How Public organisational Structures Influence Software Development Processes

Software applications are developed differently based on each organisation’s needs and requirements. Software projects are fundamentally based on three considerations (time, cost and quality) each of which is affected by organisational factors. Both Project Management and Software Engineering have emphasised the role of organisation structure on the quality of the deliverable software applications, recognising that organisation structure influences flexibility, reporting relationships and conflict management during the software development lifecycle. This study reports on aqualitative study which highlights the impact of three organisation structures on software development processes in public organisations and proposes a new organisational model. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three types of participants, a within-case analysis performed to identify themes and as a result a new organisational model was proposed and validated through further interviews. Outcomes showed that combining two existing structures (Functional and Matrix) into one new structure “Independent Project Management Office” (IPMO) would help to overcome administrative obstacles and conflicts in the public sector. The IPMO structure would augment the flexibility and interaction level among software development stakeholders from the perspective of organisations’ leaders.

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