Toward an Integrative Model of Influence Factors for Success of Global Software Development Projects

In this paper, an integrative conceptual model of internal and external factors influencing the success of global software development (GSD) projects is proposed. Its intention is to provide a holistic view on factors contributing to success in GSD projects as discussed in the literature. Four external factors (cultural differences, language differences, geographical distance, and time zone difference) and four internal factors (organizational structure of the project, software development process, communication and collaboration, and knowledge transfer) are identified and put in relation to each other in the light of criteria for project success. This integrative perspective provides a framework for a future meta-analysis of isolated findings about specific GSD issues in the literature. In turn, such a meta-analysis allows an enhanced understanding of the interplay between the different factors. The integrative perspective also provides a foundation to develop theoretically grounded design propositions for the design of future GSD project organizations.