Designing a conceptual green process model in software development: A mixed method approach

Abstract

The primary objective of this research is to propose a green process model for software development. The study employed a mixed-method approach, incorporating the interpretive paradigm in the initial stage and the positivist paradigm in the subsequent stage. The research methodology encompassed a systematic literature review, qualitative content analysis, and interviews with academic and industry experts. A conceptual model was proposed, and corresponding hypotheses were derived. The hypotheses were subsequently tested using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique, aided by SmartPLS software. The dataset consisted of responses from 200 participants who completed the designed questionnaire. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using Maxqda2020 software. The collected data underwent both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for analysis purposes.The findings revealed that five key factors, namely "Green readiness," "infrastructure," "methods," "tools," and "emerging trends," Exhibited a noteworthy and favorable impact on green software processes. Furthermore, the variables "tools," "infrastructure," and "emerging trends" were identified as partial mediating factors. Additionally, the dimensions of green readiness, which encompassed "governance," "strategy," "policies," "monitoring," and "stakeholders," were validated and recognized. The findings of this study provide valuable insights to organizations involved in software development, offering a holistic understanding of the importance and interrelationships among the main dimensions of green process modeling. By considering these findings, organizations can enhance their approaches to developing environmentally sustainable software. This study's main contribution is in the context of the software industry.