A comparison of models describing third and fourth generation software development environments, with implications for effective management
David Jeffery · 1986
This thesis details an investigation of appropriate models of the software development process in the MIS environment, for the purposes of (1) understanding that environment and (2) facilitating suitable project management actions based on that understanding. The research consists of our laboratory study and three field studies. In this research three different development environments are investigated, each using a different implementation language. In two cases the implementation language is of the so-called third generation, and in the third it is a so-called fourth generation language. The major objective of the research was to develop a better understanding of the factors that influence system development productivity, particularly in the fourth generation environment. This objective has been well satisfied in the research, the results revealing significant new findings which are applicable to the MIS environment regardless of the implementation language. In addition a better understanding of the productivity possibilities of the fourth generation environment is now possible as a result of this research. A productivity model is developed which consistently explains over 70% of the variation in productivity in the MIS environment on the basis of two independent variables. Additional factors in the fourth generation environment such as staff attitudes to the project and procedural language experience are identified which add to the explanatory power of the model for that environment, and allow a greater understanding of the important management factors if higher productivity is to be achieved.