Toward an Understanding of Contextual Factors in Software Development

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Proposal CCR-9988540Henninger, Scott R.University of Nebraska-LincolnToward an Understanding of Contextual Factors in Software DevelopmentWith the rise of software architectures, frameworks, component-basedsoftware engineering, design patterns, and other software development methodologies, it is becoming increasingly important to understandthe context in which different software development methods andtechniques are most effective. This research will seek to providea theoretical framework for understanding the contextual anddomain-based factors that mediate between success and failure fordifferent software development contexts. Particular emphasis willbe placed on tools and techniques that allow organizations tosystematically accumulate and improve knowledge of effective softwaredevelopment practices within an organizational context. Methodsfor empirical observation based on ethnomethodology and activitytheory will be developed to establish and validate a scientificbasis for understanding critical success and failure factors.Results of this research will be used to 1) Develop methods forscientific inquiry that will lead to engineering disciplines forsoftware development based on domain and context analysis, 2) Betterunderstand the knowledge-intensive nature of software developmentactivities and how past experiences can be used as the basis forimprovement, and 3) Development of methodologies that integratemodern, component and framework-based techniques, with contextualfactors that match application problems to specific techniques withthe highest probability of success.