The Use of Software Development Tools Always Increases Productivity

Introduction In the present competitive business world, it has become necessary for organizations to position themselves strategically so as to remain relevant to the needs of consumers and also to be better placed to fight the ever increasing competition form rivals in the same field. As a result, most business organizations are forced to turn to the use of software development tools that would help them to increase productivity.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Use of Software Development Tools Always Increases Productivity specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The biggest question, however, is whether or not the level of output will go up when an organization employs the use of software development tools. It is never easy to answer this question given that the future of most software projects is never certain. According to James, great developments in hardware as well as the increased use of computer sy stems in various sectors of the economy has led to the popularity of software development tools (James 4). It is therefore very common to come across organizations all over the world making every effort to move towards the use of software systems. Impact of Software Development tools on Productivity According to Smit and Salvendy, the use of software development tools has both positive as well negative effects on the general quality of production. With the application of the right tools, staff in the organization may be presented with challenges such as opportunities to learn new things. They may also get chances to change careers so as to fit into the new structure of the organization. All these may build an inspired workforce team and eventually, the productivity level of the organization could increase. The organization on the other hand also gets prepared to deal with fierce rivalry from the competitors (Smit Salvendy 12). Smit and Salvendy further argue that better use of deve lopment tools will have the effect of improving the way things are done at the work place, raise the level of output and foster creativity among employees. They also pointed out that the use of applications such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and available Product Data Management tools will certainly lead to increased productivity and a high level of effectiveness (12).Advertising Looking for research paper on computer science? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For individuals in an organization, software development applications are tools that will kill monotony by reducing the amount of routine tasks that have to be done from time to time, help in accomplishing set work goals and boost the level of production (Smit Salvendy 13). The use of software development tools may also break down the effect of hierarchies in the organization and the result could be increased participation by employees in organizational ma tters. The workforce will also feel more empowered and most will be more willing to act proactively (Smit Salvendy 13). Given that the use of software development tools demands effective communication, the management in the organization will be compelled to ensure communication flows effectively. Poor communication could send out wrong communication and the organization may be made to pay a very high price for any form of carelessness (Smit Salvendy 13). On the other hand, the extended use of the computer; sitting behind a desk to beat deadlines may produce some undesirable outcomes. Employees may get stressed or even get sick and in the end, they may fail to come to work due to illness. When this, happens, the level of production will no doubt go down and this could put the organization in some difficult situation (Smit Salvendy 13). In his book, Hurley argues that the contribution of technological development tools in as far as increasing the level of output in an organization is concerned can not be easily measured (Hurley 291). Hurley identified a number of things that complicate the whole process of measuring the effect of technology to production. First, there is the lack of proper measurement of inputs and outputs that are meant to go into and come out of an information system. There are also delays that are experienced as users get to understand how well to use the new technology and this could be very frustrating for both users and customers. Another concern has to do with how profits resulting for the use of software development tools are distributed. Finally, there is a problem when it comes to managing software systems within an industrial setup (Hurley 292). In general terms, according to Hurley, the measurement of the impact of software development tools in productivity is a big problem that is also somehow linked to the methods that are used to measure productivity data that may be collected from time to time for the purposes of analysis (292 ).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Use of Software Development Tools Always Increases Productivity specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In arguments articulated by Hurley, the use of software development tools in production is without question, bound to increase the amount of output. Software development tools also make it possible to produce the same or even greater output using only a small staff (Hurley 292). James, in his research explains that the principal reason for turning to software development tools is so as to allow organizations to reap the full benefits of using these technological tools to improve performance (James 4). Apparently, according to James, software development tools will help to boost efficiency, reduce the entire operational cost and greatly increase the profit level of the organization (James 4). However, James also adds that the benefits will only become a reality if the or ganization takes time to develop a good if not the best software development tool for its operations (4). Poorly developed tools will only lead to poor performance that could plunge the organization in very difficult situations. It is therefore very important to note that it is not just the use of software development tools that will lead to increased productivity; rather, it is the proper application of good software tools that will yield great advantages for the organization and boost the level of productivity as desired (James 4). Using good software, the organization should be able to improve efficiency, reduce production time, add on to the level of production and ensure that resources are well utilized. Another advantage is that business operations are made simple and easy to manage (James 4). Rook (205) argues that even though the use of computers is all the time expanding, the use of low standard custom built software tools has not helped much to increase the level of produc tivity. Low quality software tools only make things worse. Rook further notes that this problem could be dealt with by having organizations turn to the use of standard instead of custom developed software tools that to a very large extent are regarded as being quite unpredictable and hence not something to fully depend on (Rook 205).Advertising Looking for research paper on computer science? