Publisher's Synopsis
In 1991 the DTI commissioned a researched study into the state of software development practice designed to provide a basis for understanding "best practice" and guidelines for improving working techniques and attitudes. The main lesson from the study is that success or failure in achieving high quality business systems depends on the state of readiness of the organization - that is, on a combination of circumstances that encourage or even determine success at four key levels: in the company overall, in the systems development department, in the project team and among individuals themselves. Influencing all these factors is the national environment. The main conclusions from this study are supported by findings in three main areas which reinforce existing knowledge on problems and provide some additional insights. Also included is a description of the changes taking place, or likely to take place in the 1990s many of which reinforce the need for the type of action suggested by the survey results.
