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Cooperative method development

Combining qualitative empirical research with method, technique and process improvement

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Abstract

The development of methods tools and process improvements is best to be based on the understanding of the development practice to be supported. Qualitative research has been proposed as a method for understanding the social and cooperative aspects of software development. However, qualitative research is not easily combined with the improvement orientation of an engineering discipline. During the last 6 years, we have applied an approach we call ‘cooperative method development’, which combines qualitative social science fieldwork, with problem-oriented method, technique and process improvement. The action research based approach focusing on shop floor software development practices allows an understanding of how contextual contingencies influence the deployment and applicability of methods, processes and techniques. This article summarizes the experiences and discusses the further development of this approach based on several research projects in cooperation with industrial partners.

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Acknowledgments

Thanks to our industrial and public cooperation partners who made the research possible. The Knowledge Foundation in Sweden, under a research grant for the software development project “Blekinge - Engineering Software Qualities” (http://www.bth.se/besq), Rådet för Arbetslivsforskning, and the European Commission sponsored the different projects this article reflects on. The reviewers of this article contributed with their constructive critique to a substantial improvement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Software Development Group, IT University of Copenhagen, Rued Langgaards Vej 7, 2300, Copenhagen S, Denmark

    Yvonne Dittrich

  2. School of Engineering, Blekinge Institute of Technology, 372 25, Ronneby, Sweden

    Kari Rönkkö, Jeanette Eriksson, Christina Hansson & Olle Lindeberg

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  1. Yvonne Dittrich
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  2. Kari Rönkkö
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  3. Jeanette Eriksson
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  4. Christina Hansson
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  5. Olle Lindeberg
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Correspondence to Yvonne Dittrich.

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Editor: Tore Dybå

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Dittrich, Y., Rönkkö, K., Eriksson, J. et al. Cooperative method development. Empir Software Eng 13, 231–260 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10664-007-9057-1

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