Exploring Government Contractor Experiences Assessing and Reporting Software Development Status

摘要: Exploring Government Contractor Experiences Assessing and Reporting Software Development Status by Putnam P. Texel MS, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1968 BA, 1967 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Degree Doctor Philosophy Management Walden University February 2015 Abstract Reports from academic, commercial, government organizations have documented software-intensive system cost schedule overruns decades. These reports identified lack management insight into software development process as one many contributing factors. Multiple mechanisms exist. However, these do not support assessment, subsequent reporting, completion status. Additionally, conceptual framework, based on industry standards, is limited its relevance to this study due an emphasis what needed while deferring implementation details. The purpose phenomenological was explore U.S. contractors’ lived experiences assessing reporting status with current measurement mechanisms. Twenty program or project managers responded interview questions targeting positive challenging Qualitative analysis experiential data open axial coding conducted transcripts. Analysis indicated that costly resources are applied metrics provide required level findings social change implications managers, researchers documenting need develop relevant cost-efficient critical reduce overruns.Reports overruns. Dedication This dissertation dedicated my grandfather, Ruel Pope, who made journey possible; grandmother, Ruth Patillo Griffin taught me grace humility; grandchildren, Myles, Morgan, Finn Texel, all whom I hope will grow treasure continual gift learning. Acknowledgments following individuals created a team composed different strengths skills that, when taken whole, provided A++ system. • My sister, Penny Prichard, soul mate, her encouragement, support, inspiration, and, above all, never failing answer telephone listen. friends colleagues, Trisha-Marie Uhl, Linda May, Betsey Nohe, Cheryl Douthitt, Lori Larson, Colleen Hanrahan, being they are—strong, intelligent women forget caring compassion. Dr. Mark Ellinger William Tollefson, supported through were instrumental achievement goal. And last, but no means least, chair, Branford McAllister, whose neverfailing optimism, focused input kept continually striving improve; David Gould, his encouragement discussions proved so beneficial; Robert Kilmer, time expertise problem domain well knowledge APA mechanics; John Tripp Academic Advising, help PhD process; Writing Center Library staff their experience professionalism; Student Technical Support we transitioned Blackboard Google mail. All contributed fulfillment dream, am deeply grateful each every one.