IADIS International Journal on Computer Science and Information Systems

Published by IADIS (International Association for Development of the Information Society) • ISSN (Online): 1646-3692 • ISSN (Print): 1646-3692
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Optimal Workforce Allocation for Quality Delivery in Devops Teams: a Case Study

Hanlie Smuts *
Paul Louw *
Danie Smit *
Ingo Waechter *
Vanessa Sardinha-da Silva *
* 1University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa 2BMW Group IT ZA Hub, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria, South Africa (Portugal)
* 1University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa 2BMW Group IT ZA Hub, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria, South Africa (Portugal)
* 1University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa 2BMW Group IT ZA Hub, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria, South Africa (Portugal)
* 1University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa 2BMW Group IT ZA Hub, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria, South Africa (Portugal)
* 1University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa 2BMW Group IT ZA Hub, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria, South Africa (Portugal)

Abstract

Software development, integration, deployment, and operational management necessitate a diverse array of complex skills. Additionally, t here is a growing demand for organizations to expedite the delivery of product-based applications and services compared to traditional software development methods, all while adhering to specific cost, speed , and quality criteria. To addr ess these challenges, IT organizations adopt a DevOps approach, structuring their software teams to integrate development and operations seamlessly. As the complexity varies acro ss different product lines, determ ining the ideal mix of DevOps workforce becomes important. In this case study, we formulated a generic DevOps workforce profile for product line delivery using stratified systems theory, which considers weighted factors influencing the workforce mix. We then compared this profile with actual workforce data to identify the optimal alignment. Furthermore, qualitative data from 17 product line owners within the organiz ation delineated their key considerations when allocating workforce to DevOps teams. By conducting a them atic analysis of these considerations, we refined the workforce allocation method and proposed a set o f systematic guidelines to help organizations better grasp the distribution of DevOps workforce mix, thereby enabling them to staff teams with an optimal balance of expertise, delivery quality, and ope rational efficiency. This enhanced understanding can further inform talent development and allocation strategies.

Keywords

Stratified Systems Theory Workforce Optimization Sustainability DevOps Workforce Allocation
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Declarations & Ethics

Funding: This research received academic dissemination support through ESCAP / JournalsHub publishing programs.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no competing financial or institutional interests.
Peer Review: Double-blind peer reviewed by international subject specialists.
License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0).
How to Cite This Article
APA / MLA / BibTeX
Smuts, et al. (2024). Optimal Workforce Allocation for Quality Delivery in Devops Teams: a Case Study. IADIS International Journal on Computer Science and Information Systems, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.33965/ijcsis_2024_v19i1_08
Smuts, et al. "Optimal Workforce Allocation for Quality Delivery in Devops Teams: a Case Study." IADIS International Journal on Computer Science and Information Systems, vol. 19, no. 1, 2024. https://doi.org/10.33965/ijcsis_2024_v19i1_08
Smuts, et al. "Optimal Workforce Allocation for Quality Delivery in Devops Teams: a Case Study." IADIS International Journal on Computer Science and Information Systems 19, no. 1 (2024). https://doi.org/10.33965/ijcsis_2024_v19i1_08