A failure of management nerve and vision [software engineering]

A panel discussion on nontechnological issues in software engineering is presented. The position adopted includes these aspects: that nontechnological rather than technological problems are the important and difficult ones; that management failure is preeminent among nontechnological problems-a failure of management nerve and vision; and that seeking solutions in the management domain is therefore vital. The terms software engineering and management are broadly defined. It is assumed that management embraces the full range of managerial concerns (e.g., objectives, strategy, policy, planning, organization, control, and motivation) and all levels (from senior to supervisory). Typical manifestations of management failure are outlined, and approaches to this problem are considered. Technological and nontechnological issues are discussed