3 research outputs found
A Multivocal Literature Review on Non-Technical Debt in Software Development: An Insight into Process, Social, People, Organizational, and Culture Debt
No full textSoftware development encompasses various factors beyond technical considerations. Neglecting non-technical elements like individuals, processes, culture, and social and organizational aspects can lead to debt-like characteristics that demand attention. Therefore, we introduce the non-technical debt (NTD) concept to encompass and explore these aspects. This indicates the applicability of the debt analogy to non-technical facets of software development. Technical debt (TD) and NTD share similarities and often arise from risky decision-making processes, impacting both software development professionals and software quality. Overlooking either type of debt can lead to significant implications for software development success. The current study conducts a~comprehensive multivocal literature review (MLR) to explore the most recent research on NTD, its causes, and potential mitigation strategies. For analysis, we carefully selected 40 primary studies among 110 records published until October 1, 2022. The study investigates the factors contributing to the accumulation of NTD in software development and proposes strategies to alleviate the adverse effects associated with it. This MLR offers a~contemporary overview and identifies prospects for further investigation, making a~valuable contribution to the field. The findings of this research highlight that NTD's impacts extend beyond monetary aspects, setting it apart from TD. Furthermore, the findings reveal that rectifying NTD is more challenging than addressing TD, and its consequences contribute to the accumulation of TD. To avert software project failures, a~comprehensive approach that addresses NTD and TD concurrently is crucial. Effective communication and coordination play a~vital role in mitigating NTD, and the study proposes utilizing the 3C model as a~recommended framework to tackle NTD concerns
Editorial: Mental health characteristics of migrant and local populations in the prevention and management of mental health disorders
No full textThis Research Topic endeavors to contribute to the understanding of mental health characteristics among migrant and local populations. The overarching goal is to shed light on the multifaceted nature of migration, exploring its impact on mental wellbeing through assessments and evidence-based interventions. This initiative aims to expand the existing corpus of literature in the field and four key studies form the foundation of this exploration. Migration, a multifaceted and dynamic phenomenon influenced by various factors such as economic conditions, political situations, environmental changes, and individual aspirations, encompasses diverse categories of migrants driven by distinct motives. Economic migrants seek improved financial prospects, while refugees flee persecution, and climate migrants are displaced due to environmental changes. Forced migrants, including internally displaced persons, are compelled to leave their homes within their country, and mixed migration involves a combination of motives . As of 2020, ~281 million people globally had migrated, with 82.4 million being forcibly displaced individuals, including 26.4 million refugees. The mental health of migrants is intricately connected to socioeconomic factors, with poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and other determinants influencing an individual's wellbeing. Housing instability, neighborhood conditions, and access to healthcare services also play roles in mental health outcomes. Social support, derived from community and networks, is crucial for mental wellbeing, while the societal stigma surrounding mental health and cultural norms impact help-seeking behavior. Early life experiences, workplace factors, and access to resources further contribute to mental health disparities. The research by Pham et al. delves into the association between social support and the development of depressive symptoms among storm-affected Vietnamese Americans, recommending prioritization of social support resources in the aftermath of hurricanes.The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.Scopu
It all starts with structure : investigating learning dynamics in large-scale agile software development
No full textPublisher Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s)Agile software development (ASD) methods have increasingly been used in large-scale software development projects. While ASD emphasizes the importance of social interactions between practitioners for continuous reflection and knowledge sharing, these learning activities become incredibly challenging in large-scale projects. Drawing on well-established theoretical concepts, we posit that learning in large-scale ASD projects requires a suitable environment that empowers practitioners to openly and frequently engage in social interactions, which are essential for reflection and knowledge sharing. We hypothesize that several team-level factors shape individuals’ perceptions about the learning environment and learning activities in their projects, ultimately influencing their learning behavior. To test our model, we collected survey responses from practitioners working in large-scale ASD projects in five Swedish companies (N = 159). The data was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results show that team structure plays a crucial role in promoting team cohesion and reflexivity, which, alongside knowledge sharing, contribute to the learning process. Our study provides ASD development research with a theoretically informed understanding of the interrelationship between the learning environment and learning activities in large-scale ASD. Our results guide practitioners in fostering suitable learning environments and enhancing learning in large-scale ASD.Peer reviewe
