Value stream mapping (VSM) is one of the several Lean practices, which has recently attracted interest in the software engineering community. In other contexts (such as military, health and production), VSM has achieved considerable improvements in processes and products. The goal is to capitalize on these benefits in the software intensive product development context. The primary contribution is that we are extending the definition of waste to fit in the software intensive product development context. As traditionally in VSM everything that is not considered valuable is waste, we do this practically by looking at value beyond the customer perspective and using the software value map. An evaluation has been conducted through an industrial case study. First, the instantiation and motivations for selecting certain strategies have been provided. Second, the outcome of the VSM is described in detail. The instantiation of VSM via workshops was considered good as workshops allowed active interaction and discussion stakeholders' groups that are distant from each other in the regular work. With respect to waste and improvement identification, the participants were able to identify similar improvement suggestions. In a retrospective, the value stream approach was perceived positively by the practitioners with respect to process and outcome.
Abstract. Sustaining innovation in a fast growing software development company is difficult. As organisations grow, peoples' focus often changes from the big picture of the product being developed to the specific role they fill. This paper presents two complementary approaches that were successfully used to support continued developer-driven innovation in a rapidly growing Australian agile software development company. The method "FedEx™ Day" gives developers one day to showcase a proof of concept they believe should be part of the product, while the method "20% Time" allows more ambitious projects to be undertaken. Given the right setting and management support, the two approaches can support and improve bottom-up innovation in organizations.
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