Deconstructing the Software Factory: A Practical Application of Interorganizational Network Analysis

Abstract

Over the past 5 years, the number of DoD software organizations that employ nontraditional organizational structures has increased. These organizations, commonly referred to as software factories, often employ the network-based organizational structures found within high-technology industries. This article details ways in which network analysis techniques can be used to create a big picture view of these nontraditional organizations. Drawing on methodologies employed by network researchers, the authors develop and present an interorganizational analysis process that highlights a program's social and economic structures. Following the case history approach, they demonstrate the applicability of this approach by analyzing an emergent DoD software factory. Throughout the article, the authors discuss how network principles and accessible analysis techniques can be applied to real-world challenges faced by modern, network-based DoD organizations. Finally, they conclude by presenting the results of their analysis and a framework that the acquisition community can use to analyze nontraditional programs.