Concepts: Effect of Implementing a Process

Disciplines > Environment > Concepts > Effect of Implementing a Process

Process changes are difficult and it may take time to see their true effects. It is relatively easy and fast to adopt a new tool— you install it, read the user's guide, go through an example, and maybe attend a training course. This transition can last from a few hours to several weeks, however, changing the software development process often means affecting the fundamental beliefs and values of the individuals involved, changing the way they perceive their work, and how they perceive its value. It is a cultural change that's almost political or philosophical in nature.

A process change affects the individuals and the organization more deeply than changing technology or tools. It must be carefully planned and managed. The adopting organization must identify the opportunity and the benefits, convey them clearly to the interested parties, raise their level of awareness, and then gradually change from the current practice to a new one. Ivar Jacobson describes this as "reengineering your software engineering process".

The following areas must be addressed when implementing a process:

The people and their competencies, skills, motivation, and attitude: everyone needs to be adequately trained and motivated.
The supporting tools: new tools will inevitably replace old ones, requiring customization and integration with the others
The software development life cycle model, its dependent organizational structure, underlying activities, and practices together with the artifacts that are produced
The actual description of the software development process

There are other areas in addition to those mentioned above that affect the way people work. For example, the physical working environment, organizational culture and politics, and the reward structure.

In addition to those people inside the software development organization, you must also take into consideration the people outside of that organization who will be affected by these changes, such as:

Managers, who are responsible for the performance of the software development organization must understand why the process is being changed and why new tools are being procured. It's important that they understand how, and if, progress is being made. Any process improvement project must have executive support. Management needs to understand that a return on the investment is being made in changing the process and also that expectations need to be carefully managed.
Customers may need to be informed that the organizational process has changed because it could affect how and when their input will be addressed.
Other parts of the software development organization may also be affected. Sometimes changes in one part of the organization may lead to resistance and skepticism from other parts of the organization. The reason is often that they don't understand the reasons for the changes. Even if they don't have a direct influence, it may cause political problems.

Rational Unified Process