Getting the Best out of People in Small Software Companies

Abstract

Managers of software small companies struggle to manage their software process. Therefore, for them realizing and understanding the impact of human factors on software process is even more challenging. Although human factors have been proved to have impact on software process, unfortunately they have been overlooked altogether. This paper proposes a holistic view of human factors on software process in VSE, focusing on the concerns and perceived shortcomings present. In order to identify and compare the human factors, the author carried out a systematic comparison of human factors. As a result, this study identifies the connection between software process defined in ISO/IEC 29110 and human factors given in ISO 10018 and its pertinence. In light of that, the author outlines first steps towards enhanced implementation of ISO/IEC 29110 standard based on ISO 10018.

A standard-based framework to integrate software work in small settings

“…Keeping in mind the results of comparative analysis, the following selection of the factors given in the ISO 10018 was chosen: communication, awareness, engagement, networking, teamwork and collaboration, education and learning, attitude and motivation, recognition and rewards, empowerment, responsibility and authority. Moreover, personality was included due to its proven importance [56,54]. Thus, a fundamental factor is communication because it can encourage participation, collaboration and awareness.…”

“…While a number of possible reference frameworks could be harnessed in order to conduct this study, after reviewing the frameworks [42], interviews [24] and human factors [54] from the first phase, no single one addresses the three considerations aforementioned more completely than ISO/IEC 29110 [30], Essence [35] and OMG ISO 10018 [34]. In consequence, all of them are the foundation of Samay and a brief description of each one is presented in earlier section.…”