Research Interests

• Alternative Approaches to Information Systems Development
• Adoption and Diffusion of IT
• IT Project Management
• Social, Behavioral and Organizational Aspects of Information Systems
• Security of Information and Systems

Publications

1. Kong, S., J.E. Kendall and K.E. Kendall (2006). “How Distinct is the Agile Approach to Systems Development? A Cultural Perspective and Its Implications for Research and Practice,” Proceedings of DSI 2006 Annual Meeting.
2. Kong, S., K.E. Kendall and J.E. Kendall (2006). “Agile Practices, Promises of Rigor, and Information Systems Quality,” Proceedings of IRMA 2006 Conference.
3. Kendall, J.E., K.E. Kendall and S. Kong (2006).  “Improving Quality Through the Use of Agile Methods in Systems Development: People and Values in the Quest for Quality,” in Duggan, E.W. & H. Reichgelt (Eds.), Measuring Information Systems Delivery Quality, Hershey, PA: Idea Group Publishing, pp. 201-222, 2006.
4. Peng, Y. and S. Kong (1998). “To Discuss Exchange Rate Fluctuation by Using IS-LM Model,” Journal of China University of Mining and Technology, Issue 1, 1998.
5. Wu, H., S. Kong and Q. Duan (1998). “A Study on Distribution Channels of Steel in China,” Economics of Coal Industry, Issue 6, 1998.
6. Kong, S. (1997). “Corporate Identity Systems Planning in Coal Industry,” in Encyclopedia of Management Science in Coal Industry, 1st Ed., Beijing, China: Enterprise Management Press, pp.1346-1380, 1997.

Working Papers

1. “When to Use Agile Software Development: The Internal and External Factors That Count,” with K.E. Kendall and J.E. Kendall.
2. “Does Agile Methodology Lead to Quality Software: An Empirical Study,” with K.E. Kendall and J.E. Kendall.

Dissertation Abstract

Agile Software Development Methodology: Effects on Software Quality and the Cultural Contexts for Organizational Adoption

Thesis Director: Professor Kenneth E. Kendall

Advocates claim that the agile methodology offers a distinctive approach as compared to plan-based systems development methodologies, with the capability of increasing software quality. Critics, however, doubt whether there is truly much of a difference between the two and their quality effects. The inclusive debates have generated much confusion, thus hindering the adoption and diffusion of agile methodology.

This dissertation investigates the true meanings of agile methodology, its impacts on software quality and the cultural contexts for organizational adoption. In particular, we deploy (a) metaphorical analysis to draw out the true meanings of agile methodology, (b) a survey study to examine the quality effects of agile methodology, and (c) case studies to explore the cultural contexts for organizational adoption of agile methodology.

This research has the following important contributions: (1) it reveals that the fundamental assumption of agile methodology is that organizations are organisms instead of machines, with the ultimate goal of staying alive and healthy; (2) it provides empirical evidence on the effects of agile methodology on software quality, which has been missing in the literature; and (3) it offers guidelines on how to identify and evaluate the cultural contexts for organizational adoption of agile methodology.

Research Agenda ( coming soon)