The use of systems development methodologies in mobile telecommunication software development in South Africa / C.H. Otto

• Main Author: Otto, Christiaan Hamman
• Published: North-West University 2009
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10394/1257

This study aims to identify the ways in which mobile telecommunications software systems are developed in practice in South Africa. The main objectives are to identify the systems development methodologies used, if any, during development, to highlight certain key aspects of mobile telecommunication software development and identify a list of necessities a systems development methodology should contain when used to develop mobile telecommunications software. In the highly competitive market of mobile telecommunications, it is extremely important that mobile telecommunications systems are developed in minimal time. with minimal cost while still ensuring quality and usability. As stated by Fitzgerald (1996), a big factor that could have a positive impact on the development process is the use of a systems development methodology. Because of the importance of systems development methodologies, this study identifies and discusses different types of systems development methodologies from the available literature and also three systems development methodologies designed specifically for developing mobile telecommunication systems. To determine how mobile telecommunication systems arc developed in practice. a qualitative research method was used. Case studies were done at three different mobile telecommunications software development companies in South Africa. Data were collected by conducting semi structured interviews with developers or project managers at each of the companies. Coding of the data was done with the help of ATLAS.ti and analysed by means of cross-case content analysis. It was found that mobile telecommunications software development companies in South Africa tended to make use of in-house developed systems development methodologies, focusing on flexibility and speed of development. This was driven by the constant interaction of software with other telecommunications systems and the speed at which mobile telecommunication software need to be developed. Key aspects of these in-house systems development methodologies were identified as well as a list of necessities which should be addressed during mobile telecommunication system development === Thesis (M.Sc. (Computer Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.