The Use of System Development Methodologies in the Development of Mobile Applications: Are they Worthy of Use?

Abstract

The implementation of system development methodologies (SDMs) in mobile applications (mobile apps) development has a positive effect on companies and their respective software projects. SDMs provide a framework for planning, executing, and managing the process of developing software systems. In this paper, we investigate the worthiness of using of SDMs in the development of mobile applications. A survey was conducted among software developers in various organizations. The organizations included software development companies, financial institutions, telecommunication companies, engineering companies and educational institutions. A total of 152 out of 392 questionnaires distributed, were returned, giving a response rate of 38.8%. Furthermore, the responses were categorized into two groups (users/non-users of SDMs) and T-test analysis was performed to determine the differences between the means of the two groups. The findings indicate that SDMs are effectively used in developing mobile apps and there are significant practical differences between the users and non-users of SDMs in mobile apps development in areas of organizational size, the number of developers in the organization, years of experience, the number of applications developed and application success. The users (companies and individuals) are larger, more experienced and more productive. Furthermore, the use of SDMs in mobile apps development leads to more successful mobile apps. We conclude that SDMs are indeed worthy of use in mobile apps development.