Ivaldir H. de Farias Junior

Elicitation of Communication Inherent Risks in Distributed Software Development

The lack of risk management, communication and understanding of the requirements are actually the main factors related to the low rate of success in software development, more specifically in distributed projects given the characteristics of this type of development. Considering distributed software projects, the main goal of this paper is to show communication inherent risks empirically identified in such type of project, and the strategies and recommendations adopted to mitigate them. For example, we found that to solve misunderstandings that may occur due to the cultural diversity and language we must encourage frequent communication. This frequent communication does not only increases the communication effectiveness, but also develops the cohesion among the distributed teams, resulting in an improvement of the informal communication and establishment of the confidence among members of the distributed team. These findings were obtained from an exploratory empirical qualitative research that collected interview data from project leaders and managers from several software projects from distinct companies. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the influence of communication process in DSD. It also contributes to the industrial practice so that they can use the results to improve the communication management, minimizing potential problems.

Motivational Factors for Distributed Software Development Teams

Over the last decades it has been observed that many companies around the world have started to adopt Distributed Software Development (DSD) to create competitive advantages. Aiming to increase such advantages, many of these companies add some team motivation techniques to DSD. However, the motivation of DSD teams reveals some peculiarities that should be taken into account. This paper presents a literature review on motivational factors in distributed software development. More specifically, the goal was to identify and categorize key success factors in the motivation of distributed teams. We have identified eleven success factors. We categorized each factor according to a proposal integrating Maslows and Herzbergs motivational theories. The findings show that the factors that motivate distributed software teams are related to different levels of motivation. Despite the distinct levels each factor is associated, we concluded that even the factors related to higher motivational levels are dependent on the most elementary ones. These findings suggest that motivational factors have to be carefully considered when working with distributed teams.

A Systematic Tertiary Study of Communication in Distributed Software Development Projects

Distributed Software Development (DSD) is characterized by physical distance and/or different time-zones among those involved in the process of developing software[1]. This paper presents a systematic tertiary study about communication in distributed development that aimed to identify and to synthesize factors that influence the effectiveness of communication in such settings and its effects in the design of such projects.

Towards a Communication Maturity Model for Distributed Software Development

Communication related issues are among the main reasons of the low rate of success in software development, more specifically in distributed projects in which developers are located apart from each other and need to establish virtual relationships to communicate and to collaborate. It is important for a distributed team to be able to communicate properly and in a timely manner. As time goes by and the team gets used to working together and is aware of protocols and working processes, it is expected that communication issues will reduce. Hence, we can say that the communication processes evolve and mature. This paper presents a research under development that aims at developing a Communication Maturity Model for distributed software development inspired in quality maturity models such as the CMMI. The expected model will aim at supporting the management of communication strategies and processes in such software development context.

Communication in Distributed Software Development: A Preliminary Maturity Model

This paper presents a preliminary communication maturity model named C2M. The C2M model aims to help organizations to identify the maturity of communication-related aspects and processes providing a tool to reveal what practices need to be improved. The model is composed of three maturity areas respectively organized into factors, goals, and practices. It has been preliminarily evaluated in two steps. First, two focus group meetings were conducted in two organizations aiming to identify how fit the model is to attend its purpose. Second, a diagnosis activity was conducted in two organizations aiming to observe how the model is perceived when used in practice. The experts who participated in the diagnosis activity reported that the application of the model allowed them to become aware of communication issues their teams were facing that they had no knowledge of. Their positive feedback is an initial indication that the model is fit to point out the maturity of communication processes and practices in distributed software projects.

Knowledge Management in a Software Development Organization: Identifying Tools, Processes and Benefits.

Felipe Furtado CESAR Recife, PE, Brazil fsfs@cesar.org.br Gustavo Alexandre CESAR Recife, PE Brazil ghsa@cesar.org.br Nelson G. de Sá Leitão Júnior Informatics Center UFPE University and CESAR Recife, PE, Brazil leitaojr@outlook.com Ivaldir de Farias Junior Informatics Center UFPE University and São Miguel College Recife, PE, Brazil ivaldirjr@gmail.com Hermano P. de Moura Informatics Center UFPE University Recife, PE, Brazil hermano@cin.ufpe.br

Evaluation of a Preliminary Assessment Method for Identifying the Maturity of Communication in Distributed Software Development

Communication is still one of the main challenges of distributed software development and it is important for distributed teams to be able to maintain effective communication, i.e., to communicate properly and in a timely manner to facilitate the management of project activities and then to contribute to the process quality. Communication is also a critical aspect for Software Reuse in global development since it affects trust and can foster the not-invented-here syndrome. In order to handle such challenge, this paper presents an evaluation of a preliminary version of an assessment method for identifying communication maturity, based on the Communication Maturity Model (C2M), a model that supports the improvement of communication processes and practices in distributed organizations. We present the preliminary assessment method definition and its evaluation results obtained during two focal group sessions with IT professionals. Findings include a positive and promising perception on the benefits of adopting this method, and a demand for further work towards its maturation.

Agile Testing in Brazil: A Systematic Mapping

The increasing adoption of agile methodologies is changing the landscape of software testing. Both the manifold of testing techniques and the agile mindset have shown as challenges for professionals. In this context, this work conducted a systematic mapping of studies published in Brazil, with the goal of gathering evidence on the use of agile testing practices in the country. Using the Agile Testing Quadrants as classification model, testing techniques, their benefits and challenges were identified. This systematic mapping revealed that, despite the quality improvements and reduction of costs brought by the use of agile testing techniques, learning curves and lack of management cooperation introduce significant difficulties for the full adoption of agile testing.

Process Management Applied to Software Engineering Education with approach PBL

The search for qualified professionals with considerable practical experience in Software engineering is growing every day. In this context, this article proposes the use of a methodology based teaching and learning in real problem, called PBL-Problem Based Learning, which is redefining the roles of those involved in the educational processes, the student leaves the passive role (traditional teaching) and passes to assume the active role (constructivist teaching) in their learning, gaining more practical experience and can thus be prepared for the job market, contributes significantly to modern organizations. As PBL is essentially oriented process, we use all the PDCA cycle (Plan, Do, Check and Action) of Demming to manage and ensure the basic principles of PBL: real problems; a practical environment; human capital; content; an authentic assessment process and PBL plan. It was used BPMN notation - Process Modeling Notation to model the proposed process allowing documentation clearly generating a visual presentation. This paper shows the creation of the Check and Action process Completing the all the PDCA cycle for teaching Software Engineering.

Web 2.0 tools as a Pedagogical Resource

Nowadays, we can realize that either private or public education lacks support of new technologies on the teaching-learning process. Due to the lack of knowledge and familiarity with the educational technologies, the teachers don’t use them to improve their classes. In light of this context, the aim of this research is to explore the usage of the Web 2.0 tools applied to the education, in order to promote good practices to encourage the teachers to use them on their educational routine. To achieve this, this research was performed in a qualitative manner, by an online survey applied with teachers. As results, we expect to identify, beyond the practices to be proposed, the main challenges concerning the usage of these tools in education. Full Paper PDF: http://www.contecsi.fea.usp.br/envio/11contecsi-files/papers/922/submission/director/922-2548-1-DR.pdf