Comparative Analysis of Methodological Trends in the Management of Software Projects: Identification of the Main Variables

Nowadays, there are many methodological proposals that support the various aspects of software development projects. In general terms, there are two big identifiable trends: traditional and agile. In the first instance, traditional methods are those characterized by privileging detailed planning work to ensure the quality of the final product. On the other hand, agile methodologies put prediction aside and open a space to changes in planning. This article presents the results obtained from the application of a comparative analysis to 12 methodologies for software projects management, and from 149 software development companies surveyed, leading to identify, from a theoretical - experimental model, the variables that generate the greatest impact on the success of this type of projects. The importance of studying this topic resided in the impact that the correct application of a management methodology has on the results of a project and thus on its success. Regardless of the methodology used, they all propose a series of common processes, considered good practices, which allow achieving the outlined goals.