Evolving a Model for Software Process Context: An Exploratory Study

TL;DR

This paper explores the development of a theoretical model for understanding the context in software engineering practices, aiming to improve evidence-based decision-making in industry.

Contribution

It proposes an initial model for software process context based on dimensions like People, Place, Product, and Process, advancing understanding of contextual factors.

Findings

Identified lack of clarity in terminology in literature

Proposed a base model with four key dimensions

Recognized the need for further refinement through collaboration

Abstract

In the domain of software engineering, our efforts as researchers to advise industry on which software practices might be applied most effectively are limited by our lack of evidence based information about the relationships between context and practice efficacy. In order to accumulate such evidence, a model for context is required. We are in the exploratory stage of evolving a model for context for situated software practices. In this paper, we overview the evolution of our proposed model. Our analysis has exposed a lack of clarity in the meanings of terms reported in the literature. Our base model dimensions are People, Place, Product and Process. Our contributions are a deepening of our understanding of how to scope contextual factors when considering software initiatives and the proposal of an initial theoretical construct for context. Study limitations relate to a possible subjectivity in the analysis and a restricted evaluation base. In the next stage in the research, we will collaborate with academics and practitioners to formally refine the model.