Follow the Sun Workow in Global System Development Written by Carmel, Expinosa and Dubinsky - Article Example

Follow the Sun” Workflow in Global System Development: A Critical Review of Follow the Sun” Workflow in Global System Development: A Critical Review Introduction The aim of this paper is to criticality review the article entitled, ““Follow the Sun” Workflow in Global System Development” written by Carmel, Expinosa and Dubinsky (2010). By undertaking a critical review of the chosen journal, it will become easier to comprehend ISD practices. A number of relevant researches will also be taken into account in order to assess the relevancy and appropriateness of research article under review. Herein, it should be noted that previous researches have also been critically evaluated in order to use them as a reference of critique. Proper placing of research sections and questions helped in the analysis of development of system with the help of different methods. Analysis Information system development has gained a great deal of recognition in the modern times. There are various reasons behind it that have been researched well by the investigators. Among these researches, the research by Carmel, Expinosa and Dubinsky (2010) have gained a great deal of readership. It is merely because the authors have recommended ‘Follow the Sun’ approach to make sure that the system development becomes a generally accepted approach to undertake system development (Carmel, Espinosa, & Dubinsky, 2010). Let us begin our analysis with the problem statement that has been created by the authors in order to set their objective. As a matter of fact, the authors have clearly defined the concept of ‘Follow the Sun’ and its implication on information system development (ISD). In a contextual manner, the authors have allowed the readers to understand ‘Follow the Sun’ approach along with its implication. The fact remains that there are a number of limitations that are associated with the ‘Follow the Sun’ approach that has been introduced as the major problem. This indicates that ‘Follow the Sun’ approach is probable to become an ideal approach in the system development industry. Objective and Perspectives The objective and rationale that has been set by the authors confirm that more and more assessment and conditional understanding can lead in making ‘Follow the Sun’ approach applicable in the system development industry. As per the analysis of the review, it comes to understand that the authors are of the opinion that system development can become a process taking lesser time to complete the projects. Some of the investigators might consider such a perspective inapplicable because they believe that system development is a thorough process which cannot be reduced by implications of ‘Follow the Sun’ approach. For example, the study conducted by has been established on the ground that there are many challenges that could not be overcome or solved with approach that promise system development to be undertaken within a wider global frame. The reason that they have asserted in comparison of the argument of the research article under review is that system planning and coordination of teams in IT industry remains differing in different parts of the world (Andres & Zmud, 2002). As a matter o fact, very negligible accounts were created to assess FTS and its challenges. In simpler words, it can be said that previous researches that were conducted regarding ‘Follow the Sun’ approach had covered its systematic and logical stance but there were still a great deal of research needed on its applicability. The authors have been able to weave out the gap that has been created by lack of research. The authors themselves have added that there was no address to the challenges associated with the implication of ‘Follow the Sun’ approach on ISD and cross-site development of informational system. Also, the researches which were conducted previously on FTS were missing the section of limitations underlying the research. Among certain examples of research of this sort includes Bivand who associated their research findings with literature without including limitations (Bivand, 1998). Most notably, when authors make use of researches of other authors, they incorporate the limitations of previous researches as well. It is due to this reason that most of the newly introduced approaches for increasing productivity of ISD have resulted in incapable engineering and practice. On the other hand, Carmel, Expinosa and Dubinsky have clearly introduced the limitation of their research i.e. study about time and developmental pace but they did not cover the factor of quality which is surely to be affected by it. Research Approach The authors of the research have presented various propositions to prove it with the help of past researches and statistics from updated references. These propositions have been carried out in accordance to its workability such as application of product architecture and portioned software etc. A similar research approach was appointed by one of the researches of research under review namely Carmel in his previous research. As a matter of fact, Carmel provided a great inclusion in the body of product architecture and software partition (Carmel E. , 2002). The research has also introduced the concept of cohesive product design. In other words, it can be said that many researchers were not sure whether cohesive