Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Towards a Multidimensional Self-assessment for Software Process Improvement: A Pilot Tool

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Systems, Software and Services Process Improvement (EuroSPI 2021)

Part of the book series: Communications in Computer and Information Science ((CCIS,volume 1442))

Included in the following conference series:

Abstract

The SPI Manifesto provides a framework for guiding software development organisations in their improvement efforts. Based on the Values of People, Business and Change, which are supported and informed by one or more of the ten principles, the designer and developer can avoid pitfalls, minimise risks and make their business successful. It has been established, in theory and practice, that improving the process results in improvement of the products and services emanating from that process. Following a number of earlier multidimensional analyses of the SPI Manifesto, carried out by the authors, a series of tabular representations identifying the nature, importance and strength of relationships between the Manifesto’s Values and Principles in terms of eight dimensions encapsulated in the acronym STEEPLED (Sociocultural, Technical, Economic, Environmental, Political, Legal, Ethical and Demographic) were developed. In this paper, we present a conceptualisation of a pilot automated tool (based on the STEEPLED Analysis), which could, potentially, be implemented/realised and used for self-assessment by software developing organisations. Starting with a self-assessment, current issues and requirements could be identified and revealed. The self-assessment using the pilot automated tool would, additionally, reveal areas requiring improvement, and would serve as a guide for the participating organisation to put focus on prioritising candidate process areas that require improvement. Also, the field testing of the pilot tool could enable the design and improvement of the tool itself, which, in turn, will be used in future for expert external/independent process assessment.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 109.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Siakas, K., Georgiadou, E., Berki E.: Agile methodologies and software process improvement. Isaias, P., Baptista-Nunes, M., Palma, dos Reis A. (eds.) Proceedings of the Virtual Multi Conference on Computer Science and Information Systems (MCCSIS 2005) - Software Engineering and Applications (SEA), April 11–28. International Association for the Development of Information Society (IADIS), Portugal, pp. 412–417 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Siakas, K., Balstrup, B.: A field-study of cultural influences on software process improvement in a global organisation. In: Hindel, B., et al. (eds.) Proceedings of the European Software Process Improvement Conference, EuroSPI 2000, Copenhagen 7–9 November, pp. 2-20–2-31

    Google Scholar 

  3. Athanasiadis, C., Siakas K., Messnarz, R.: Multiplying knowledge in ISO/IEC 15504 based improvements. In: Messnarz, R., Goericke, S., Koinig, S. (eds.) Industrial Proceedings of European Software Process Improvement (EuroSPI 2007), Potsdam, Germany, 26–28 September, pp. 3.1–3.11 (2007). ISBN 978-3-98091450607

    Google Scholar 

  4. Siakas, K., Chatzianatasiou, P.: Capability maturity model (CMM) self-assessment used in three Greek software developing companies. In: 6th Hellenic Conference in Computing, Athens, 4–6 December, pp.747–756 (1997)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Korsaa, M., et al.: The SPI manifesto and the ECQA SPI manager certification scheme. J. Softw. Evol. Process 24(5), 525–540 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Korsaa, M., et al.: The people aspects in modern process improvement management approaches. J. Softw. Evol. Process 25(4), 381–391 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Georgiadou, E., Siakas, K., Estdale, J., Berki, E., Rahanu, H., Ross, M.: A comparison of two manifestos: agile and SPI. In: Khan, O., Marchbank, P., Georgiadou, E., Linecar, P., Ross, M., Staples, G. (eds.) International Experiences and Initiatives in IT Quality Management, 27th Software Quality Management (SQM) Conference, 15 April, pp. 77–90. British Computer Society (BCS), Southampton (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Georgiadou, E., Siakas, K, Berki, E., Estdale, J, Rahanu, H., Ross, M.: A STEEPLED pilot validation of the sociocultural dimension of the SPI manifesto. J. Softw. Evol. Process, 1–15 (2020). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/smr.2304

