Organic Software Development: A Case Study for Agile Development

Abstract

This project examines the efforts and results of United States Strategic Command’s (USSTRATCOM)Targeting Process Improvement Working Group (TPIWG) as a case study. The TPIWG conducted an evaluation of USSTRATCOM J52/J2T Joint Targeting Division’s current target maintenance processes and identified areas of improvements. After identification of areas requiring improvement, the TPIWG conceived the idea for and began design and development of an automated change detection software program for target maintenance. Methodology includes an analysis of what processes were identified for improvement and how change was implemented, how well software development processes were implemented and adhered to, analysis of the process to secure funding support from the U.S. Air Force and subsequent contracting for full time support of the software. This case study documents challenges, innovative ideas, risks taken and faced by the TPIWG during the course of process analysis, software development and implementation phases. Documentation of challenges to sustainment funding from a cost, schedule, and performance perspective. Exploration of pros and cons to having the completed work then contracted to a secondary party, not part of the TPIWG. Identification of future challenges contractors may face in the sustainment or future improvements of the software. Lastly, this case study tries to determine what the overall improvement and benefit is for the warfighter.