communication risks and best practices in global software development
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Communication Risks and Best practices in Global Software Development
Ajmal IqbalCigdem Gencel
Syed Shahid Abbas
1
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Agenda
Introduction Research Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
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Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Global Software Development
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
software development that uses teams from multiple geographic locations [Sangwan]
Software work undertaken at geographically separated locations across national boundaries in a coordinated fashion involving real time or asynchronous interaction [Sahay]
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Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
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GSD Benefits
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
• Development Cost reduction• In time Delivery• Modularization of development process• Access to competent and skilled personnel • Innovation and new ideas • …….
4
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
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GSD Challenges
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
• Reliance on asynchronous communication• Limited collaboration time due to less overlap• Lack of next door closeness• Limited control at remote site• Miss communication• …….
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Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Communication
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
• Activity of conveying meaningful information (wiki)
• The imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs. [Oxford]
• Means of sending or receiving information such as via telephone, computer, direct etc.
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Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
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Importance of Communication
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Communication plays a major role in both co-located and distributed environment.
• The quality and the frequency of the communication is less in GSD [B.Bidanda et al].
• GSD project development speed is one half of the time as compared to the same projects in co-located environment because of less communication [Herbsleb et al. described].
• “An individual software engineer spends more time exchanging information than any other activity” [Barstow]
7Master Thesis Software Engineering Thesis no: MSE-2011:54 June 2011
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Communication
Coordination
Control• Knowledge and information
sharing barriers
• It is difficult to ensure the common understanding in ways of working across distributed sites
• Ensuring transparency of roles and responsibility
• across remote sites
• Difficult to manage teams located at dispersed locations
• Ensure that team members share proper domain knowledge among distributed teams
Importance of Communication
8Master Thesis Software Engineering Thesis no: MSE-2011:54 June 2011
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Problem Description
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
GSD brings challenges: • Cultural diversity (Socio-cultural distance)• Geographical distance • Time-zone difference (Temporal distance)• and more to be explored !!!
Communication is number one problem out the ten mentioned issues in GSD [Jimenez et al]
9Master Thesis Software Engineering Thesis no: MSE-2011:54 June 2011
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Aims and Objectives
AimsThe aim of this study is to provide recommendations for mitigating communication risks in GSD projects
Objectives Identify communication risks in GSD projects reported in both literature
and in industry Determine the causes of communication risks in GSD in literature and in
industry Investigate the effects caused by communication risks in GSD projects Identify the practices reported in literature and being practiced in
industry for mitigation of these communication risks Identify similarities and differences between communication risks and
practices gathered from literature and industrial settings Suggest recommendations for mitigation of these communication risks
in GSD projects
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
10
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Research QuestionsRQ1: What are the communication risks in globally distributed development projects, their causes and effects?
RQ2: What are the best practices reported to mitigate these risks?
RQ3: What are the communication risks in globally distributed development being faced by industries?
RQ3.1: Which practices are currently being applied in industry to overcome these communication risks?
RQ4: What are the similarities and differences between industrial and literature results in terms of communication risks and their mitigation strategies?
RQ5: What are the recommendations that can help software organization to avoid or mitigate the communication risks?
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
11
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Research Design
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Data is gathered from the literature to be used as an input for phase 3 to answer Q#1and Q#2.Data is gathered from the literature to be used as an input for phase 3 to answer Q#1and Q#2.
Phase 1 : Systematic Literature review
Questionnaireliterature review provides the base for conducting the Interview
Questionnaireliterature review provides the base for conducting the Interview
Industrial interviews are conducted to obtain data from the industry to answer Q#3. This data is also used as an input for the phase3.
Industrial interviews are conducted to obtain data from the industry to answer Q#3. This data is also used as an input for the phase3.
Phase 2: Empirical Study (Semi-Structured Interviews)Phase 2: Empirical Study (Semi-Structured Interviews)
Data gathered from the above two phases are analyzed using Grounded theory by Strauss and Corbin in this phase for Q#1, Q#2 and Q#3.
