An Information Systems Design Product Theory for Integrated Requirements, Test and Defect Management Systems

Software companies need to develop high-quality products fast and with low cost. Development activities are typically distributed in different places and involve multiple stakeholders in different countries. Testing is an important way to ensure product quality but it is costly and takes ample time and resources. Sourcing testing services from specialized service providers is often the most viable option for software businesses. Flexible and effective test process management is especially vital to support the testing life-cycle when external testing service providers are involved. Yet, the extant literature provides little theoretical guidance for managing the testing life-cycle, including requirements, test, and defect management. This paper develops an Information Systems Design Product Theory for the class of integrated Requirements, Test and Defect Management Systems based on a case study and a literature review. This theory helps clients and testing service providers to manage and control the testing process, make the process transparent and seamless, and improve service effectiveness.