S-SCMM: A Simplified Software Configuration Management Model for Software Services in Public University

Abstract

Software Configuration Management (SCM) is a process that supports Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), which benefits project management, development activities, maintenance activities, quality assurance activities, and the end users of the software product. However, findings from series of interviews have proven that SCM is difficult to operate and to be implemented by the practitioners in public universities specifically in Malaysia. Some of the SCM activities could be aided by using the SCM automated tools, however not all practitioners opted that due to inflexibility of the tools. Theoretical and empirical study have identified and revealed the current practices, success factors, essential elements, and components of SCM that were used frequently and beneficial among software practitioners. The empirical study also found that the main components of s-SCMM are process, SCM tool, and human. The s-SCMM was proposed and developed by considering the main components: process, tools, human, and success factors. The s-SCMM model was validated through expert review. As the result, a Simplified SCM Model (or s-SCMM) was proposed and developed to help the execution and implementation of SCM in public university environment. The s-SCMM model is simplified by focusing on change management, version control, system building, and release management. Therefore, s-SCMM will become a platform to assist total implementation of SCM in organization. By using this model, the preparation and usage of SCM artefacts could become more effective, efficient, and systematic.