NATURE OF BAD NEWS REPORTING ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT STATUS UPDATES IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Authors

  • A.A.D.A.J. Perera Senior Lecture, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
  • V. Ginneliya Post-graduate Student, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa

Abstract

Despite advancement in technology, software project failures remain a critical challenge to software development community. Oftentimes, status reporting is a key control mechanism in a software project and accurate status reporting is paramount concern to practitioners. Reluctance to report bad news in status reporting process in software projects is a known and a frequent problem in software project management. In this study, authors explored the nature of bad news reporting, focusing on interaction between software developers and project managers in Sri Lankan Software Industry. A field study was conducted in large and medium scale software development organizations using a scenario based questionnaire.  Results revealed that there is a significant difference in perceived importance of bad news reporting between software developers and project managers. Further, selection of communication medium and communication method are dependent on the bad news reporting scenario.

Keywords: Software project management, Status reporting, Bad news reporting.

For full paper: fmscresearch@sjp.ac.lk

Author Biographies

A.A.D.A.J. Perera, Senior Lecture, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

Senior Lecture, Department of Civil Engineering,
University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

V. Ginneliya, Post-graduate Student, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa

Post-graduate Student,
Department of Computer Science and Engineering,
University of Moratuwa

Published

2012-12-18

Issue

Vol. 5 (2008): Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Business Management

Section

Articles