Abstract
The success of software engineering as a discipline depends not only on our ability to come up with creative and innovation methods for addressing the problems of software development, but, also on our ability to effectively diffuse these innovations into practice. In order to succeed well in the latter role, we need to have a good understanding of the process of diffusing innovations in general, and how they apply in the context of diffusion of software engineering methods. This paper attempts to provide that understanding using Rogers’ framework for diffusion of innovations.
Roger’s framework is used to show that even though diffusion is a complex process it can be studied systematically, and successful diffusion can be facilitated by consciously planning a diffusion process that takes into account the underlying factors and issues. The attributes of innovations and communication aspects of innovations are identified as factors of special importance as they have significant impact on diffusion, and are, also, within the purview of the software engineering community. These ideas are developed and illustrated in the context of diffusion of program design methodologies. Using the understanding gained through these, a set of guidelines and recommendations are developed for successfully diffusing software engineering innovations.
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© 1987 Plenum Press, New York
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Raghavan, S.A., Chand, D.R. (1987). Diffusion of Software Engineering Methods. In: Zunde, P., Agrawal, J.C. (eds) Empirical Foundations of Information and Software Science IV. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5472-7_26
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5472-7_26
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