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Methodology Usage by Virtual Information Systems Development Teams

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Information Systems Development
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Abstract

Organisational globalisation has strengthened the popularity of virtual information systems development (ISD) teams, by maximising the availability of resources. However, few studies investigate the practices of virtual ISD teams. This paper presents findings from a survey on the use of ISD methodologies by virtual ISD teams. Virtual ISD teams appear to employ the use of methodologies to a greater extent than do colocated teams. Teams employed a structured approach to the ISD process, following a methodology with clear emphasis on the importance of documentation and constant communication between team members. Conversely, ISD literature on colocated teams presents a view that methodologies are not wholly used and where they are used, a tailoring of the methodology takes place. The virtual teams involved in this study did not engage in a tailoring of methods during development. Most teams utilised an internally developed methodology specific to the organisation. The results lead to recommendations for future research into virtual ISD teams.

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Mullally, B., Stapleton, L. (2009). Methodology Usage by Virtual Information Systems Development Teams. In: Wojtkowski, W., Wojtkowski, G., Lang, M., Conboy, K., Barry, C. (eds) Information Systems Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-68772-8_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-68772-8_4

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