Abstract

This research assesses the effect of cross-project multitasking on productivity of software development teams working in environments where resources are shared across several projects. Cross-project multitasking is typical for matrix organizational structures and facilitates the horizontal cross-project flow of skills and information. Depending on how heavily people multitask, it may introduce an excessive amount of cross-project interruptions in work flow, affecting productivity of software developers. Cross-project interruptions are considered harmful for productivity of information and knowledge workers, because they may require time for switching between independent work contexts. If the environment with cross-project multitasking is not taken into account, it can significantly influence cost and schedule estimations.

Date

2017

Authors

Alexey Tregubov

Institution

University of Southern California