Abstract
Context : Process Debt, like Technical Debt, can be a
source of short-term benefits but often is harmful in the long term for
a software organization. Nonetheless, information about Process Debt is
scarce in the current literature.
Objective: This paper aims to define Process Debt,
describe its occurrence with associated risks, and show examples of
mitigation strategies.
Method : Firstly, we conducted an exploratory study of
Process Debt in four international organizations by interviewing 16
practitioners. Then, we validated and extended the findings with a
cross-company focus group with additional 10 practitioners. Finally, we
analyzed 58 additional observations and 35 interviews from a
longitudinal case study.
Results : The findings show that Process Debt can be a
harmful phenomenon that needs attention. We provide a framework and a
definition, and report causes, consequences and occurrence patterns over
time of Process Debt. We present mitigation strategies and which ones
need further attention for future research.
Conclusions :
The
debt metaphor may help companies understand how to manage and improve
their processes and make process-related decisions that are
beneficial
both in the short and long term.