Improving Information System Development and Maintainability Factors Through Standardized Processes: An Empirical Study

This paper examines how standardized processes affect information systems (IS) development project performance, key maintainability factors and the maintainability of the IS delivered. Main findings from a survey of 97 information technology (IT) professionals show that software process improvement models (SPIM), project management maturity models (PMMM) and formal development methodologies (FDM) can (i) improve the chances of success of IS projects and (ii) reduce key IS development problem factors that lower the maintainability of the IS delivered. Important findings also include a list of the top 10 specific issues affecting the maintainability of IS. Implications for research and practice are presented.