MIT Studies Software Development Processes

IsoQuantic writes "A new MIT study (pdf) looked at SW development processes around the world. One striking difference that the researchers found for U.S. developers is the relatively small use of specifications before development begins. I can already hear my EP-zealot colleague chuckling in the cube next to me. (sigh)"

Comments

To a large extent..

[manavendra]

Having worked in America, UK and India, I can certainly relate to the findings of the report. Here are some of my personal experiences:

- In America, they are in a tearing hurry to produce a prototype/model/proof of concept, which of course forms the basis of initial release ("it works, doesn't it? so why re-write it?")

- Gathering requirements is a pain in the wrong end - I've seen all sorts of instances - CFO disagreeing with CTO and re-writing everything, PO Manager introducing something new that CFO promptly over-rules. At the end of the allocated gatherings period you have a hash of what each stakeholder at the company wants. Needless to say, there is a lot of fun in ensuing months - Most American customers do not like to spend time on discussing/analysing progress or answering questions during the development (yes, I agree they shouldn't crop but, but most times they do).

- As a natural progression, the aspirations change over time. By the time it's written and demo-ed they want it to do 10 different things and pipe-up about how they had "already" mentioned they wanted this cool new feature. The signed copy of requirements specifications sure helps :-)

- In Britain though, they pore over every single email the PM/Team Lead sends. Tremendous emphasis at every single aspect ("We are bloody payin you for this, aren't we?")

In India though, life is Sh*t. The documentation team, the process team and the internal audit teams sort of join hands to drown you in sh*tload of paperwork. It's good to have processes, but IMHO, they just get carried away and want copious detailed documents about everything and anything...Unless they develop tools to automate and regulate the processes, it is gruelling and something no-one looks forward to...err, except the audit team :-)