Werner Mellis

Bio: Werner Mellis is an academic researcher from University of Cologne. The author has contributed to research in topics: Software development process & Software development. The author has an hindex of 12, co-authored 42 publications receiving 616 citations.

Success factors of organizational change in software process improvement

Abstract: The management of organizational change is an essential element of successful software process improvement efforts. This paper describes ten factors that affect organizational change in software process improvement initiatives based on the Capability Maturity Model or the ISO 9000 quality standards. It also assesses the relative importance of these factors and compares the findings with the results of previous research into organizational change in software process improvement. The paper is based on an analysis of published experience reports and case studies of 56 software organizations that have implemented an ISO 9000 quality system or that have conducted a CMM-based process improvement initiative. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Managers' Perceptions of Information System Project Success

Abstract: The adequate measurement of information system project success is a yet unsolved problem. Although researchers agree on the concept's multi-dimensionality, a generally accepted definition does still not exist. This article presents findings from a confirmatory study with 86 projects to test three alternative approaches to measure information system project success using the project managers' subjective perceptions of project success and its potential dimensions. Our results suggest that the traditional way of assessing project success is inadequate to assess the overall success of an information system project. Project management should focus on process efficiency and on best satisfying customers' needs instead of solely on keeping plans.

Software process improvement via ISO 9000? Results of two surveys among European software houses

Abstract: Presents the results of two surveys among European software houses. One of the goals was to find out whether software companies have actually achieved software process improvements via ISO 9000. The first survey was conducted among 20 German software houses that have received an ISO 9001 certificate. The study focuses on five elements of an ISO 9000 quality system: code reviews and inspections software testing, product and process measurements, measurement of quality costs, and demonstration of quality improvements. Many software houses included in our first survey have not carried out any modifications of the five elements. Thus, it seemed that ISO 9000 had not led to significant improvements. Nevertheless, nearly 100% of the companies would decide in favor of implementing an ISO 9000 quality system once again. We decided to conduct a second study to gain a better understanding of the software process improvements achieved via ISO 9000. We analyzed experience reports and conducted interviews with quality managers from a total of 36 European software houses. It turned out that software houses have indeed achieved process improvements. Unfortunately, most software houses are not able to quantify the benefits of implementing an ISO 9000 quality system. We identified ten key success factors that the respondents of our studies considered to be the most helpful when implementing an ISO 9000 quality system. Astonishingly, only two of the ten factors are explicit requirements of ISO 9001. This shows that it is necessary to implement a more comprehensive approach to achieve substantial software process improvements.

A critical look at ISO 9000 for software quality management

Abstract: A considerable number of software suppliers report improvements in product and service quality, development costs and time to market achieved with the help of the ISO 9000 standards. Nevertheless, the ISO 9000 family has received unfavourable criticism in journals, textbooks and at software quality conferences. The paper summarizes, discusses and reviews eleven of the most popular arguments against the ISO 9000 standards. The review of the criticism is based on findings of two empirical surveys among European software suppliers that have implemented an ISO 9000 quality system. The paper concludes with suggestions and guidelines for advances in software quality management concepts, such as the ISO 9000 family, CMM, BOOTSTRAP and the emerging SPICE standard.

Regression Diagnostics: Identifying Influential Data and Sources of Collinearity

Abstract: 1. Introduction and Overview. 2. Detecting Influential Observations and Outliers. 3. Detecting and Assessing Collinearity. 4. Applications and Remedies. 5. Research Issues and Directions for Extensions. Bibliography. Author Index. Subject Index.

The iron cage revisited: Institutional isomorphism and collective rationality in organizational fields (Chinese Translation)

Abstract: What makes organizations so similar? We contend that the engine of rationalization and bureaucratization has moved from the competitive marketplace to the state and the professions. Once a set of organizations emerges as a field, a paradox arises: rational actors make their organizations increasingly similar as they try to change them. We describe three isomorphic processes-coercive, mimetic, and normative—leading to this outcome. We then specify hypotheses about the impact of resource centralization and dependency, goal ambiguity and technical uncertainty, and professionalization and structuration on isomorphic change. Finally, we suggest implications for theories of organizations and social change.