Interpreting barriers to success in software development and deployment using systems theory
Charles W. Chesterman suffix Jr. suffix, Kaitlynn Castelle, Jennifer J. Shauger · International Journal of System of Systems Engineering · 2016
The purpose of this paper is to investigate issues that restrict success in the development and deployment of software. As software becomes more complex it evolves as a system of systems (SoS) containing new, modified, existing, and legacy parts. As portions are modified and integrated, the effort is confronted with a host of issues often leading to failure, regardless of a well-developed project plan and exceptional communications. Many of the restrictions that are exemplified as issues and failures identified during or after software development originate in the system of system's governance structure and manifest themselves as barriers to project success. This paper analyses frequently cited challenges in software development and migration and production rollout that lead to program and project failure. Systems theory principles provide the framework (or theoretical lens) by which these challenges are viewed. Realisation of these underlying systemic roots informs the project team's worldview, leading to greater success in future technological pursuits to support the needs of the system of systems.