Data from Phase 1 provides the following outputs to answer Q#1and Q#2; •List of communication risks in GSD projects.•List of their causes and effects
Data from Phase 2 provides the following outputs to answer Q#3•List of communication risks in GSD projects faced in industry.•List of their causes and effects in industry
Data gathered from the above two phases are analyzed using Grounded theory by Strauss and Corbin in this phase for Q#1, Q#2 and Q#3.
Data from Phase 1 provides the following outputs to answer Q#1and Q#2; •List of communication risks in GSD projects.•List of their causes and effects
Data from Phase 2 provides the following outputs to answer Q#3•List of communication risks in GSD projects faced in industry.•List of their causes and effects in industry
Phase 3: Data SynthesisPhase 3: Data Synthesis
The outputs of phase 3 are compared in this phase to answer Q#4 The method used for this phase is Qualitative comparative Analysis (QCA)
The outputs of phase 3 are compared in this phase to answer Q#4 The method used for this phase is Qualitative comparative Analysis (QCA)
Phase 4: Comparative StudyPhase 4: Comparative Study
List of recommendations to alleviate or mitigate each risk are presented to answer the Q#5.
List of recommendations to alleviate or mitigate each risk are presented to answer the Q#5.
Phase 5: Recommendation PhasePhase 5: Recommendation Phase
12
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Systematic Literature Review
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
10901
7109
13
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Manual and Automated Search Strategy Purifications
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
14
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Industrial Interview
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
22 interviews were conducted from 13 different organizations from all over the world in 7 stages paradigm by Kvale
1. Thematizing• Define a way in which interview can be conducted • Interviewees were contacted through emails, telephone and Skype.• Purpose of the research with expected outcomes was sent by start.
2. Designing• Plan and prepare different methods for obtaining intended knowledge• Designing of the interview has direct impact on the interview quality
3. Interviewing• Interviews were conducted in flexible timing• All interviews were recorded• At the end different situations were discussed to gather more results
4. Transcribing• Interviews were recorded on audio tape and notes.• Each interview was transcribed immediately by help of notes and recording.
5. Analyzing and 6. Validating• GT by Strauss and Corbin was used for analyzing the interview results.
7. Reporting• whole process from the start to end of the interview study has been
reported. 15
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
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Industrial Interview
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
New Names Organization Name Interviewee Name Nationality Based in Designation
In1(a) Logica (NL) Aassim Netherland Netherland Senior Team lead
In1(b) Logica (IN) Rittu Choudary India India Software developerIn2(a) Heppell Media Corporation Robin Heppell Canada Canada CEO(Project
Manager)In2(b) Heppell Media Corporation Adele Postma Canada Canada Web developerIn2(c) Heppell Media Corporation Jef Philippines Philippines Virtual team LeadIn3(a) Tech Access Qasier Munir Pakistan Dubai Project Manager In3(b) Tech Access S.Abbas Gondal Team LeadIn3(c) Tech Access Anil bassoo India India Team LeadIn4(a) Xpert Engineer Mat Sweden Sweden Project ManagerIn4(b) Xpert Engineer Sohail Pakistan Pakistan Team LeadIn5(a) Q2Results Sam US US CEO(Project
Manager)In5(b) Q2Results Duran Kutlu India India Project ManagerIn6(a) Timesolv Raza H USA (ex
Pakistani)USA CEO(Project
Manager)In6(b) Timesolv Hussain Azhar Pakistan Sweden Team LeadIn7 Itrix AB Rashdan Pakistan Sweden Project ManagerIn8 Sony Ericson Adeel Yasin Awan Pakistan Sweden Senior Product
Development manager
In9 Quantum Aviation Mark Smith UK UK Project ManagerIn10 Orion System Integrators Latif Saqar Pakistan USA Software developerIn11(a) Marmidsoft Mustanser Hussain Pakistan Denmark Project ManagerIn11(b) Marmidsoft Sheraz Pakistan Pakistan Senior Software
EngineerIn12 Techlogix Inc Asif Mehmood Pakistan Pakistan Team Lead
developerIn13 Espresso Group Athar Sajad Pakistan Norway Project Manager
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Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
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Selected Primary Studies
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Summary of Selected Studies
17
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Selected Primary Studies
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Selected studies with respect to Empirical methods/types
18
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Selected Primary Studies
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Selected studies with respect to their Collaboration Mode
19
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Selected Primary Studies