designing along with its evident instructions may be able to increase the pace of development of system software. The research under review posed this question as a major factor that resulted as a contribution in the present research of FTS and its implication on ISD. One of the major strengths of the article is that the author has presented cases of previous researches with the propositions in a comparative manner. This led the authors to make use of literature to prove their assertions without implementing discussion which is often considered as a lengthy process in academics (Taudes, 1998). Aspects Introduced and Missed It should be noted that the above mentioned argument has been accounted in the research under review by substituting the situation considered for analysis. Considering my analysis and the collective research statement achieved through relevant research process, it is not easier to implement ‘Follow the Sun’ approach because the coordination among teams in different points of time (i.e. time zone) remains a major factor coming in the way of system development (Fitzgerald, 2006). For instance, a similar point of view has been forwarded in the research report conducted by Sherif, Zmud and Browne (2006. As a matter of fact, their research confirmed that a number of fast pace system development models were implemented previously but they failed because there were lack of unity in terms of instructions was noted. An opposite to ‘Follow the Sun’ approach is ‘Follow the moon’ which has been implemented in their research to find out the above noted possible factors affecting the process of system development (Sherif, Zmud, & Browne, 2006). Credibility of References However, the research has made use of extensive researches which have been conducted in order to find out the ways that can help in increasing the pace of information system development. Most notably, the researches which have been introduced in the research article under review take a grasp of global set up which makes it credible (Iversen, Mathiassen, & Nielsen, 2004). The weakness that has been noted in the literature section of the article is inclusion of factors affecting the dependency of ISD firms on ‘Follow the Sun’ approach. The situations and challenges have surely been added but they seem to be incomplete in terms of analysis because of lack of study regarding associated factors. A study of similar kind which has also failed to amend this problem was conducted by Ramasubbu, Mithas, Krishnan and Kemerer (2008) that discussed about quality associated with the ISD programs. Their research would have been a wholesome research according to MIS Quarterly but fact remains that their base of providing analysis remained incomplete (Krishnan, Kriebel, Kekre, & Mukhopadhyay, 2000). Literature Review In addition, a critical analysis of the research article under review proves that the authors have been able to make use of sources and evidences which are updates and relevant to the background of research. Notwithstanding, there are many researches which have been able to help authors cite their statistical analysis regarding ‘Follow the Sun’ approach. It should rather be appreciated by the readers that the authors of the research under review have been able to provide and cite all evidences in a clear method. For an Informational system research, it is extremely important that the researchers are able to provide evidence regarding every claim that they are making. It is because ISD is a practical field which needs the backing of references and claims in order to implement in real time interface (Carmel, Espinosa, & Dubinsky, 2010). Kroll, Hashmi, Richardson, & Audy (2013)are of the Follow the Sun is a strategy adopted by companies to reduce the time required for completion of projects involved software projects. However, their successful implementation is also dependent upon other factors such as language barriers, communication hurdles, and unsystematic collaboration, which create challenges for software companies. The authors of this research have provided a systematic review of existing research and have identified 36 best practices that companies can follow to successfully adopt this strategy. The key practices involve selection of agile methods, appropriate technology use for sharing knowledge, documentation, time allocation, and use of secured FTP server for sharing of knowledge and documents. In the same way the authors have highlighted 17 major challenges arises from the implementation of the Follow the Sun strategy (Kroll, Hashmi, Richardson, & Audy, 2013). Majority of these challenges arise from differences in the social- cultural values and understanding of individuals on software teams. This generates problems in coordination between team members, which results in time wastage and loss of valuable of resources. Often teams fail to continue in the long run as differences between members of the team overcome their working and eventually, the project is put on halt till new members can be allocated and assigned to the task. In an attempt by companies to create richness in the development team, individuals from different backgrounds are selected and coordination between them becomes difficult. The main obstacle in smooth working of software teams is that they lack face-to-face interactions, which overcomes most of the communication problems. (Kroll, Hashmi, Richardson, & Audy, 2013) Text