Using rational unified process in an SME – a case study

  • Authors:

  • Geir Kjetil Hanssen;Hans Westerheim;Finn Olav Bjørnson

  • Affiliations:

  • SINTEF ICT, Trondheim, Norway;SINTEF ICT, Trondheim, Norway;Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway

  • Venue:
  • EuroSPI'05 Proceedings of the 12th European conference on Software Process Improvement
  • Year:
  • 2005

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Abstract

The Rational Unified Process (RUP) is a comprehensive software development process framework emphasizing use-cases, architecture focus and an iterative approach. RUP is widely known and many organizations have tried to adopt it. Being a framework, RUP has to, in some way, be tailored to the specific context of use, no software development project is alike. This paper presents a case study of a Norwegian SME that tried to adopt RUP in the simplest way, by introducing the methodology by providing comprehensive documentation and some simple training. Our study shows that the use of RUP had some positive effects but also that the use has been scattered. Interviews with users of RUP show that there is a great need of better training and practical support in getting most value out of RUP. The key message is that if you consider taking RUP into use you have to invest resources in it. Training and support are key success factors.