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Selected studies with respect to their quality
20
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Research Results
Communication Risks their causes and effects
Mitigation Practices/ Best Practices
Literature (88)
Interviews (22)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
44
27
44
22
38
19
63
39 Risks (71)Causes (66)Effects (57)Best Practices (102)
21
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
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Comparison on Risks Similarities and differences
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
2024
3
Additional Risks in Literature
Additional Risks in Interview
Common Risks in Literature and Interview
Additional Risks identified in interviews Contradiction/negation in commitment Different working days Loss of data during transfer
22
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
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Comparison on Practices Similarities and differences
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
2637
2
Additional Practices in Literature
Additional Practices in Interview
Common Practices in Literature and Interview
Additional Practices identified in interviews Communication in customer native language is encourage Promote frequently use of Google calendar in order to
provide daily routines. Thus others at remote sites will see your availability at any time
23
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
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Some most cited risks in Literature and interviews
Some most cited risks in Literature and interviews
Lack of face to face(35 times in literature, 12 times in interviews)
Lack of Native/Business language skills(35 times in literature, 10 times in interviews)
Lack of trust (25 times in literature, 9 times in interviews)
Lack of mutual understanding(24 times in literature, 11 times in interviews)
……
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
24
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Some most cited risks in Literature and interviews
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Causes (2) Effects (9) Mitigation Practices (20)
Limited visibility of remote site(19 times in literature, 9 times in interviews)
Lack of trust(2 times in literature)
Frequent travel to remote site will help for building the trust(4 times in literature,8 times in interviews)
Traveling cost(2times in literature, 4 times in interviews)
Less interpersonal relationships(2 times in literature,1 time in interviews)
Encourage frequent communications(5 times in literature,2 times in interviews)
Reduction in informal communication(1 times in literature,1 time in interviews)
Encourage video conferencing during project specially when due to traveling cost ,face to face is difficult(3 times in literature,2 times in interviews)
….. …….
Lack of face to face(35 times in literature, 12 times in interviews)
25
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
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Some most cited risks in Literature and interviews
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Causes (5) Effects (7) Mitigation Practices (22)
Political and Cultural diversity(19 times in literature, 5 times in interviews)
misunderstanding or misperception or miss communication occur(11 times in literature, 4 times in interviews)
Encourage the use of common language in practice i.e. English(2 times in literature,6 times in interviews)
Diversity in native/business language accent/vocabulary(3 times in literature, 1 time in interviews)
Less interpersonal relationships(2 times in literature,1 time in interviews)
Encourage training of remote teams in order to build effective communication and resolving cultural linguistic ,behavioral issues(3 times in literature)
Implement Standards or template(1 time in literature)
unwilling to transfer knowledge(2 times in literature)
Requirement should be properly document (such as unified approach of requirement engineering) in order to resolving the later conflicts and misunderstandings(3 times in interviews)
……. ….. …….
Lack of Native/Business language skills(35 times in literature, 10 times in interviews)
26
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
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Some most cited risks in Literature and interviews
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Causes (15) Effects (10) Mitigation Practices (34)
Limited visibility of remote site(4 times in literature, 1 time in interviews)
Relationship break(2 times in literature, 4 times in interviews)
Encourage frequent communications(7 times in literature,3 times in interviews)
Unpredictable communication(4 times in literature)
Lack of sense of teamness(2 times in literature,1 time in interviews)
Frequent travel to remote site will help for building the trust(4 times in literature, 1 time in interviews)
Lack of interpersonal/poor relationship(3 times in interviews)
Difficult to coordinate(4 times in literature)
Encourage team building activities(5 times in literature, 2 times in interviews)
……. ….. …….
