Title: A framework for improving continuous awareness: moving from centralised to distributed teams

Authors: Alexandre L'Erario; Marco Aurélio Panizza Damato

Addresses: Computer Academic Department (DACOM), Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR-CP), Cornélio Procópio, PR, Brazil ' Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Presidente Prudente, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: Distributed software development (DSD) is a practice increasingly adopted by companies worldwide. The DSD can accelerate time-to-market, reduce costs, and bring a site close to the customers. However, along with the benefits, there are problems and challenges when companies shift from centered to distributed development. This work presents a framework for supporting centered teams moving to distributed teams focusing on awareness. The loss of awareness impacts the team's effectiveness and mutual trust and affects employees' willingness and enthusiasm for the work, directly affecting productivity. The impact on productivity occurs because when employees are remote, there is a feeling of loss of reliability, monitoring, and transparency for managers. This paper shows action research that executed a framework in a real organisation and explores the awareness in this scenario. The main contribution of this paper is the framework and, as a result, the organisation's improved productivity and quality. Furthermore, applying this framework to the organisation was critical for the organisation's viability facing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: distributed software development; DSD; productivity; communication; awareness; framework.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBPIM.2024.142652

International Journal of Business Process Integration and Management, 2024 Vol.11 No.4, pp.332 - 344

Accepted: 25 Mar 2024
Published online: 14 Nov 2024 *

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