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Latest revision as of 14:00, 10 April 2016
The researchers in this paper reviewed the empirical research on Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) development and assess the state of the literature. They developed a framework for organizing the literature based on the input-mediatoroutput-input (IMOI) model from the small groups literature.
They Also presented a quantitative summary of articles selected for the review and then discuss findings of this literature categorized into issues pertaining to inputs (e.g., member characteristics, technology use and project characteristics), processes (software development practices, social processes and firm involvement practices), emergent states (e.g., social states and task related states) and outputs (e.g. team performance, FLOSS implementation and project evolution).
Also they suggested topics for future research, as well as identify methodological and theoretical issues for future inquiry in this area, including issues relating to sampling and the need for more longitudinal studies.
Conclusion
The rapid development of FLOSS as an alternative way for large software systems development calls for a need to examine its socio-technical work practices and development processes.
The Input-Mediators-Output-Input model in the one of paper’s figure emphasizes the interaction cycles between inputs, mediators and outputs of FLOSS development. Of course, any attempt to capture a fast moving phenomenon is likely to suffer from some limitations, but the growing importance of the topic, reflected in the volume of research, makes it important to take stock of what has been done and to suggest promising directions for further work.
Empirical research on FLOSS development is still in its early stage and shows tremendous promise for future research. In order to advance our understanding of FLOSS phenomenon, researchers need to draw on theoretical foundations that have been utilized in prior research on social interaction, software development, as well as other theoretical bases that are relevant to FLOSS phenomenon, to develop a more theoretically grounded understanding of FLOSS development. With these steps, studies on FLOSS development has the potential to inform researchers and practitioners about how to understand, interpret and effectively manage FLOSS development.
Full White Paper
Free-Libre Open Source Software Development: What We Know and What We Do Not Know (PDF)