  9. Koinig, S., et al.: Understanding the relation of SPI and SR: a proposed mapping of the SPI manifesto to ISO 26000:2010. In: 18th European Software Process Improvement (EuroSPI 2011) Conference, 27–29 June, pp. 7.27–7.37. Roskilde University, Denmark (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Rahanu, H., Georgiadou, E., Siakas, K., Ross, M.: Towards developing a software process improvement strategy through the application of ethical concepts. In: Stolfa, J., Stolfa, S., O’Connor, R.V., Messnarz, R. (eds.) EuroSPI 2017. CCIS, vol. 748, pp. 627–641. Springer, Cham (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64218-5_52

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  11. Rahanu, H., Georgiadou, E., Siakas, K., Ross, M.: Imperative ethical behaviours in making systems development and deployment compliant with health & safety and wellbeing. In: Larrucea, X., Santamaria, I., O’Connor, R.V., Messnarz, R. (eds.) EuroSPI 2018. CCIS, vol. 896, pp. 541–553. Springer, Cham (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-97925-0_46

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  12. Rahanu, Η, Georgiadou, Ε, Siakas, Κ, Ross, Μ: Health, safety and wellbeing through ethical behaviours in systems development and deployment. J. Softw. Evol. Process 32, e2225 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1002/smr.2225

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Berki, E.: Process metamodels and method engineering in software process improvement. In: Georgiadou, E., Pouyioutas, P., Ross, M., Staples, G. (eds.) INSPIRE V Quality and Software Development: Teaching and Training Issues. The BCS INSPIRE V International Conference, University of North London, London, September 2000, pp. 243–245. British Computer Society (2000). ISBN 1-902505-36-0

    Google Scholar 

  14. Berki, E., Lyytinen, K., Georgiadou, E., Holcombe, M., Yip, J.: Testing, evolution and implementation issues in MetaCASE and computer assisted method engineering (CAME) environments. In: King, G., Ross, M., Staples, G., Twomey, T. (eds.) Issues of Quality Management and Process Improvement. 10th International Conference on Software Quality Management (SQM 2002), Limerick, 25–27.3, pp. 267–269. BCS Press (2002). ISBN 1-902505-45-X

    Google Scholar 

  15. Berki, E.: Formal metamodelling and agile method engineering in Met8. aCASE and CAME tool environments. In: Tigka, K., Kefalas, P. (eds.) The 1st South-East European Workshop on Formal Methods. Agile Formal Methods: Practical, Rigorous Methods for a Changing World (Satellite of the 1st Balkan Conference in Informatics, 21–23 November 2003, Thessaloniki, pp. 170–188. South-Eastern European Research Center (SEERC), Thessaloniki (2004). http://delab.csd.auth.gr/bci1/SEEFM03/seefm03_14.pdf

  16. Berki, E., Georgiadou, E.: A Comparison of qualitative frameworks for information systems development methodologies. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth International Conference of the Israel Society for Quality, 1–3 December 1998, Jerusalem (1998)

    Google Scholar 

  17. Berki, E.: Establishing a scientific discipline for capturing the entropy of systems process models: CDM-FILTERS – a computational and dynamic metamodel as a flexible and integrated language for the testing, expression and re-engineering of systems. Ph.D. thesis, November 2001. Faculty of Science, Computing & Engineering, University of North London, London, UK (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  18. Manninen, A., Berki, E.: An evaluation framework for the utilisation of requirements management tools - maximising the quality of organisational communication and collaboration. In: Edgar-Nevill, D., Ross, M., Staples, G. (eds.) New Approaches to Software Quality. Software Quality Management XII. Proceedings of BCS Software Quality Management 2004 Conference, University of KENT at Canterbury, 5–7 April, pp. 139–160. British Computer Society, Swindon (2004). ISBN 1-902505-56-5

    Google Scholar 

  19. Ahlgren, R., Pulkkinen, M., Berki, E., Forsell, M.: Using groupware technologies to facilitate organisational learning and software process improvement – a case study. In: Messnarz, R., et al. (eds.) European Systems and Software Process Improvement and Innovation. Proceedings of European Software Process Improvement (EuroSPI) 2006 Conference, 11–13 October, Joensuu, Finland, pp. 2.1–2.7. Wiley, Hoboken (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Berki, E., Isomäki, H., Salminen, A.: Quality and trust relationships in software development. In: Berki, E., Nummenmaa, J., Sunley, I., Ross, M., Staples, G. (eds.) Software Quality Management XV - Software Quality in the Knowledge Society. Conference Proceedings of the Software Quality Management (SQM) International conference 2–4.4 (Staffordshire, UK) and 1–2.8 (Tampere, Finland), pp. 381–388. British Computer Society (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  21. Georgiadou, E., Hy, T., Berki, E.: Automated qualitative and quantitative evaluation of software methods and tools. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth International Conference of the Israel Society for Quality, 1–3 December 1998, Jerusalem (1998)

