Open Source Software Development A Systems Dynamics Model.pdfVIP

Open Source Software Development: A Systems Dynamics Model Evangelos KATSAMAKAS FORDHAM UNIVERSITY, GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 113 West 60th Street, Suite 625-A New York, NY 10023 U.S.A. 1-212-636-6192 | fax: 1-212-765-5573 | e-mail: katsamakas@fordham.edu Nicholas C. GEORGANTZAS FORDHAM UNIVERSITY, GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 113 West 60th Street, Suite 617-D New York, NY 10023-7484 U.S.A. 1-917-667-4022 | fax: 1-212-765-5573 | e-mail: georgantzas@fordham.edu Abstract Evidence suggests that only a small percentage of open source developmen t (OSSD) projects are active, have significant participation, or have delivered operational software. We develop a system dynamics based simulation model to analyze the dynamics of open source project participation process and software development process. We show that the complex interaction between participation and development processes affects crucially success or failure. 1. Introduction Despite the recent incredible growth of open source as a social movement, development approach and business strategy, evidence suggests that only a small percentage of open source development (OSSD) projects are active, have significant participation, or have delivered operational software[1, 2]. Why is that so? How the success of a project is sensitive to initial participation, initial code-base, or timing of pro