Poster Presentation 2024

Design and management of software development projects under rework uncertainty: a study
using system dynamics
Simran Kashyap
Student of Computer Science & Information Systems, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki-225003 UP
:
Email: Simrankashyapppl@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
The study explores the impact of rework generation on project execution, highlighting the need for proper planning and scheduling. It presents a system dynamics model as a
decision-support system for model-based decision-making, considering the uncertainty of rework generation. The model predicts dynamic and complex project behavior,
integrating uncertainty into decision-making components. Six scenarios involving hiring and overtime usage were explored to ensure project performance. The study emphasizes
the importance of predicting and analyzing improvised project planning processes to control model-based decision-making under uncertainty.

Introduction
This study aims to improve understanding of rework generation
uncertainty in model-based decision-making, a crucial factor in
software development. By developing a decision-support model,
project managers can choose feasible project plans under
uncertainty. The model, developed using system dynamics,
focuses on rework uncertainty, focusing on hiring and overtime
work as essential project manager functions. The study
explores the use of hiring and overtime separately and
collectively to sustain project performance, highlighting the
importance of intentional nonlinear productivity behavior in
promoting project performance.
Objectives
Aims of Rework Uncertainty on Software Development Projects
• Assessing rework uncertainty's impact on timelines and
budgets.
Results
 Project Dynamics and Decision Support :-
Assumption of Projects' Dynamic Behavior
• Utilized the causal loop diagram (CLD) to simulate project dynamics.
• CLD depicted relationships between variables like hiring, overtime, and project completion time.
 Uncertainty of Rework :-
• Modified rework cycle configuration linked adjustments in rework generation and discovery.
• The configuration included factors like original work to do, undiscovered rework, rework to do, and work
done.
 Hiring Model :-
• Developed to compensate for labor resource deficits.
• Accounted for hiring delays and provided rationale for decision-making.
 Nonlinear Learning Behavior :-
• Explored the impact of hiring on productivity.
• Calculated the learning curve for new workers based on time-seriesCONTROL
data.
 Overtime Planning :-
• Considered interval-based and continuous overtime options.
• Calculated shortage in man-days based on project deadlines and workforce availability.
 Nonlinear Behavior of Productivity :-
BPF
• Observed a nonlinear relationship between overtime and productivity.
Project Performance :-
• Evaluated project performance based on schedule, cost, quality, scope, and development effort.
 Applying Decision Support of Project Management :-
• Used the developed model as a decision-support system for projectBPS control and monitoring.
20 µm

• Identifying key factors contributing to rework uncertainty.

• Evaluating project management strategies' effectiveness in
mitigating rework uncertainty.
• Investigating rework uncertainty's relationship with software
quality. GCL

• Analyzing trade-offs between rework uncertainty and project

CONTROL
schedules and budgets. HILUS

• Offering insights into long-term effects on project success and

organizational performance.
BPF
Methodology
GCL

 Research Goal: Support Decisions in Software Development

Project Management
 Key Questions Addressed:
• Computing the impact of rework uncertainty on project
performance using simulation.
• Exploring control actions (hiring, overtime) to manage
uncertainty, reduce project duration, and improve performance.
 Approach:
• Develop an SD simulation model to predict and evaluate
project planning and process improvement.
• Design six scenarios involving hiring and overtime to evaluate
project performance.
• Validate the model using project data from previous studies.
 Method Overview:
• Extend existing SD models for project performance
management.
• Incorporate a rework cycle to model uncertain rework
generation.
• Use causal loop diagrams (CLDs) to represent project
Societal Impact
dynamics and decision-making processes. Economic growth and innovation are crucial for businesses, employees, and customers. By enhancing decision-
 Simulation Model: making in software projects, uncertainty can be managed effectively, leading to job creation and improved
• Develop a simulator using System Dynamics (SD) approach. customer satisfaction. This fosters innovation and technological progress, enhancing productivity and overall
• Model uncertainty of rework using a modified rework cycle quality of life. This, in turn, benefits businesses, employees, customers, and society by promoting job creation,
configuration.
customer satisfaction, and individual development.
• Incorporate hiring model considering labor resource deficits
and productivity impacts.
 Project Performance Analysis:
• Evaluate project performance based on schedule, cost, Conclusion
quality, and scope.
• Visualize performance parameters for decision-making. The study explores the impact of uncertain rework on project performance in software
 Decision-Support System: development projects. It uses dynamic simulation to analyze project performance in various
• Collect project data and define decision items. scenarios, including cost and time. The model identifies feedback mechanisms and uses them in
• Configure and run simulations for various scenarios. project management to establish relationships. However, the study focused on a single project's
Summary results for each scenario by identifying feasible performance.
performance behavior, not considering multiple projects or staffing distribution separately. The
study also highlighted the limitations of the fixed project scope and the need for further research.

Selected References
This research work was supported by collaborative research work with Fujitsu Limited, Japan, of the fiscal year 2020.
References :- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/12460125.2021.2023257
References taken from Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.