Please note: This master’s research paper presentation will be given online.
Alex
Pawelczyk, Master’s
candidate
David
R.
Cheriton
School
of
Computer
Science
Supervisor: Professor Daniel M. Berry
This research report presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of empirical studies that focus on the effectiveness of pair programming (PP) in industrial domains. The primary objective of the SLR is to present the current research and evidence relative to the effectiveness of PP when applied in industry. The SLR also recognizes how PP effectiveness is measured, the degree of effectiveness that PP has in industrial domains, and factors that impact the effectiveness of PP.
This study is based on a comprehensive review of a set of 33 research papers that have been extracted from five major online databases. The SLR highlights (1) six measurements of PP effectiveness, e.g., software quality, knowledge transfer, productivity, effort, job satisfaction, and project cost, and (2) five key factors that can influence PP effectiveness, e.g., expertise level, personality, task complexity, driver-navigator interactions, and work environment. The results suggest a general agreement that when applied appropriately, PP can increase software quality and knowledge transfer. Moreover, the evidence suggests that (1) PP is most effective when used for high-complexity tasks, and (2) pairs are composed of individuals with complementary skills, personalities, and knowledge areas. This research report also presents an estimation of the economic costs associated with PP, along with a PP experience report that aims to identify the benefits of PP. Based on the results of the SLR, cost estimation, and experience report, recommendations for practitioners include viewing PP as an investment into better software quality, using PP strategically, and adopting a team-oriented culture.
To join this master’s research paper presentation on Zoom, please go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81329944340?pwd=MGxGWm44SVY0K0UwdWI0TVQxQmdDQT09.