An investigation into the effectiveness of industrialising Software Quality Assurance (SQA) in small software businesses

Abstract

Poor software quality has far-reaching consequences, including financial losses and potential risks to life. A significant proportion (92%) of software development is undertaken by very small to medium-sized software businesses. However, resource constraints often limit their ability to implement quality standards and methods that could enhance their product quality. Industrialization, a management concept for cost-effective production, offers potential solutions. While prior research has explored the industrialization of software development and quality assurance in large companies, a gap exists regarding its application in small software businesses. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of industrializing the software quality assurance (SQA) process within small software businesses. Adopting a qualitative approach with an interpretivist philosophy, inductive methodology, and exploratory strategy, this study employed semi-structured interviews to collect data. Participants included software developers and quality assurance representatives from five small software development businesses located in KwaZulu Natal and Western Cape provinces, South Africa. The theoretical foundation of this study draws upon Total Quality Management (TQM) principles and dimensions of industrialization (modularization, standardization, specialization, automation, and continuous improvement), as developed by experts during the early and mid-20th century. The data collected was analysed using thematic analysis with support from Nvivo software. Results revealed that despite lacking established quality assurance strategies and process evaluation mechanisms, small software businesses effectively meet customer needs. Moreover, these businesses exhibit potential for successful industrialization, particularly focusing on the testing processes. Implications of these findings include the positive impact on the capacity of small businesses to sustain themselves within local economies.