Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2020 Exploring Software Testing Strategies Used on Software Applications in the Government Angel Diane Cross Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Databases and Information Systems Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Management and Technology This is to certify that the doctoral study by Angel D. Cross has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Steven Case, Committee Chairperson, Information Technology Faculty Dr. Gail Miles, Committee Member, Information Technology Faculty Dr. Jodine Burchell, University Reviewer, Information Technology Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2020 Abstract Exploring Software Testing Strategies Used on Software Applications in the Government by Angel D. Cross MS, Strayer University, 2008 BS, Hampton University, 2001 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Information Technology Walden University March 2020 Abstract Developing a defect-free software application is a challenging task. Despite many years of experience, the intense development of reliable software remains a challenge. For this reason, software defects identified at the end of the testing phase are more expensive than those detected sooner. The purpose of this multiple case study is to explore the testing strategies software developers use to ensure the reliability of software applications in the government contracting industry. The target population consisted of software developers from 3 government contracting organizations located along the East Coast region of the United States. Lehman’s laws of software evolution was the conceptual framework. The data collection process included semistructured interviews with software developers (n = 10), including a review of organizational documents (n = 77). Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and codes from the interviews. Member checking activities were triangulated with organizational documents to produce 4 major themes: (a) communication and collaboration with all stakeholders, (b) development of well-defined requirements, (c) focus on thorough documentation, and (d) focus on automation testing. The results of this study may contribute to information about testing strategies that may help organizations improve or enhance their testing practices. The results of this study may serve as a foundation for positive social change by potentially improving citizens’ experience with government software applications as a result of potential improvement in software testing practices. Exploring Software Testing Strategies Used on Software Applications in the Government by Angel D. Cross MS, Strayer University, 2008 BS, Hampton University, 2001 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Information Technology Walden University March 2020 Dedication I dedicate this study to my family. Thanks to my parents, my brother, and most of all, my husband, Eddie. There is absolutely no way in the world that I could have completed this program without your continued support and, most of all, your prayers. Thank you all for cheering me on as my lifelong dream has manifested into a reality. It is never too late to make your dreams come true. I know that I have been unavailable on many occasions while I worked on my research study; in the end, it paid off. You all have been very supportive and understanding, and I am forever grateful. As the first in the family to achieve a doctoral-level degree, I hope to have made everyone proud. To my nephews Justin and Jordan, my niece Robyn, and my cousins Tyrie and Tyler, you are the next generation of leaders. Remember, education is the key to unlocking the world. To achieve your dreams, remember your ABCs. Finally, I dedicate this study to the memory of my grandmother, who would have been incredibly proud of this accomplishment. I miss you a lot. You will always be in my heart. Acknowledgments First and foremost, I want to give honor to my Heavenly Father Jesus Christ, for making all of this possible. I encouraged myself daily by meditating on scriptures, Philippians 4:13, Jeremiah 31:17, and Galatians 6:9. I am blessed and fortunate to have furthered and completed my doctoral-level studies at Walden University. The education that I received from Walden has added value to my life, as well as enhanced my corporate skills. Second, I would like to thank my committee chair, Dr. Steven Case, for his mentorship, support, and guidance during my doctoral journey. The difficulty level would have been extremely high without his guidance and encouragement. Especially during the times when I was tired and wanted to throw in the towel. Third, I would also like to thank my second committee member, Dr. Gail Miles, for her valuable comments and feedback on making my study complete. Next, I also would like to thank all the staff, administrators, and instructors who encouraged me along the way. I even would like to extend special thanks to all of the participants in my study who so kindly shared information and their time with me. Finally, to my employer, you helped me make this possible in more ways than you could ever imagine. Table of Contents List of Tables................................................................................................................... v List of Figures ................................................................................................................ vi Section 1: Foundation of the Study .................................................................................. 1 Background of the Problem........................................................................................ 1 Problem Statement ..................................................................................................... 3 Purpose Statement ..................................................................................................... 3 Nature of the Study .................................................................................................... 4 Research Question ..................................................................................................... 5 Interview Questions .............................................................................................6 Conceptual Framework .............................................................................................. 7 Definition of Terms ................................................................................................... 8 Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations ........................................................... 10 Assumptions ...................................................................................................... 10 Limitations ......................................................................................................... 11 Delimitations ..................................................................................................... 12 Significance of the Study ......................................................................................... 12 Contribution to Information Technology Practice ............................................... 12 Implications for Social Change .......................................................................... 13 A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature ............................................ 14 Literature Review Strategy....................................................................................... 16 Lehman’s Laws of Software Evolution ............................................................... 17 i Lehman’s Laws and Software Evolution ............................................................ 26 Lehman’s Laws of Software Evolution and the Linux Kernel ............................. 39 Lehman’s Laws of Software Evolution and Software Maintenance .................... 41 Complementary and Contrasting Theories .......................................................... 43 Software Testing ................................................................................................ 46 Software Testing Strategies ................................................................................ 63 The Waterfall Methodology ............................................................................... 75 The Agile Methodology ..................................................................................... 78 Comparing Agile and Waterfall Methodologies.................................................. 80 Software Testing and The Federal Government .................................................. 84 Transition and Summary .......................................................................................... 88 Section 2: The Project ...................................................................................................