    Google Scholar 

  22. Shapiro, J., Berki, E.: Encouraging effective use of CASE tools for discrete event modelling through problem-based learning. In: Hawkins, C., Georgiadou, E., Perivolaropoulos, L., Ross, M., Staples, G. (eds.) Training and Teaching for the Understanding of Software Quality. Proceedings of the BCS INSPIRE IV Conference, University of Crete at Herakleion, September 1999, pp. 313–327. BCS (1999). ISBN 1-902505-16-6

    Google Scholar 

  23. Chaudhary, S., Berki, E., Li, L., Valtanen, J., Helenius, M.: A socio-cognitive and computational model for decision making and user modelling in social phishing. In: Marchbank, P., Staples, G., Ross, M. (eds.) Proceedings of Achieving Software Quality in Development and in Use. The International Conference of Software Quality Management SQM Southampton, 10–11 April, SQM 2017, pp. 105–119 (2017). ISBN 978-0-9932889-6-8. http://www.bcs.org/upload/pdf/sqm-2017-proceedings.pdf

  24. Aydinli, D., Berki, E., Poranen, T., Stamelos, I.: Management anti-patterns in IT innovation projects. In: Proceedings of the 20th International Academic Mindtrek Conference, ACM Proceedings, pp. 1–10. ACM Mindtrek 2016 Digital Library (2016). http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=2994346

  25. Raptopoulou, C., Berki, E., Poranen, T., Stamelos, I., Angelis, L.: Management anti-patterns in Finnish software industry. In: Berki, E., Valtanen, J., Nykänen, P., Ross, M., Staples, G. (eds.) Conference Proceedings of Twentieth International Conference on Software Quality Management Software Quality Management XX - Quality Matters, pp. 173–187. University of Tampere Press, Tampere (2012). ISBN 978-951-44-8900-6

    Google Scholar 

  26. Mishra, P., Berki, E., Valtanen, J.-P., Lepistö, T., Suomela, T.: Quality deployment and use of the scaled agile framework® – managing teamwork and software quality in the banking sector. In: Khan, O., Marchbank, P., Georgiadou, E., Linecar, P., Ross, M., Staples, G. (eds.) BCS Proceedings of Software Quality Management XXVII: International Experiences and Initiatives in IT Quality Management. The Annual International Conference of Software Quality Management (SQM 2019), (15.4, Southampton). British Computer Society, Swindon (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  27. Berki, E., Georgiadou, E., Siakas, K.: A methodology is as strong as the degree of user involvement it supports. In: Taipale, M., King, G. (eds.) Proceedings of the International Symposium on Software Engineering in Universities - ISSEU 97, 7–9 March 1997, Rovaniemi, pp. 36–51. RAMK Press, Rovaniemi (1997)

    Google Scholar 

  28. Siakas, K., Berki, E., Georgiadou, E., Sadler, C.: The complete alphabet of quality software systems. In: Transforming - Role of Quality in a Turbulent World, vol. 97, The 7th World Congress for Total Quality Management, New Delhi, February 1997 (1997). ISBN 0-07-463186-1

