Coordinating User-Developer Efforts in Extreme Programming: A Control-Theoretic Approach
6 Pages Posted: 22 Feb 2006
Abstract
Extreme programming (XP) calls for intense participation by users to ensure that systems are developed to meet current needs, yet be flexible enough to adapt to future needs [Beck, 2000]. In XP projects, it is crucial for developers to align their efforts with those of the users that are allocated to the project so that the goals of the development activity from the perspective of the organization are achieved. We consider an optimal control model of extreme programming where user and developer efforts (the control variables) are optimally chosen during the development period to maximize net system value (system value minus user and developer effort). Unlike most previous research, our problem incorporates both demand side (user value) and supply side (developer and user effort) considerations in software development.
Keywords: Extreme Programming, Optimal Control Theory, Coordination, Developer, User
JEL Classification: C61, D61
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation