Fiona Darroch

A framework for understanding the factors influencing pair programming success

Pair programming is one of the more controversial aspects of several Agile system development methods, in particular eXtreme Programming (XP). Various studies have assessed factors that either drive the success or suggest advantages (and disadvantages) of pair programming. In this exploratory study the literature on pair programming is examined and factors distilled. These factors are then compared and contrasted with those discovered in our recent Delphi study of pair programming. Gallis et al. (2003) have proposed an initial framework aimed at providing a comprehensive identification of the major factors impacting team programming situations including pair programming. However, this study demonstrates that the framework should be extended to include an additional category of factors that relate to organizational matters. These factors will be further refined, and used to develop and empirically evaluate a conceptual model of pair programming (success).

ACM fellow profile: Bob Glass

Ah yes, it’s time for another issue of SEN. The truth is that this is another great issue! The question is: “Will you read it?”. Yes, you will probably scan Peter Neumann’s Risk column to catch up on the “Stephen Harper Eats Babies” problem, and if you are still a programmer at heart (or remember how good it used to be) then you will surf Mark Doernhoefer’s JavaScript coverage. You might be curious about “What is that guy on the photo in the next column smiling about?” and read the ACM Fellow Profile supplied by Fiona Darroch or catch up on what Peter Henderson and Timothy Lethbridge have to say about CSEE&T (or at least find out what the acronym stands for). On a different note, if you are holding out for a Bono or Willy Nelson hit, then check out Michael Wing’s column on “Growing Up is Painful” and the one on leadership that follows... It’s a must read if you can handle the truth...Of course there is lots more in this issue, papers, reviews! Read on! BTW, I only received one hit on the crossword puzzle contest I proposed in the last issue (and this one too). I am hoping for a plethora of entries, as it would be very anti-climatic (and probably unethical) for me to win the contest because I was the only entry. But then again, since I get to pick the prize, I probably won’t complain too much. Until next time ...

Web Publishing: An Extreme, Agile Experience

The proponents of agile methodologies suggest that many of the inhibitors to system development methodology adoption have largely been addressed in the underlying principles of agile methods. This paper reports the experience of a small team developing Web publishing software tools for use in building Web sites for online delivery of tertiary education study materials. These early adopters successfully used eXtreme Programming (XP) practices for this tool development exercise. Almost all XP practices were adopted, although some were adhered to more rigorously than others and some proved to be more successful than others. Continued use of XP and communication of its benefits to others has been a consequential focus for the developers.