A Competitiveness Model for Mexican Software Development Companies

Since the last thirty years, the software development industry has become a very important source of employment for several countries, particularly in India, Ireland and Israel. For Mexico, the American market represents a very attractive opportunity to strengthen this industry. Although, many of the Mexican software development firms (MSDF) fulfill isolated efforts oriented to the enterprise management, service and product quality that frequently outcome failed strategies and firms closing. A Delphi analysis, interviews to entrepreneurs and a focus group technique was applied to identify relevant management elements in order to define a model of a competitive firm in the Mexican context. The recommended strategies for developing a competitive company are based on a strategic plan with measurable objectives, clear market segment identification, capacity building and strategy to create management, technological, marketing and sales skills, and so on. Our study identifies the importance of public policies as well as the whole company strategy through the definition of rules according to today's global market reality. This paper presents the main results of this analysis and a proposed competitiveness model that applies to the MSDF. The appropriate response to market opportunities will depend on the adoption of the recommendations provided by the participating experts.