Automated Software Engineering (ASE) tools and techniques are garnering significant attention in software development due to their potential to enhance efficiency, quality, and speed in software development. ASE tools enable automation in critical software development processes, such as analysis, design, development, testing, and maintenance. While these tools are widely utilized by major software companies like Microsoft, Google, and Meta, their adoption among small-and medium-sized software enterprises in Thailand remains relatively limited.
This research study, titled “Adoption of Automated Software Engineering Tools and Techniques in Thailand,” is a product of the Software Engineering and Business Analytics (SEBA) research cluster at the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Mahidol University (ICT Mahidol). The research team includes Asst. Prof. Dr. Chaiyong Ragkhitwetsagul, Asst. Prof. Dr. Morakot Choetkiertikul, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanwadee Sunetnanta. Additionally, two researchers from University College London in the United Kingdom, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jens Krinke and Prof. Federica Sarro, contributed to this study. This research focuses on the use of ASE tools and techniques in software development for small- to medium-sized software companies in Thailand and explores the challenges or limitations developers face in using ASE tools.
“This study builds on the previous research study ‘Identifying Software Engineering Challenges in Software SMEs: A Case Study in Thailand,’ which involved interviews with representatives from four software-related companies. The results identified challenges that developers in small-and medium-sized software companies in Thailand face, including the lack of software measurement tools, which prevents developers from knowing whether the quality of the software is good; the absence of static code analysis tools to detect issues such as security flaws or poor coding practices, which could make maintenance more difficult; and the lack of software testing due to various reasons, such as tight development timelines and a focus on fast delivery.”
The current study expanded the scope of research by shifting from interviews to an online survey, reaching over 100 software developers in Thailand. The survey questions focused on the use of ASE tools and techniques in software development, such as whether respondents are familiar with software measurement and analysis tools, whether they have tested their developed software, and what methods they have used.
This study provided the research team with a better understanding of the current issues in the small- and medium-sized software industry in Thailand. The results were similar to the previous study, with respondents not knowing about the increasing availability of ASE tools and techniques, lacking experience with new tools, and facing tight software development timelines that leave little room for ensuring high-quality software. These three factors remain significant problems and challenges that the research team will continue to investigate and seeks effective solutions.
“Most companies are aware of the concept of using ASE tools and techniques for software development, but they are not widely adopted, such as automated software measurement, automated software analysis, or automated software testing. However, one technique that has been widely accepted and used is continuous integration (CI).”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Chaiyong shared that the most challenging part of this study was recruiting survey respondents. The original goal was to survey 200 to 300 developers, but the research team ultimately collected responses from just over 100 developers, which is still a considerable number. He also discussed future directions for the research.
“Medium-and small-sized software companies in Thailand still need support. The research team will continue to find ways to help software developers incorporate ASE tools and techniques into their software development processes to improve software quality. The team is currently investigating which tools are most suitable for developers in small-and medium-sized organizations, such as integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into software development. Future research will explore how these tools can assist developers in Thailand, whether they can save time, and whether they allow developers to focus more on improving software quality.”
The published work “Adoption of Automated Software Engineering Tools and Techniques in Thailand” is available for download at >>> https://doi.org/10.1007/s10664-024-10472-6
Follow the work of Asst. Prof. Dr. Chaiyong Ragkhitwetsagul at: https://cragkhit.github.io/