    Google Scholar 

  29. Berki, E., et al.: Requirements analysis for process and product quality improvements: building-in software quality by designing an information system for assessing and analysing efficiency of paper mills. In: Bennetts, P., Ross, M., Staples, J. (eds.) Software Quality Management XIII, Current Issues in Software Quality. The 13th International Software Quality Management Conference (SQM 2005), 19–21 March, Cheltenham, UK, pp. 139–165. British Computer Society, Swindon (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  30. Veijalainen, J., Berki, E., Lehmonen, J., Moisanen, P.: Realising a new international paper mill efficiency standard - using computational correctness criteria to model and verify timed events. In: Eleftherakis, G. (ed.) The 2nd South-East European Workshop on Formal Methods. Practical Dimensions: Challenges in the Business World, 18–19 November 2005, Ohrid. Satellite of the 2nd Balkan Conference in Informatics, Ohrid, 17–20 November, pp. 27–43 (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  31. Siakas, K., Berki, E., Georgiadou, E.: CODE for SQM: a model for cultural and organisational diversity evaluation. In: Messnarz, R., Jaritz, K. (eds.) EuroSPI 2003: European Software Process Improvement, EuroSPI 2003 Proceedings, 10–12 December 2003, Graz, Austria, pp. IX.1–11. Verlag der Technischen Universität, Graz (2003). ISBN 3-901351-84-1

    Google Scholar 

  32. Georgiadou, E., Siakas, K., Berki, E.: Quality improvement through the identification of controllable and uncontrollable factors in software development. In: Messnarz, R., Jaritz, K. (eds.) EuroSPI 2003: European Software Process Improvement, EuroSPI 2003 Proceedings, 10–12 December 2003, Graz, Austria, pp. IX 31–45. Verlag der Technischen Universität, Graz (2003). ISBN 3-901351-84-1

    Google Scholar 

  33. Muhonen, M., Berki, E.: an open process for quality assurance in systems development. In: Dawson, R., Ross, M., Staples, G. (eds.) Conference Proceedings of Software Quality Management XIX. Global Quality Issues, pp. 231–241. Loughborough 18–19.4 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  34. Merruko, M., Berki, E., Nykänen, P.: Open-source software process: a potential catalyst for major changes in electronic health record systems. In: Shaikh, S., Stamelos, I., Cerone, A. (eds.) OpenCert 2012 + SEFM 2012 Proceedings (2013). 2012-paper-1-D. Open Access (2012/2013). http://opencert.iist.unu.edu/programme-2012.txt

  35. Barlas, K., et al.: Formal specification of open standards and the case of RSS v2.0. In: ACM Proceedings of the Panhellenic International Conference on Informatics (2014). ISBN 978-1-4503-2897-5. http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?doid=2645791.2645809

  36. ECQA. https://www.ecqa.org/. Accessed 1 June 2021

  37. Valtanen, J.-P.: What is the problem? The meaning of problem in problem-based learning context – towards problem-aware students. Ph.D. thesis, University of Tampere, Finland (2016)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Euring Geoff Staples from the UK for their valuable suggestions, input and support.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Middlesex University, London, UK

    Elli Georgiadou & Harjinder Rahanu

  2. Jyvaskyla University, Jyvaskyla, Finland

    Eleni Berki

  3. International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Kerstin Siakas

  4. Vaasa University, Vaasa, Finland

    Kerstin Siakas

  5. VIAS EGYPT-Valeo InterBranch, Giza, Egypt

    Samer Sameh

  6. IT Architecture Specialists, Newbury, UK

    John Estdale

  7. Solent University, Southampton, UK

    Margaret Ross

  8. ISCN GesmbH Entwicklung, Graz, Austria

    Richard Messnarz

  9. Tampere University, Tampere, Finland

    Juri Petri Valtanen

Authors
  1. Elli Georgiadou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Eleni Berki
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Kerstin Siakas
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Samer Sameh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. John Estdale
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Harjinder Rahanu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Margaret Ross
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Richard Messnarz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Juri Petri Valtanen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Harjinder Rahanu .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey

    Murat Yilmaz

  2. Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland

    Paul Clarke

  3. I.S.C.N. GesmbH, Graz, Austria

    Richard Messnarz

  4. IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, Krems, Austria

    Michael Reiner

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2021 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Georgiadou, E. et al. (2021). Towards a Multidimensional Self-assessment for Software Process Improvement: A Pilot Tool. In: Yilmaz, M., Clarke, P., Messnarz, R., Reiner, M. (eds) Systems, Software and Services Process Improvement. EuroSPI 2021. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1442. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85521-5_12

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85521-5_12

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-85520-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-85521-5

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation