REVIEW - Patterns of Software System Failure and Success


Title:

Patterns of Software System Failure and Success

Author:

Capers Jones

ISBN:

Publisher:

Itp New Media (1996)

Pages:

292pp

Reviewer:

Derek Graham

Reviewed:

August 1998

Rating:

★★☆☆☆


This book is a fairly comprehensive survey of the issues contributing to the success or failure of a software project. It is based on the author's experience as a software project management consultant.

The early chapters deal with the major risk factors present in a software project (e.g. project estimation and planning, management, quality control, etc.) and provide a good deal of statistical evidence. There follows a survey of the strengths and weaknesses of six radically different software development environments and their varying requirements.

The last three chapters concentrate on methods of improving project management and the effective recruitment and training of technical staff.

At under 300 pages, the book is a relatively easy read despite the numerous tables of statistical data which are used to support each issue. In fact, although many of the reasons for success or failure and the suggestions offered will be self-evident to most developers (I hope), this data may be just what you need to convince your manager to improve development practices within your organisation.


Book cover image courtesy of Open Library.





Your Privacy

By clicking "Accept Non-Essential Cookies" you agree ACCU can store non-essential cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Current Setting: Non-Essential Cookies REJECTED


By clicking "Include Third Party Content" you agree ACCU can forward your IP address to third-party sites (such as YouTube) to enhance the information presented on this site, and that third-party sites may store cookies on your device.

Current Setting: Third Party Content EXCLUDED



Settings can be changed at any time from the Cookie Policy page.