Process-Centered Contributions to Information Systems Quality

Abstract

The growing attendance at seminars and conferences dedicated to quality programs attests to the increasing recognition of the continued importance of quality. Unfortunately, in many organizations, this intensified quality focus has not been effectively applied to information systems — a surprising outcome given the many demonstrations of a direct relationship between information systems delivery process and information systems quality and success. In this chapter, we analyze process-centered contributions and solutions to the increasing challenges of producing high-quality systems. We provide a balanced overview of evidence that has emerged from practical, real-world experiences and empirical research studies, an overview that incorporates the positions of both proponents and opponents of process-centricity. We then provide an assessment of the contexts in which software process improvements and quality- enhancing initiatives can thrive.