The relationship between agile systems development methodologies and software process improvement models

Abstract

Background: Agile systems development methodologies (ASDMs) have become more frequently deployed to develop software products at a faster pace as compared to their traditional counterparts. The nature of their agility and underlying principles and practices ensures that the software product is of a quality standard. Software Process Improvement Models (SPIMs) aid organizations in improving the process of software development and ultimately improve software quality. However, the relationship (or lack of) between ASDMs and SPIMs within software- developing organizations is little known. A comprehensive understanding of these two methodologies may assist organisations in producing better-quality software, enhanced information technology project management, and help with devising an organized software development framework. Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between ASDMs and SPIMs. The co-existence of these two aspects of the study may provide an understanding of the relationship, and results could be utilised as a guide for organisations to determine the best combination between process models and system development methodologies that can be implemented to achieve the highest possible level of maturity. Methods: The research was conducted by first reviewing existing literature from books, accredited journal entries and other sources of literature. A survey with the aid of a questionnaire was performed between June 2014 and December 2015. In total, 100 questionnaires were collected, and statistical analysis was performed on the data. Results: The study identified five agile methodologies and three different software-process improvement models. Each was subjected to an in-depth literature review. In addition, data concerning the use of agile methodologies and software process models was School of Natural Sciences NWU (PUK) iii collected from information technology professionals. The questionnaire gathered data on the respondent‟s job category, their organisations‟ sizes, and the outcomes of the last project in which they had participated. Conclusion: The study addressed the industry use of ASDMs and SPIMs, and the interrelations between them. Literature suggests that these two can co-exist and when used together could present greater benefit than when implemented in isolation. CMMi was the most combined process model, with various agile methods such as XP and Scrum. However, in practice, the situation seemed different. The results showed that combinations were rare.