Short and long-term impacts of SPI in small software firms

Abstract

Software process improvement for small firms is a significant challenge. The RAPID method provides a way for small firms to participate in process improvement programs without the enormous expenditures usually associated with such initiatives. There are successes but unfortunately it is not always just software processes that need improvement; business processes are also problematic. This paper reports on an Australian experience with the RAPID method and, in a retrospective, reviews the outcomes for five small firms. Their stories provide a range of experiences, and highlight the concerns in implementing improvements within this class of organisation.