Investigate The Software Development Methodologies In Practice: A Case Of Software Producing Firms In Nairobi

Abstract

The role of software development methodology firms and products is increasingly becoming more important in developing countries. This informs the need for software development firms operating (or intending to) in such context to adopt software development methodology/practices that fits well with the context of developing countries in order to stay competitive and ensure their long-term sustainability. The very nature of software developing firms being small in size, and operating in markets such as developing countries puts pressure on them to determine the software development methodologies that they can effectively use in such context, determine the benefits that they can derive from using the given software development methodologies, and also determining the factors influencing software development methodologies in such contexts. This research aimed at investigating the software development methodologies in practice in Kenya. The research revealed that software development firms in Kenya largely use the agile methodology, this is mainly focused on perception that it can derive the benefits related to having enhanced controlled and offer helpful guidance. Additionally, the study also established that there is a mix of target market for software developing firms in Kenya mainly led by Banking financial institutions and governments (or public enterprises); Java programming language is the most commonly used language; the software firms largely engaging in new software development, closely followed by system integration. The research recommends that in order to be successful in the Kenyan software market, firms should use Java application and agile methodology. However, they need to adapt to the dynamic of the market and customers’ needs. Secondly, the research recommends that more needs to be done to establish attitude that influence software methodology usage. Thirdly, the research recommends that more studies needs to carried out to establish depth of usage of software engineering practices.