Using the DELPHI Method for Model for Role Assignment in the Software Industry

TL;DR

This paper employs the DELPHI method to validate patterns linking personal traits and team motivation to role assignment in software projects, aiming to enhance existing models by integrating multiple factors.

Contribution

It introduces a validated set of patterns connecting personal traits and team motivation to improve role assignment models in software development.

Findings

Validated patterns linking personal traits to roles

Identified connection between team motivation and role suitability

Enhanced role assignment considerations with expert consensus

Abstract

Over the past two decades, there has been a growing interest in modeling the elements that need to be considered when assigning people to roles in software projects, as evidenced by the number of available publications related to the topic. However, for the most part, these studies, have taken only a partial approach to the issue. Some have focused on the target roles competency profile, while others have tried to understand the preferences of software developers for activities linked to certain roles and the relationship between these preferences and the candidates personal traits, to mention only two examples. Our research aims to find elements that can be integrated into an allocation model that complements current approaches by including competencies, personal traits, and project team building theories. To do so we performed an experts consultation exercise using the DELPHI method; which allowed us to validate a set of patterns related to different candidates personal traits, and the link between the teams motivational motors and their roles within the software development.