The Effect of Reusability on Perceived Competitive Performance of Australian Software Firms

This study set out to investigate how software firms can manage their software development efforts in order to compete effectively. Based on previous studies, a research model was developed. Reusability was expected to positively influence process flexibility, process productivity and process predictability. In turn these software process performance dimensions were expected to influence perceived competitive performance, assessed in terms of market responsiveness and product cost efficiency. Three hundred and twenty organisations were surveyed. In the data reduction stage, the research model was revised and process efficiency, technoregulatory flexibility, process effectiveness and labour flexibility resulted as the new software process performance variables. The revised model was tested and findings indicate that there is a relationship between reusability and techno-regulatory flexibility and market responsiveness.