SFC: Research

SFC Software Forensics Centre

Reading Room

SFC is currently working on a number of research themes:

symptoms of failure in software projects
patterns of failure
learning from failure in software projects
using methods for analysing complex systems to predict failure in software projects
recording of assumptions during projects
feedback, improvement and evolution
designing fault-tolerant software projects
incremental development and achieving retained value after failure of software project
developing narrative methods for analysing failures
improving the practice of managing complex projects.

"Software projects" does not mean "software-only projects", but any systems projects that have substantial elements of software development and/or acquisition. As far as the "failure" aspect is concerned, we are interested in failures that occur during the life of the project itself (i.e. pre-delivery) and also in failures that are subsequently manifested during the operational life of the product/system. Further, we are interested in failure causes that can be assigned to decisions located within the project, and also those located more widely within the practices and culture of the host organisation(s). Despite the apparent prevalent emphasis on failure, we are also interested in success and its causes, and the extent to which standards and models increase the probability of success. We have a substantial body of case material (largely unanalysed), which we are keen to extend and develop.

We are currently seeking to staff each of the themes by submitting research proposals to appropriate funding bodies. Proposals are normally strengthened by the involvement of industrial partners. There need be no direct financial commitment in such involvement, indeed there usually isn't: what is important is partners' commitment to the work, as demonstrated by their willingness to contribute time and information and by their belief in the potential business value of the results.