Encouraging SME Software Companies to Adopt Software Reviews in Their Entirety

摘要

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the field of software have recognized quality as an asset, but they tend to have rather a limited view of possible techniques. They are typically familiar with different types of testing, but are often lacking in knowledge of software reviews and inspections. This paper introduces the results of a long-term research programme conducted with SME software companies which has largely been a learning process, as we walked through the three phases from simple review process tailoring through process improvement to the analysis of motivational factors and obstacles to reviews. We learned that although the members of the quality group may be interested in review process improvement, this does not guarantee that they can install improvements in projects. This is understandable, because project schedules are very tight and do not allow for process improvement experiments. We came to the same conclusion in our analysis of motivation factors and obstacles. Although interviewees understand that review projects can enable them to find defects earlier, faster and in greater numbers, shortage of time is the main reason which prevents them from using reviews.