A Survey on Factors Preventing the Adoption of Automated Software Testing: A Principal Component Analysis Approach

Abstract

Automated software testing is a crucial yet resource-intensive aspect of software development. This burden on resources affects widespread adoption, with expertise and cost being the primary challenges preventing adoption. This paper focuses on automated testing driven by manually created test cases, acknowledging its advantages while critically analysing its implications across various development stages that are affecting its adoption. Additionally, it analyses the differences in perception between those in nontechnical and technical roles, where nontechnical roles (e.g., management) predominantly strive to reduce costs and delivery time, whereas technical roles are often driven by quality and completeness. This study investigates the difference in attitudes toward automated testing (AtAT), specifically focusing on why it is not adopted. This article presents a survey conducted among software industry professionals that spans various roles to determine common trends and draw conclusions. A two-stage approach is presented, comprising a comprehensive descriptive analysis and the use of Principal Component Analysis. In total, 81 participants received a series of 22 questions, and their responses were compared against job role types and experience levels. In summary, six key findings are presented that cover expertise, time, cost, tools and techniques, utilisation, organisation, and capacity.