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Considering that the costs that are associated with the acquisition of software development tools are quite high, organizations get really motivated to do all they can to ensure that they are able to make good use of the acquired software tools for the purpose of improving efficiency as well as the level of productivity. Rook also defines software productivity as the quantity of output from the developed software divided by the cost of developing the particular software. Rook goes on to explain that for success to be realized, the objectives of the software tool must be clearly stated and well understood by all who are meant to interact with it (Rook 205). According to Holmes, the use of software development tools is becoming more and more central to the operations of almost all organizations world wide (Holmes 69). It is therefore very important for an organization to ensure that guidelines are followed to the letter when it comes to the acquisition and implementation of software d evelopment tools. When implementation is not properly done, time and resources are wasted and many people tend to get really frustrated (Holmes 69). Unsuccessfully implemented software tools are the result for poor performance and in the end this only leads to reduced productivity accompanied by increased costs of production. According to Willcocks, Petherbridge and Olson, information systems implementations are often regarded by many as being quite expensive for nothing. To this group of people, information system tools are simply cash sinks that consume huge sums of money without really producing any tangible results. Still others see software development tools as black holes and also as a necessary evil that we have to accommodate in various operations (Willcocks, Petherbridge Olson 1). Willcocks, Petherbridge and Olson (2) argued that according to information analyzed for over 300 organizations, there is good proof to show that by using information technology tools at the work place, it is very possible to ensure that customers were well taken care of and happy, hierarchies within organizations were eliminated leading to a flat structure where all workers could interact in a more free atmosphere, workers at the middle and lower level in the organization received the expected support and that productivity was eventually improved (Willcocks, Petherbridge Olson 2). Willcocks, Petherbridge and Olson further stated that even when the use of software development tools leads to increased performance, they do not do so in isolation. Software development tools will perform but in the midst of many other factors (3). In Loehle’s study, he argues that if an organization has to implement the use of software development tools, it is important to ensure that users are not forced into using the software tool. He considers true restructuring to be well undertaken by capitalizing on the strengths of the software development tool (Loehle 125). Any amount of compuls ion or intimidation to get people to use the system will only end up creating resentment among the users and with a negative attitude towards using the software development tool, nothing much can will be accomplished. Another factor that leads to undesirable results when it comes to making use of software development tools has to do with the level of complexity of the software tool (Loehle 125). Complicated software development tools may end up being quite unpopular with users and its success may greatly be hindered. It is important to ensure that the software development tool presented to the users will generate interest. Conclusion From the arguments presented in this paper, it is quite clear that the use of software development tools has a great influence on the level of productivity. It can lead in either positive or negative output, organizations that intend to use these tools must ensure that the correct software is sourced, properly implemented and correctly used in carrying out the business of the organization. Failure to adhere to set procedures will simply bring unfavorable outcomes in the end. It is also important to be aware of the fact that, it is never easy to measure the extent to which the use of software development will result in increased output. This is often because the success of information systems is influenced by many other factors that may not be quite obvious. Unless one is very keen, it may be such a daunting task to try and establish the benefits that accrue from making use of a chosen software development tool. Finally, even though software development tools will increase productivity, it is important to note that for this to be realized, one must understand and avoid as much as possible, the actions that may cause the failure of the tools. Among others tasks, implementers must make sure that users are fully involved in the processes of getting the software into operation. They must also be well trained to use the software tool co nsidering that without proper training, the software may be under utilized or misused creating poor result. Works Cited Holmes, Andrew. Failsafe IS Project Delivery. Hampshire: Gower Publishing Limited. 2001. Print. Hurley, William D. Software Engineering and Knowledge Engineering: Trends for the Next Decade. City: World Scientific. 1995. Print. James, K. L. Software Engineering. New Delhi: PHI Learning Private Ltd. 2009. Print. Loehle, Craig. Thinking Strategically: Power Tools for Personal and Professional Advancement. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. 1996. Print Rook, Paul. Software Reliability Handbook. New York: Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc. 1990 Print. Smit, Michael J. Salvendy, Gavriel. Systems, social and internationalization design aspects of human†¦, Volume 2. New Orleans: Routledge. 2001. Print. Willcocks, Leslie., Petherbridge, Peter and Olson, Nancy A. Making IT Count: Strategy, Delivery, Infrastructure. Jordan Hill, Oxford: Butterwor th-Heinemann. 2002. Print. This research paper on The Use of Software Development Tools Always Increases Productivity was written and submitted by user Brayan Conley to help you with your own studies. 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