The Matrix of Control: Combining Process and Structure Approaches to Managing Software Development

Ways by which firms should manage software development projects so that their development processes are flexible and predictable are discussed. The process approach and the structure approach are the two approaches which have been suggested. The process approach recommends control of activities through specifying methods and through specifying performance criteria. The structure approach recommends control through centrally devised standards for activities and by the delegation of authority for decision making. The results suggest that performance is enhanced by establishing uniform performance criteria across projects.