Author(s)

F.M. Hovenden, S. Yates, M. Woodman & H.C. Sharp

Abstract

The use of ethnography with discourse analysis in the study of software quality management systems F.M. Hovenden," S. Yates,& M. Woodman" & H.C. Sharp" ^Computing Department, Open University, Walton ^Institution of Communications Studies, ABSTRACT This paper arises from a project, called SoFEA, which is using social science approaches, specifically Ethnography and Discourse Analysis, to investigate the factors influencing the evolution and adoption of software quality management systems. Defining quality in any situation is a complex social process. This process not only involves certain quantifiable measures but also the interplay of social and cultural definitions of quality, within a specific context. Lack of quality management can have effects that range from economic disaster to fatality. Ethnographic and Discourse Analysis research can bring to light the working practices and implicit perceptions used by software developers which directly influence their

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