Process models in the practice of distributed software development: A systematic review of the literature

ContextDistributed Software Development (DSD) has recently become an active research area. Although considerable research effort has been made in this area, as yet, no agreement has been reached as to an appropriate process model for DSD.PurposeThis paper is intended to identify and synthesize papers that describe process models for distributed software development in the context of overseas outsourcing, i.e. “offshoring”.MethodWe used a systematic review methodology to search seven digital libraries and one topic-specific conference.ResultsWe found 27 primary studies describing stage-related DSD process models. Only five of such studies looked into outsourcing to a subsidiary company (i.e. “internal offshoring”). Nineteen primary studies addressed the need for DSD process models. Eight primary studies and three literature surveys described stage-based DSD process models, but only three of such models were empirically evaluated.ConclusionWe need more research aimed at internal offshoring. Furthermore, proposed models need to be empirically validated.