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Diagnosis of Software Projects Based on the Viable System Model

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  • Julio César Puche-Regaliza

    (University of Burgos)

  • Alfredo Jiménez

    (Kedge Business School)

  • Pablo Arranz-Val

    (University of Burgos)

Abstract

This work aims to identify the shortcomings that may impair or endanger the viability of software projects, and attemps to reduce their failure rates. A diagnosis based on the Viable System Model of software projects is shown. The data collection processes necessary to make a diagnosis have been carried out through a questionnaire and personal interviews with 38 companies in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. The subsequent descriptive analysis allows us to detect 8 weak points in the organizational structure of the software projects. We highlight two of the 8 weak points in particular: the nondefinition of the next lower level of recursion and the need to improve the exploration mechanisms used to evaluate future scenarios. Although the sample seems small, a great effort was expended to interview the 38 companies due to an extension of the interview time (approximately 75 min) and the confidentiality and complexity of the topic, which required gathering a high level of detail and in-depth information on each of the projects and companies in the survey. This work offers managers a detailed reference for the diagnosis or design of viable software projects. The novel aspect of the work focuses on the application of the Viable System Model for proposing organizational changes in the development of software projects. This holistic perspective of the organizational structure of software projects will allow an increase in their success rate.

Suggested Citation

  • Julio César Puche-Regaliza & Alfredo Jiménez & Pablo Arranz-Val, 2020. "Diagnosis of Software Projects Based on the Viable System Model," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 33(2), pages 215-236, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:syspar:v:33:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s11213-019-09491-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s11213-019-09491-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ali Azadeh & Kosar Darivandi & Ehsan Fathi, 2012. "Diagnosing, Simulating and Improving Business Process Using Cybernetic Laws and the Viable System Model: The Case of a Purchasing Process," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(1), pages 66-86, January.
    2. Sameer Bathallath & Åsa Smedberg & Harald Kjellin, 2019. "The Viable System Model for Diagnosing and Handling IT-Project Interdependencies in Large Portfolios," International Journal of Information Technology Project Management (IJITPM), IGI Global, vol. 10(1), pages 72-87, January.
    3. Saadet Toprak & N. Gökhan Torlak, 2018. "An Adaptive Use of Viable System Model with Knowledge System Diagnostics Serving Industrial Democracy in a Textile Manufacturing Company," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 31(1), pages 1-26, February.
    4. Midgley, G., 2006. "Systemic intervention for public health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 96(3), pages 466-472.
    5. Leonardo A. A. Terra & Carla A. A. Ventura & Mirna L. Medeiros & João L. Passador, 2016. "Strategies for the Distribution of Power in Brazil: A Proposal from the Perspective of the Viable System Model (VSM)," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(2), pages 224-234, March.
    6. Espinosa, Angela & Walker, J., 2013. "Complexity management in practice: A Viable System Model intervention in an Irish eco-community," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 225(1), pages 118-129.
    7. Elena Tavella & Thanos Papadopoulos, 2015. "Expert and novice facilitated modelling: A case of a Viable System Model workshop in a local food network," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 66(2), pages 247-264, February.
    8. Preece, Gary & Shaw, Duncan & Hayashi, Haruo, 2013. "Using the Viable System Model (VSM) to structure information processing complexity in disaster response," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 224(1), pages 209-218.
    9. Hart, Diane & Paucar-Caceres, Alberto, 2017. "A utilisation focussed and viable systems approach for evaluating technology supported learning," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 259(2), pages 626-641.
    10. Nicola Burgess & Nicholas Wake, 2012. "The applicability of the Viable Systems Model as a diagnostic for small to medium sized enterprises," International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Emerald Group Publishing, vol. 62(1), pages 29-46, November.
    11. Vanita Yadav, 2016. "A Flexible Management Approach for Globally Distributed Software Projects," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 17(1), pages 29-40, March.
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