A Teleological Process Theory of Software Development

Paul Ralph University of British Columbia, Canada

Yair Wand University of British Columbia, Canada

Abstract
This paper presents a teleological process theory of software design in organizations. The proposed theory is compared to the Function-Behavior-Structure (FBS) Framework – a leading process theory of engineering design proposed by John Gero. A positivist, multiple case study methodology to empirically compare the veracity and predictive power of the two theories described. Results from a pilot case suggest that the observed behaviors of the development team are better described by the proposed theory than by the FBS Framework.

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Reference:	Ralph, P., Wand, Y. (2008). "A Teleological Process Theory of Software Development," Proceedings > Proceedings of JAIS Theory Development Workshop . Sprouts: Working Papers on Information Systems, 8(23). http://sprouts.aisnet.org/8-23
Keywords:	Software Development, Process Theory, Science of Design, Case Study
Item Type:	Article - Volume 8 Article 23 (2008)
Language:	English
Email:	Paul Ralph (paulralph@gmail.com) Yair Wand (yair.wand@ubc.ca)

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