Using the DELPHI Method for Model for Role Assignment in the Software Industry

Over the past two decades, there has been a growing interest in modeling the elements that need to be considered when assigning people to roles in software projects, as evidenced by the number of available publications related to the topic. However, for the most part, these studies, have taken only a partial approach to the issue. Some have focused on the target role’s competency profile, while others have tried to understand the preferences of software developers for activities linked to certain roles and the relationship between these preferences and the candidate’s personal traits, to mention only two examples. Our research aims to find elements that can be integrated into an allocation model that complements current approaches by including competencies, personal traits, and project team building theories. To do so we performed an expert’s consultation exercise using the DELPHI method; which allowed us to validate a set of patterns related to different candidate’s personal traits, and the link between the team’s motivational motors and their roles within the software development.