A survey on software maintenance practices in Kenya
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Date
2008-11Author
Macharia, Rosemary W
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This study examined the practice of software maintenance in Kenya. The need for the study
arose from the fact that many firms in Kenya are heavily relying on K'T for business. K'T
requires software to function. However software requires maintenance due to changes in
technology and firms. The study covers background information, different types of software
maintenance, the process followed in software maintenance, the tools used as well as the
challenges encountered in software maintenance. The main objective of the study was to
establish the practice of software maintenance in Kenya specifically to determine the level of
importance placed on the different types of software maintenance, the processes and tools used
to undertake software maintenance by firms and the challenges encountered in software
maintenance.
A survey design was used for data collection from 53 leT consultants and the data was collected
using questionnaires. These were administered using a "drop and pick later" basis. Data was
analyzed using frequencies; means; factor analysis techniques and standard deviation. The data
was presented using tables accompanied by discussions.
Analysis revealed that majority of the firms undertook corrective maintenance followed by
adaptive maintenance and perfective maintenance. Firms undertook software maintenance
process activities to a moderate extent, although tools were used to a small extent. Several
challenges were experienced although the major challenges were lack of management support
and resources, lack of experienced staff as well as poor system testing. The least faced
challenges were how the software was developed, in-house politics of contracting company and
high software maintenance costs.
In conclusion it is seen that firms undertake one form or other of software maintenance although
majority of the firms undertake corrective maintenance. Firms also undertake software
maintenance process activities to a moderate extent. Software maintenance tools are used to a
very small extent by firms. However as firms undertake software maintenance, they encounter
several challenges and the major challenge being lack of management support and resources.
Citation
Masters Of Business Administration (MBA) Degree, University of NairobiPublisher
University of Nairobi School of Business
Description
A management research project submitted in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree Of
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Faculty of
Commerce, University of Nairobi