Analysis A general reader who will read the journal article will actually be able to understand the content without needing references to other researches. It is because the authors of the research have been able to present all facts and datasheets in an easier to understand manner. At the same time, system practitioners will also be able to understand the crux of problem as presented by the author in this research article under review (Iversen, Mathiassen, & Nielsen, 2004). A research of similar kind in the field of information system development was conducted by Edberg, Ivanova and Kuechler (2012) after the publication of the research under review. Since the research by Edberg, Ivanova and Kuechler is updated, it finds the research by Carmel, Expinosa and Dubinsky (2010) as a guide (Edberg, Ivanova, & Kuechler, 2012). Many researches discussing the subjects of ISD fail to promote the working definitions of concepts that leave the readers to assess the subject matter on their own. Herein, the authors have developed the definition of FTS in a collective manner where association of the past researches tends to deduce concepts (Carmel, Espinosa, & Dubinsky, 2010). Evidenced Claims and Statements The presentation of evidences has rather been done by Carmel, Expinosa and Dubinsky on the basis of application of ‘Follow the Sun’ approach in the context of its historic implication. Strength of the research under review is that the authors have been able to provide credit to the origins of the approach and methods that have been used by the authors in order to back up their objective. This is often avoided by ISD based researchers (Iyer, Lee, & Venkatraman, 2006). It will not be incorrect to state that the authors of the research under review have presented each and every claim with theoretical background. A similar approach has been applied in the study conducted by Northover, Kourie, Boake, Gruner and Northover (2008) which has been referenced by 67 other researches which were conducted on the ISD subjects (Northover, Kourie, Boake, Gruner, & Northover, 2008). Findings backed up by Evidences Furthermore, the most critical aspect of any research article is its application of theories and reaching to the conclusion without any bias. The fact remains that the authors of the researchers have surely undertaken an approach on the basis of experience but it has been clearly backed up research methodology that well-suited the context of ‘Follow the Sun’ approach as a challenging implication for ISD field. The presence of anecdotal commentary is not present in the research. It comes to understanding that researches that are not able to provide evidences and credits to the researchers who have introduced various aspects and concepts are more likely to have an anecdotal result. On the other hand the research conducted by Carmel, Expinosa and Dubinsky (2010) is result of academic manner of research and clear adherence to research methodology. In order to understand the manner in which the researchers within the field of ISD have been conducting research and presenting results by ignoring anecdotal, an example of research conducted by Olsson, Olsson, Conchúir, Ågerfalk, & Fitzgerald (2008) can be taken. Herein, it can be well-stated that the authors of the research have provided a ancedotal research by providing clearl mapping of research methodology and protcols undertaken to justify objective (Olsson, Conchúir, Ågerfalk, & Fitzgerald, 2008). Updated References In addition, it should also be noted that the research article under review have made use of updated references. It should be noted that the Information system development is a field that is facing newer aspects and experimentation to make system applicable for every other field of interest. It is due to this reason that the research within the field of ISD is always marked and carried on the basis of updated information (Fitzgerald, 2006). A similar stance has been put forwarded in the research conducted by Iversen, Mathiassen, & Nielsen (2004) entitled Managing Risk in System Process Improvement: An Action Research Approach. The authors have marked that most of the criticalities noted in the application of new methods and prodcction models in ISD is because the investigators have not yet been able to understand the need of updated information as a back up of claims and new introuctory concepts (Iversen, Mathiassen, & Nielsen, 2004). Presentation of the Scenario The research approach that has been undertaken by Carmel, Expinosa and Dubinsky (2010) have appointed a very important aspect of Information system development because it is the need of the hour. It should be appreciated that the significance of change has been welcomed by the authors in the research under review (Carmel, Espinosa, & Dubinsky, 2010). At the point, where one tracks the image criterion of the problem, it comes to understanding that the authors of the research are stressing on the implication of the ‘Follow the Sun’ approach for system development but they have slightly missed the core presentation of challenges associated with it. The flow of the research under review tends to build up a case of situation where no other option can be implemented which can be considered as a way of presenting only one side of the story. As per the research conducted by Schmidt, Lyytinen, Keil, & Cule (2001), looking at the global scenario and need of system development