Process capability assessments in small development firms

[Abstract}: Assessment-based Software Process Improvement (SPI) programs such as the Capability Maturity Model (CMM), Bootstrap, and SPICE (ISO/IEC 15504) are based on formal frameworks and promote the use of systematic processes and management practices for software development. These approaches identify best practices for the management of software development and when applied, enable organizations to understand, control and improve development processes. The purpose of a SPI assessment is to compare the current processes used in an organization with a list of recommended or ‘best’ practices. This research investigates the adoption of SPI initiatives by four small software development firms. These four firms participated in a process improvement program which was sponsored by Software Engineering Australia (SEA) (Queensland). The assessment method was based on SPICE (ISO/IEC 15504) and included an initial assessment, recommendations, and a follow-up meeting. For each firm, before and after snapshots are provided of the capability as assessed on eight processes. The discussion which follows summarizes the improvements realized and considers the critical success factors relating to SPI adoption for small firms

Performance measurement of IT service management: a case study of an Australian university

IT departments are adopting service orientation by implementing IT service management (ITSM) frameworks. Most organisations are hesitant to discuss their ITSM performance measurement practices, tending to focus more on challenges. However there are good practices that are found amidst the challenges. We present a case study that provides an account of the performance measurement practices in the ICT Division of an Australian university. This case study was conducted with the aim of understanding the internal and external factors that influence the selection of ITSM performance metrics. It also explores how and why metrics and frameworks are used to measure the performance of ITSM in organisations. Interviews were conducted to identify the specific ITSM performance metrics used and how they were derived. It was found that a number of factors internal and external to the organisation influenced the selection of the performance metrics. The internal factors include meeting the need for improved governance, alignment of IT strategy with organisation strategy, having a mechanism to provide feedback to IT customers (university staff and students). External factors include benchmarking against others in the same industry and the choice of metrics offered by ITSM software tool adopted

itSMF Australia 2005 Conference: Summary of ITIL Adoption Survey Responses

[Abstract]: This report provides a summary of responses from a survey of ITIL adoption and benefits conducted at the itSMF National Conference in Brisbane. Many public sector organisations and private sector firms have adopted ITIL and are making substantial progress in implementing the framework. Although all the ITIL core functions and processes are being implemented by most of the respondents, priority has been given to implementing the service desk function and incident management process. Factors identified as most critical to successful ITIL implementation are senior management commitment and an effective ITIL champion. Important issues relate to the ability of IT staff to adapt to change, the quality of IT staff, and training for IT staff

Champagne training on a beer budget

[Abstract]: When confronted by rapidly escalating costs for End User Computing (EUC) training and support, the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) - the local government authority for Australia’s premier tourist destination - took a proactive stance by adopting a low-cost strategy. This strategy has now been in place for about six years and, as shown in this case study, is reaping rewards in terms of productivity increases and technology diffusion. After identifying an appropriate theoretical perspective for the study, this paper describes the EUC training approach taken at GCCC, and investigates its impact on the productivity of the 1500 person workforce. Both the trainees and the trainers were surveyed to evaluate fully this low-cost strategy. Related social issues of empowering the stakeholders are examined and recommendations are made to ensure that this approach will continue to provide champagne training on a beer budget

Australian software developers embrace quality Assurance Certification

[Abstract]: This paper details a research project undertaken to assess the extent of adoption of quality assurance (QA) certification by Australian software developers. A brief history of government QA policy, the catalyst in the sudden interest in certification, is included. Primary data for the study were gathered from a survey of 1,000 Australian software developers, and were used to determine the extent of adoption of QA certification by Australian developers, their organisational characteristics, capability maturity and perceptions regarding the value of QA certification. Secondary data from the JAS-ANZ register of certified organisations enabled validation of survey responses and extrapolation of QA certification adoption. Major findings of the study revealed that 11 percent of respondents are certified to ISO 9001 or AS 3563, seven percent are in progress and 21 percent plan to adopt QA certification. It also revealed that specialist developers are adopting QA certification at twice the rate of in-house developers. Other factors found to be associated with adoption of QA certification are large development groups, developers with government or overseas clients, organisations with whole- or part-foreign ownership, and organisations undertaking corporate TQM initiatives. From the findings, detailed implications are drawn for managers and policy analysts

Higher CMM levels attained by QA certified software developers

[Abstract]: This paper addresses the question: is higher capability maturity associated with adoption of Quality Assurance (QA) certification? To assess the extent of adoption of third-party QA certification by Australian software developers, a survey of 1,000 software developers was recently conducted. The questionnaire also included an assessment of their capability maturity based on the capability maturity model (CMM). Cynics who criticise the value of QA certification may be surprised by the strong association found between adoption of QA certification and capability maturity

An evaluation of the RAPID assessment-based process improvement method for small firms

