FTS-SPM: A Software Process Model for Follow the Sun Development: Preliminary Results

Previous work reports that some software companies have tried to implement FTS, but have failed to realize the anticipated outcomes. In our research, we propose a software process model to support FTS implementation, named FTS-SPM (Follow the Sun Software Process Model). The proposed FTS-SPM comprises six sub-processes and twenty-five best practices. In this paper, we present the preliminary results from an expert panel conducted with 20 participants to validate the FTS-SPM software process model. Specific questions were asked to a group of GSD (Global Software Development) experts to uncover the usefulness and relevance of each best practice mentioned in FTS-SPM. The initial findings from interviews show that not all twenty-five best practices are perceived as high value practices for FTS projects.