as a growing demand, it rather comes to understanding that well researched contexts are need to be evaluated for understanding weakness of models (Schmidt, Lyytinen, Keil, & Cule, 2001). Text Challenge to Previous Understanding Considering my own understanding regarding the handoff efficiency, I was of a view that application of variability may be the best way to present cross-site coordination. After assessing the research under review, I have rather changed my view. I seem to believe the perspective of authors because the regularity of failures can be reduced largely with the help of ‘Follow the Sun’ approach in ISD programs. Also, the comparison that has been presented by the authors regarding cross-site and within-site time coordination, I have come to understanding that differing models have differing results on the ISD production rate. Unlike other researches (Ramasubbu, Mithas, Krishnan, & Kemerer, 2008) that have failed to present the individual productivity as a major contributor of ISD production, the authors of research under review present a rather case that removes underlying assumptions (Andres & Zmud, 2002). Conclusion Through the analysis of above understanding of the research article conducted by Carmel, Expinosa and Dubinsky (2010), it becomes easy to comprehend that the authors have presented a well-addressed case of ‘Follow the Sun’ approach. It should be noted here that the authors have been able to create a background of theory for the ‘Follow the Sun’ approach because previously there was a significant gap in the studies of ‘follow the Sun’ approach and its implementation for cross-site ISD setting. In addition, the researches which were relevant to the research under review have also helped in knowing the fact that more and more research is needed of similar kind to evaluate effectiveness. These researches helped in understanding a comparative address to the problem under review. It will not be incorrect to state that the research is capable for its practical implication as a reference because it has already been implemented by major research works. Compatibility of the references, timeline of the data, credibility of research and credit to all the sources has been the major concern of authors of the research under review. It is due to this reason that the research makes it way to academic credibility for which it can be used by major institutions. The authors have also mentioned the recommendations for the future research which will help the ISD practitioners to implement FTS and increase the effectiveness of the field. Among various recommendations, the evaluation of quality of informational system development with the implementation of ‘follow the Sun’ approach is the foremost. References Andres, H., & Zmud, R. (2002). A Contingency Approach to Software Project Coordination. Journal of Management Information Systems, 18(3), 41-70. Bivand, R. (1998). Software and Software Design Issues in the Exploration of Local Dependence. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society. Series D (The Statistician), 47(3), 499-508. Carmel, E. (2002). Global Software Teams: Opportunities and Challenges of Technology-Enabled Work. Perspectives on Work, 6(2), 6-8. Carmel, E., Espinosa, J., & Dubinsky, Y. (2010). “Follow the Sun” Workflow in Global Software Development. Journal of Management Information Systems, 27(1), 17-38. Edberg, D., Ivanova, P., & Kuechler, W. (2012). Methodology Mashups: An Exploration of Processes Used to Maintain Software. Journal of Management Information Systems, 28(4), 271-303. Fitzgerald, B. (2006). The Transformation of Open Source Software. MIS Quarterly, 30(3), 587-598. Iversen, J., Mathiassen, L., & Nielsen, P. (2004). Managing Risk in Software Process Improvement: An Action Research Approach. MIS Quarterly, 28(3), 395-433. Iyer, B., Lee, C., & Venkatraman, N. (2006). Managing in a "Small World Ecosystem": Lessons from the Software Sector. California Management Review, 48(3), 28-47. Krishnan, M., Kriebel, C., Kekre, S., & Mukhopadhyay, T. (2000). An Empirical Analysis of Productivity and Quality in Software Products. Management Science, 46(6), 745-759. Kroll, J., Hashmi, S. I., Richardson, I., & Audy, J. L. (2013). A Systematic Literature Review of Best Practices and Challenges in Follow-the-Sun Software Development. Porto Alegre: IEEE Computer Society. Northover, M., Kourie, D., Boake, A., Gruner, S., & Northover, A. (2008). Towards a Philosophy of Software Development: 40 Years after the Birth of Software Engineering. Journal for General Philosophy of Science, 39(1), 85-113. Olsson, H., Conchúir, E., Ågerfalk, P., & Fitzgerald, B. (2008). Two-Stage Offshoring: An Investigation of the Irish Bridge. Special Issue on Information Systems Offshoring, 32(2), 257-279. Ramasubbu, N., Mithas, S., Krishnan, M., & Kemerer, C. (2008). Work Dispersion, Process-Based Learning, and Offshore Software Development Performance. MIS Quarterly, 32(2), 437-458. Schmidt, R., Lyytinen, K., Keil, M., & Cule, P. (2001). Identifying Software Project Risks: An International Delphi Study. Journal of Management Information Systems, 17(4), 5-36. Sherif, K., Zmud, R., & Browne, G. (2006). Managing Peer-to-Peer Conflicts in Disruptive Information Technology Innovations: The Case of Software Reuse. MIS Quarterly, 32(2), 339-356. Taudes, A. (1998). Software Growth Options. Journal of Management Information Systems, 15(1), 165-185. Read More