[Abstract]: With increasing interest by the software development community in software process improvement (SPI), it is vital that SPI programs are evaluated and the reports of lessons learned disseminated. This paper presents an evaluation of a program in which low-rigour, one-day SPI assessments were offered at no cost to 22 small Australian software development firms. The assessment model was based on ISO/IEC 15504 (SPICE). About twelve months after the assessment, the firms were contacted to arrange a follow-up meeting to determine the extent to which they had implemented the recommendations from the assessment. Comparison of the process capability levels at the time of assessment and the follow-up meetings revealed that the process improvement program was effective in improving the process capability of many of these small software development firms. Analysis of the assessment and follow-up reports explored important issues relating to SPI: elapsed time from assessment to follow-up meeting, the need for mentoring, the readiness of firms for SPI, the role of the owner/manager, the advice provided by the assessors, and the need to record costs and benefits. Based on a meta-analysis of the program and its outcomes, advice and recommendations are provided to small firms and assessors. As well as providing validation of the assessment model and method, the outcomes from this research have the potential to better equip practitioners and consultants to undertake software process improvement, hence increasing the success of small software development firms in domestic and global markets

itSMF Australia 2009 Conference: summary report of ITSM standards and frameworks survey

[Abstract]: This report provides a summary of responses from surveys related to adoption of Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) frameworks. The surveys were conducted at the itSMF National Conference in Sydney in 2009. Two surveys were conducted: the Corporate survey for organisations and the other for Consultants and Trainers. For the Corporate survey 65 responses were received but only eight for the Consultant and Trainers survey. The responses for the Corporate survey came mainly from large organisations representing both the public and private sectors. The vast majority of organisations whose staff responded to the survey have adopted the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and are making substantial progress in implementing this framework. Priority has been given to implementing the service desk function, change management and incident management processes. Some of the processes in v3 which were not in v2 show low levels of awareness and adoption. Many organisations are also advanced in their implementation of Prince 2, Balanced Scorecard, ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security), Government standards and the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). The strongest motivating factor to implement IT Service Management is to improve the focus on IT service. The maturity level of ITSM processes is generally rated higher than in previous years with many reporting as repeatable (level 2) and defined (level 3). Most of the respondents have completed ITIL foundation training and many have also achieved intermediate and advanced qualifications. Commitment from senior management is identified as the most critical factor for successful ITSM implementation. Almost one half believe ITSM has met or exceeded their expectations although many stated it is too early to tell if ITSM has delivered benefits. There is strong consensus that the major benefit of ITSM is improved customer satisfaction. Many further benefits have been realised including improved response and resolution, clarification of roles and responsibilities, and improved IT service continuity. Unfortunately, most of the consultants and trainers who attended the conference as delegates or exhibitors did not complete the questionnaire, therefore the analysis of the eight responses may not be representative and care should be exercised in interpreting the results. Generally, the views expressed by the Consultants echoed those of the Corporate respondents and confirmed the strong move towards ITIL V3, as well as growing interest in ISO/IEC 20000 certification. The success factors favoured by the Consultants varied compared to those of the Corporate respondents. Compared to the responses to the Corporate survey, the Consultants and Trainers gave a higher ranking to the importance of sufficient funding for ITSM initiatives and documentation and integration of processes. Another difference was in the Consultants’ perceptions of the effectiveness of ITSM wherein the Corporate respondents gave a more positive view that ITSM met or exceeded expectations. As for the benefits from ITSM, only two of the top benefits reported by the Consultants were in the top five in the Corporate survey

Barriers to Green IT Service Management: A Case Study

This paper focusses on the barriers and factors affecting Green IT Service Management (ITSM) implementation and practices. To contribute to the body of knowledge on Green ITSM innovation, we performed an exploratory case study with the primary IT service provider of an Australian State Government, the Center of Information Technology and Communication (CITEC). A systematic literature review included the IT Infrastructure Library® (ITIL®v3) framework to identify its coverage of Green ITSM concepts. Structured interviews with CITEC's Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are underway to gather experts' perceptions on the Green ITSM implementation related issues. This research-in-progress paper proposes that Green ITSM can deliver a competitive advantage to businesses over traditional ITSM frameworks. The insights gained in this study highlight the technology, institutional and individual factors that can help and hinder an IT organization's goal to contribute in a positive way to the environment

Performance Measurement Of IT Service Management: A Case Study Of An Australian University (Research In Progress)

IT departments are adopting service orientation by implementing IT service management (ITSM) frameworks. Most organisations are hesitant to discuss their ITSM performance measurement practices, tending to focus more on challenges. However there are good practices that are found amidst the challenges. We present a case study that provides an account of the performance measurement practices in the ICT Division of an Australian university. This case study was conducted with the aim of understanding the internal and external factors that influence the selection of ITSM performance metrics. It also explores how and why metrics and frameworks are used to measure the performance of ITSM in organisations. Interviews were conducted to identify the specific ITSM performance metrics used and how they were derived. It was found that a number of factors internal and external to the organisation influenced the selection of the performance metrics. The internal factors include meeting the need for improved governance, alignment of IT strategy with organisation strategy, having a mechanism to provide feedback to IT customers (university staff and students). External factors include benchmarking against others in the same industry and the choice of metrics offered by ITSM software tool adopted