Proving that the release management process can enhance throughput in software development projects

The process that involves creating and altering software systems can be defined as the software development lifecycle. People often use methodologies and methods in order to develop these systems with success factors such as people, processes and technology. The underlying issue in such a Iifecycle is that project defects are identified late within the lifecycle and therefore, the process of rectifying these problems becomes costly. Ultimately, an ideal product is one with minimal or zero defects, which can be achieved with a software project that prevents or detects defects earlier within the cycle. Release management can be described as the process involving decision-making regarding the implementation and release of a software product. A conceptual framework exists, which stipulates the stages involved in the development process of a software application. Several models exist that describe the software development Iifecycle (SDLC) in different approaches. The purpose of the research presented in this paper is to incorporate findings where large companies with global IT projects can adopt the Agile conceptual framework and to testify whether all types of IT projects will benefit from a frequent release approach to the delivery of the project. Three different projects across a large South African financial institution that specialises in corporate organisation banking and core-banking functionality will be studied and presented as case studies. Release management will also be studied from an organisational perspective with one of South Africa's banking institution in context. Data will be retrieved by carrying out interviews and surveys with appropriate stakeholders, and therefore, analysed to generate a valid conclusion.