SPI assessment retrospective: evaluating long-term benefits for small firms

Abstract

[Abstract]: A retrospective review of participants in a SPICE-based process improvement program is currently underway. The objective of the review is to consider the long-term impact of the program on small firms. After establishing the need to evaluate the long-term effects in small firms, this paper presents a detailed account of the experiences of two small firms. These firms participated in a software process improvement (SPI) program in 1999. In 2000, a follow-up meeting was held with each firm to determine the extent to which the recommended actions from the assessment had been implemented. In 2005, a retrospective interview was conducted with each firm to discuss SPI actions subsequent to the follow-up meeting. Although both firms continued to implement process improvement initiatives, surprisingly, the firm with higher capability is no longer in business. Factors such as senior management commitment, readiness for SPI and the culture of the firm are found to influence the long-term outcomes.