Improving Trust in Information Systems Development Using Agile and Formal Practices (411)
Evaluating and Improving Software Scalability (774)
Abstract: Scalability is an important but under-researched topic. Many organizations developing for the Web face the problem of measuring and predicting the scalability of the software systems they develop. Though the scalability problem seems quite prevalent, there is no widely accepted definition of software scalability in the current literature. There is also a lack of an accepted method to evaluate the scalability of a piece of software based on software bottlenecks. In this paper we first review the existing definitions of software scalability, analyse why they only partially match the scalability problem for software, and make an attempt to get at a definition of what is meant by software scalability. We use this definition of scalability to propose an approach to evaluate the software scalability of a Web application. We then test this evaluation approach in a case study of a software development organization.
Effect of Task Mental Models on Software Developer’s Performance: An Experimental Investigation (1195)
Abstract: This study provides some preliminary results on the efficacy of mental models in software development. Specifically, based on results from a controlled laboratory experiment, it shows that a software developer’s mental model quality is a determinant of software quality performance, regardless of whether the task is performed individually or in pairs. Further, this effect is found to be consistent across software tasks of varying complexity.
Investigating the Long-Term Acceptance of Agile Methodologies: An Empirical Study of Developer Perceptions in Scrum Projects (1327)
Abstract: Agile software development methodologies have gained huge interest in research and practice. However, since they set a polar opposite to traditional methodologies, their introduction hugely affects the working habits of developers. As agile methodologies postulate flat hierarchies and self-organizing teams, the long-term commitment of developers becomes a critical success factor. Yet, current studies primarily measure the success of agile methodologies in the short-term. In order to evaluate the use of agile methodologies in the long-term, we conducted a study at a world-leading insurance company which introduced Scrum back in 2007. Using qualitative research methods and the Diffusion of Innovations Theory as an analytical lens, we gained in-depth insights into the long-term use of Scrum. In particular, we were able to identify numerous factors which developers perceived as relative advantages or more compatible to their working processes. However, we also found factors regarding the complexity of Scrum which were perceived as drawbacks by developers.
Background on HICSS:
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A matrix structure of tracks and themes that enables research on a rich mixture of computer-based applications and technologies.
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Three days of research paper presentations and discussions in a workshop setting that promotes interaction leading to additional research.
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A full day of Symposia, Workshops, and Tutorials. See Program Components for additional detail.
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A truly international experience with participants usually from over 40 countries, (approximately 50% non-US).
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Papers published in the Proceedings by the IEEE Computer Society Press and carried in the IEEE digital library Xplore. Access to HICSS papers is in the top 2% of IEEE Conferences.
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Paper presentations and discussions which frequently lead to revised and extended papers that are published in journals, books, and special issues.
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A keynote address and distinguished lecture which explore particularly relevant topics and concepts.
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Best Paper Awards in each track which recognize superior research performance.
The Australian Government's Excellence in Research project (ERA) has given HICSS an "A" rating, one of 32 Information Systems conferences so honored out of 241 (46-B and 146-C ratings). Data supplied by the Australian Research Council, December 2009. See http://lamp.infosys.deakin.edu.au/era/?page=cfordet&selfor=0806