technical constraints of mobile development. Furthermore, at the moment very little is known about the suitability of the different development processes for mobile application development. Due to these issues, we have developed an agile development approach called Mobile-D. The Mobile-D approach is briefly outlined here and the experiences gained from four case studies are discussed.
P. Abrahamsson, Antti Hanhineva, H. Hulkko et al.· Conference on Object-Oriente...· 225 citations· ⚡18
A USAF cadet and a Lincoln Laboratory researcher found AI chatbots can help nontechnical service members produce viable software applications for their unique problems.
