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A theory of openness for software engineering tools in software organizations

Munir, Hussan LU ; Runeson, Per LU orcid and Wnuk, Krzysztof LU (2018) In Information and Software Technology 97. p.26-45
Abstract

Context: The increased use of Open Source Software (OSS) affects how software-intensive product development organizations (SIPDO) innovate and compete, moving them towards Open Innovation (OI). Specifically, software engineering tools have the potential for OI, but require better understanding regarding what to develop internally and what to acquire from outside the organization, and how to cooperate with potential competitors. Aim: This paper aims at synthesizing a theory of openness for software engineering tools in SIPDOs, that can be utilized by managers in defining more efficient strategies towards OSS communities. Method: We synthesize empirical evidence from a systematic mapping study, a case study, and a survey, using a... (More)

Context: The increased use of Open Source Software (OSS) affects how software-intensive product development organizations (SIPDO) innovate and compete, moving them towards Open Innovation (OI). Specifically, software engineering tools have the potential for OI, but require better understanding regarding what to develop internally and what to acquire from outside the organization, and how to cooperate with potential competitors. Aim: This paper aims at synthesizing a theory of openness for software engineering tools in SIPDOs, that can be utilized by managers in defining more efficient strategies towards OSS communities. Method: We synthesize empirical evidence from a systematic mapping study, a case study, and a survey, using a narrative method. The synthesis method entails four steps: (1) Developing a preliminary synthesis, (2) Exploring the relationship between studies, (3) Assessing the validity of the synthesis, and (4) Theory formation. Result: We present a theory of openness for OSS tools in software engineering in relation to four constructs: (1) Strategy, (2) Triggers, (3) Outcomes, and (4) Level of openness. Conclusion: The theory reasons that openness provides opportunities to reduce the development cost and development time. Furthermore, OI positively impacts on the process and product innovation, but it requires investment by organizations in OSS communities. By betting on openness, organizations may be able to significantly increase their competitiveness.

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Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
keywords
Open Innovation, Open Source Software, Openness, OSS tools, Theory creation
in
Information and Software Technology
volume
97
pages
26 - 45
publisher
Elsevier
external identifiers
  • scopus:85040469635
ISSN
0950-5849
DOI
10.1016/j.infsof.2017.12.008
project
Synthesis of a Software Engineering Framework for Open Innovation through Empirical Research
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
3d171834-6fec-4d92-8d16-69e9b3ee15b2
date added to LUP
2018-01-22 13:25:47
date last changed
2024-02-13 14:14:39
@article{3d171834-6fec-4d92-8d16-69e9b3ee15b2,
  abstract     = {{<p>Context: The increased use of Open Source Software (OSS) affects how software-intensive product development organizations (SIPDO) innovate and compete, moving them towards Open Innovation (OI). Specifically, software engineering tools have the potential for OI, but require better understanding regarding what to develop internally and what to acquire from outside the organization, and how to cooperate with potential competitors. Aim: This paper aims at synthesizing a theory of openness for software engineering tools in SIPDOs, that can be utilized by managers in defining more efficient strategies towards OSS communities. Method: We synthesize empirical evidence from a systematic mapping study, a case study, and a survey, using a narrative method. The synthesis method entails four steps: (1) Developing a preliminary synthesis, (2) Exploring the relationship between studies, (3) Assessing the validity of the synthesis, and (4) Theory formation. Result: We present a theory of openness for OSS tools in software engineering in relation to four constructs: (1) Strategy, (2) Triggers, (3) Outcomes, and (4) Level of openness. Conclusion: The theory reasons that openness provides opportunities to reduce the development cost and development time. Furthermore, OI positively impacts on the process and product innovation, but it requires investment by organizations in OSS communities. By betting on openness, organizations may be able to significantly increase their competitiveness.</p>}},
  author       = {{Munir, Hussan and Runeson, Per and Wnuk, Krzysztof}},
  issn         = {{0950-5849}},
  keywords     = {{Open Innovation; Open Source Software; Openness; OSS tools; Theory creation}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  pages        = {{26--45}},
  publisher    = {{Elsevier}},
  series       = {{Information and Software Technology}},
  title        = {{A theory of openness for software engineering tools in software organizations}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.infsof.2017.12.008}},
  doi          = {{10.1016/j.infsof.2017.12.008}},
  volume       = {{97}},
  year         = {{2018}},
}