1.7 Who Cares About ROI of SPI?

Computer programmers, software engineers , supervisors, and software engineering managers care about the ROI of SPI. Software quality assurance analysts, test analysts, support group leads, and functional area managers care about the ROI of SPI. Software process improvement analysts, software process improvement managers, and directors care about the ROI of SPI. Software engineering managers and directors and business unit managers and vice presidents also care about the ROI of SPI.

Computer programmers and software engineers often carry the bulk of the responsibility and workload in the field of technology. They are constantly seeking ways to ease the burden of poor management and get the job done successfully. Supervisors and software leaders are often asked to manage overly ambitious projects without the necessary resources. They often seek ways to overcome the productivity paradox.

Software quality assurance and testing analysts are saddled with the impossibility of building in product quality after the fact. They desperately seek ways to educate managers that the only way to build high-quality products is to do it right the first time. Support group leads and functional area managers are usually given the job of Atlas, to support the world on their shoulders. They welcome the idea that front-line engineers and managers should seize responsibility for quality, productivity, and reliability.

SPI analysts are responsible for coaching engineers and managers to simplify their processes. They also coach engineers to measure their results and constantly improve productivity and quality. They have no excuse for ignoring the ROI of SPI. Software process improvement managers and directors have the authority and responsibility to create and enforce a vision for SPI. It is their job to form strategies to realize their vision and establish tactical plans to implement a strong and pervasive vision for SPI. Doing so ultimately ensures the success of their software-producing organizations.

Senior software engineering managers and directors are responsible for ensuring peak levels of operating efficiency. They should be the primary stakeholders and customers for performing studies involving the ROI of SPI. Business unit managers, directors, and vice presidents are responsible for economic performance and business growth. They do this by expanding the customer base, reorganizing the infrastructure, and hiring productive workers at fair market prices. They also view their job as getting rid of the bad apples. However, they need to realize that the ROI of SPI is an indispensable tool for achieving near- term profitability. In addition, the ROI of SPI is a good tool for responding to ever-changing and constantly fluctuating market conditions.