Networked Technologies: The Role of Networks in the Diffusion and Adoption of Software Process Improvement (SPI) Approaches

SEI Report
This panel explored social networks in software process improvement (SPI), including real-world examples, key characteristics, and participant roles.
Publisher

Software Engineering Institute

Abstract

Software process improvement (SPI) is a field of research and practice focused on improving the practice of software  engineering by frequently introducing new methods and technical tools attuned to the managerial and process-oriented aspects of software development. Social networks play a key role in the adoption and diffusion of software process improvement as a networked technology. This panel addressed actual examples of SPI networks and identified key characteristics of and roles in these emergent networks.

Cite This SEI Report

Kautz, K., Levine, L., Hefley, W., Johansen, J., & Nielsen, P. (2004, May 1). Networked Technologies: The Role of Networks in the Diffusion and Adoption of Software Process Improvement (SPI) Approaches. Retrieved September 12, 2026, from https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/networked-technologies-the-role-of-networks-in-the-diffusion-and-adoption-of-software-process-improvement-spi-approaches/.

@techreport{kautz_2004,
author={Kautz, Karlheinz and Levine, Linda and Hefley, William and Johansen, Jorn and Nielsen, Peter},
title={Networked Technologies: The Role of Networks in the Diffusion and Adoption of Software Process Improvement (SPI) Approaches},
month={May},
year={2004},
institution={Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University},
url={https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/networked-technologies-the-role-of-networks-in-the-diffusion-and-adoption-of-software-process-improvement-spi-approaches/},
note={Accessed: 2026-Sep-12}
}

Kautz, Karlheinz, Linda Levine, William Hefley, Jorn Johansen, and Peter Nielsen. "Networked Technologies: The Role of Networks in the Diffusion and Adoption of Software Process Improvement (SPI) Approaches." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, May 1, 2004. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/networked-technologies-the-role-of-networks-in-the-diffusion-and-adoption-of-software-process-improvement-spi-approaches/.

K. Kautz, L. Levine, W. Hefley, J. Johansen, and P. Nielsen, "Networked Technologies: The Role of Networks in the Diffusion and Adoption of Software Process Improvement (SPI) Approaches," Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, 1-May-2004 [Online]. Available: https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/networked-technologies-the-role-of-networks-in-the-diffusion-and-adoption-of-software-process-improvement-spi-approaches/. [Accessed: 12-Sep-2026].

Kautz, Karlheinz, Linda Levine, William Hefley, Jorn Johansen, and Peter Nielsen. "Networked Technologies: The Role of Networks in the Diffusion and Adoption of Software Process Improvement (SPI) Approaches." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute, 1 May. 2004. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/networked-technologies-the-role-of-networks-in-the-diffusion-and-adoption-of-software-process-improvement-spi-approaches/. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

Kautz, Karlheinz; Levine, Linda; Hefley, William; Johansen, Jorn; & Nielsen, Peter. Networked Technologies: The Role of Networks in the Diffusion and Adoption of Software Process Improvement (SPI) Approaches. Software Engineering Institute. 2004. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/networked-technologies-the-role-of-networks-in-the-diffusion-and-adoption-of-software-process-improvement-spi-approaches/