Valuing Evaluation: Methodologies to Bridge Research and Practice

TL;DR

This paper explores methodologies that connect rigorous research approaches with practical relevance in software engineering, proposing a grounded theory framework to enhance both robustness and applicability.

Contribution

It introduces a framework for applying grounded theory in SE research to improve the relevance and rigor of research outcomes.

Findings

Grounded theory can bridge research and practice in SE.

A framework for grounded theory application in SE is proposed.

Enhanced relevance and rigor in SE research outcomes.

Abstract

The potential disconnect between research and practice in software engineering (SE) means that the uptake of research outcomes has at times been limited. In this paper we seek to identify research approaches that are rigorous in terms of method but that are also relevant to software engineering practitioners. After considering the correspondence of several approaches to software systems research and practice we recommend a framework for applying grounded theory in SE research, as a means of delivering both robust and useful outcomes.