Thirteen assertions for globally dispersed software development research

Globally dispersed software development (GDSD) takes place when two (or more) development teams are separated by a national boundary while collaborating on common projects. Today, such instances occur with greater frequency as software development globalizes within the MIS unit of the multinational enterprise and within the packaged software firm. Deriving from the fields of globalized R&D management, globalized manufacturing management, as well as the MIS and software development literature, thirteen assertions are derived for further research. 1) The globalization decision stems from one or more of the following five reasons: mergers and acquisition, tapping into hubs of talents and skills, cost reduction, customer proximity, and the “need to be a global company”. 2) Task allocation is time-based for MIS projects and is module-based for packaged software. 3) In practice, key design activities take place in the home country. 4) With time some design activities move out of the home nation. 5) In practice, the advantages of follow-the-sun are small. 6) Rich communication is most important. 7) In practice, integrated development environments are no more important than with co-located teams. 8) Over time local managers take over in non-home country teams. 9) Customer proximity determines influence. 10) The globalized project manager is different from the domestic manager. 11) Outsourcing is more likely in MIS projects than in packaged software. 12) In practice, process maturity rarely determines dispersing development activities. 13) The more mature the development process the better GDSD management