Lack of trust (25 times in literature, 9 times in interviews)
27
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
www.bth.se/com
Some most cited risks in Literature and interviews
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Causes (10) Effects (8) Mitigation Practices (30)
Political and Cultural diversity(12 times in literature, 4 times in interviews)
Product quality decrease(2 times in literature)
Encourage frequent communications(4 times in literature,3 times in interviews)
different level of expertise in native/business language(# times in literature, 1 time in interviews)
bad behavior(2 times in literature)
Apply agile practices such scrum(daily and schedule meetings etc ) in order to frequently communicate as well as get benefits from its short iterations and early feedback as well as it increase frequent deliveries.(3 times in literature, 3 times in interviews)
Diversity in native/business language accent/vocabulary (3 times in interviews)
Communication overhead(1 time in literature)
Promote the use of proper communication guidelines as well as communication styles in practice (1 time in literature, 3 times in interviews)
……. ….. …….
Lack of mutual understanding (24 times in literature, 11 times in interviews)
28
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
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GTS Viewpoint
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Risks
Geographical (G) distance• Communication
Effort increase• Dependencies on
ICTs(information and communication tools)
• Lack of Face to face meeting
• Lack of group awareness
…..
Temporal(T) distance• Delay in Response• Communication
frequency reduce • Lack of synchronous
communication • Limited availability
of Remote team members
……Socio-cultural distance• Lack of Cultural
awareness• Lack of Business
language skills• Lack of mutual
understanding• lack of informal
communication……
29
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
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GTS Viewpoint
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Practices
Geographical (G) distance• Frequent travel to
remote sites • Knowledge people
travel at early of the project/component (kickoff )
• Encourage synchronous communication for proper coordination
…..
Temporal(T) distance• Stay available as
much as possible• Shifting working
hours• Encourage
synchronous communication for proper coordination
• Encourage direct communication or pair to pair links among team members
…..
Socio-cultural distance• Encourage the use of
common language in practice e.g. English
• Appoint a liaison• Encourage team
building activities• Promote
socialization among team members from the start of the project……
30
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
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Recommendations
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
GSD practices are highly situational , thus different recommendations have also been suggested in this thesis. Some are listed below;
Recommendations Risks Total Risks
Encourage frequent communications
RF3,RF2, RF10, RF18, RF1, RF4, RF5, RF13, RF11, RF9, RF15,RF7, RF12, RF24, RF45, RF46, RF30, RF20
18
Establish a appropriate communication infrastructure/ model
RF4, RF1, RF10, RF21, RF23, RF5, RF11, RF9, RF6, RF25, RF8, RF7, RF12, RF43
14
Promote socialization among team members from the start of the project
RF4, RF10, RF3, RF20, RF5, RF11, RF9, RF36, RF30, RF18, RF7, RF19, RF8
13
31
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Recommendations
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Recommendations Risks Total Risks
Encourage the use of effective communication tools and techniques frequently in practice
RF4,RF10, RF3, RF2, RF5, RF9, RF7, RF22, RF26, RF1, RF14,RF6, RF8, RF29, RF32
15
Frequent travel to remote site will help for building the trust
RF4, RF5, RF9, RF7, RF1, RF30, RF19, RF13, RF27
9
Promote informal communication among distributed team members, so teams will be socialize
RF4, RF5,RF27, RF29, RF3, RF24, RF2, RF8, RF7, RF10, RF11, RF9, RF20, RF36, RF30, RF18, RF19
17
…. ….. …..
32
Blekinge Institute of Technology
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Conclusion
Product
People
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Focus on Communication risks , their causes and effects
Mitigation practices to resolve those risks
GSD practices are highly situational , thus different recommendations have also been suggested in this thesis
33
Blekinge Institute of Technology
School of Computing
Sweden
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Future Study
Product
People
Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
1. Apply the recommendation in real GSD projects
2. Exploring the benefits and challenges of these practices/recommendations.
3. Development of Scenario base mitigation framework to resolve communication risks in GSD
34
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School of Computing
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Introduction Research
Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion
Thank you
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