A Framework For In-House Software Quality Assurance In Strategic State Corporations: Total Quality Management Approach

Abstract

This study sought to develop a framework for in-house Software Quality Assurance (SQA) in Strategic state corporations (SSCs). SSCs are corporations that are mandated to operate, manage and offer critical services in transport, infrastructure, energy, petroleum among others. Due to these critical roles and functions, they need robust, efficient and quality in-house software, which is currently lacking. In addressing this research problem gap, the study applied Total Quality Management (TQM) and the Systems theory to investigate the influence of Organisational factors, Technical factors and Quality assurance infrastructure on in-house SQA. Due to the nature of ownership, it also assessed the intervening role of Government regulation on in-house SQA. The study applied mixed research method, which used both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The research population comprised of all employees in ICT department in six large SSCs under transport and infrastructure and energy and petroleum. These are crucial to the Kenyan economy, attainment of Vision 2030 and the big 4 government agenda. All these provided a research population of 300 ICT personnel. From this research population, a sample of 171 respondents was selected. Primary data was collected through interviews with the 12 managers and by use of questionnaires to the 171 respondents. The quantitative primary data collected was analysed by the use of SPSS where descriptive statistics and inferential statistics in the form of correlational and regression analysis was used. The primary qualitative data collected through interviews was analysed using inductive content analysis. The research study got a significantly positive link between Organisational factors, Technical factors, Quality assurance infrastructure and In-house SQA in SSCs. Results of the tests showed that the composite of independent variables were found to be satisfactory variables in explaining In-house SQA. Independent composite variables and the intervening variable (Ggovernment regulation) had a joint effect on In-house SQA. Partial intervention of Government regulation was also supported. From the findings of both qualitative and quantitative analysis, a framework was developed and validated for use to guide in-house software development in SSCs. The proposed framework is multi-layered in nature and seeks to revolutionise the quality of in-house developed software in SSCs in order to support critical and strategic functions and services to the government and the public. The study extends the application of TQM and the Systems theory to in-house software development, provides SSCs with a framework for development of quality in-house software, enhances job creation for software developers, reduces the cost of software development, ensures compliance with international quality standards, Government regulations and policies and Information Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) standards.