Software
Development as a Human Activity: A Holistic Exploration of
the Social and Technical Dimensions
Software development is studied in this research as a human
activity in order to help those involved in developing
software (specialists, users and managers) better
understand the process. A broad definition of software
development is used that encompasses all activities
associated with the conception, construction and delivery
of any type of software. The focus is on the influence of
actors and organisations on software development, not on
the influence of software development on organisations or
individuals.
In recognition of the multiple realities in software
development a constructivist based research paradigm is
adopted. Within this paradigm six software developments in
five organisations are studied longitudinally through
conversations with stakeholders and document collection.
A new research method is developed which uses a grounded
approach to allow the key influences to be identified
through a detailed qualitative analysis of one of the
developments. The research method uses a multi-tier
analysis of the chronological story of the development told
in the words of the participants. In order to meet the
research criteria defined for the paradigm, a CDROM is
produced containing a hyperlinked version of the data,
chronology and analysis. This CDROM may be read using a web
browser.
The result of the research is the identification of
thirteen key influences that have a critical effect on
software developments. The three dominant influences
(individual, organisation and development methods) will
have a major impact on all but the smallest developments.
The key influences provide those involved with software
development (specialists, users and managers) with a list
of influences to consider seriously when undertaking
software development, rather than a set of prescriptive
actions. Discussion of the findings raises a number of
questions for research into software development.
Thesis awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in
Management, May 2001