Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Delays are common in software development projects. Therefore, it is essential to identify and manage the underlying delay risks for completing projects on schedule. This study aimed to identify delay risks that originate from the implementation and testing phases of a unit’s development process. Besides, the aim was to plan adjustments to the development process that can reduce the likelihood of selected delay risks that were identified. The study was conducted as an action research study in one organisational unit. The results show that the delay risks named inadequate progress monitoring, late discovery of problems, and poor mental well-being of employees were considered as the most significant ones in the unit’s development process. Adjustments were planned to address inadequate progress monitoring and late feedback from customers, a sub-risk of late discovery of problems. Results also show that an implementation planning meeting between project manager and developer helped establish milestones for the implementation phase in two pilot projects. The use of milestones provided technical checkpoints for the phase and improved awareness of satisfactory progress, thereby reducing the likelihood of inadequate progress monitoring. However, results also show that the impact of milestones can be negatively affected by disturbing factors such as time pressure or changes in original specifications. Furthermore, results show that software demonstrations require fluent communication with stakeholders about the expectations for each demonstration. Otherwise, it is difficult to receive valuable feedback on development regularly, which could reveal potential problems earlier, thereby reducing the likelihood of late feedback from customers. The results of the study are indicative due to limited data and context, but they provide practical insight and demonstrate the applicability of action research to improve software development processes.
Source: Aaltodoc (Aalto University)
Author: Kauranen, Elias
Language: English
Subfield: Information Systems
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204067995