Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Doctor of Information Technology (D.I.T.)

School

Information Systems and Technology

Advisor

Jodine Burchell

Abstract

Many information technology (IT) product managers have experienced significant challenges in adopting microservice architecture (MSA) systems successfully in their organizations. Inefficiencies resulting from MSA system adoption are of concern to IT product managers as these inefficiencies increase the cost of maintenance and increase the time to deliver software updates to the business. Grounded in the technology-organization-environment theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore the strategies used by IT product managers for the domain-driven design and development and operations practices to reduce the inefficiencies during the MSA system adoption. The participants were 18 IT product managers associated with the adoption and operation of microservice architecture systems at a global consumer goods manufacturer company and a global financial company, both with headquarters in Europe. Data were collected from semi structured interviews and a review of 7 documents. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Four major themes emerged to include organizational alignment in adopting MSA, ways of working, experienced-based approach to design MSA systems, and MSA environment landscape. A key recommendation for IT product managers is to adopt an IT organization structure aligned with the business context of the MSA system allowing for a full lifecycle approach. The implications for positive social change include the potential for IT product managers to improve the work environment for the MSA-related teams, which may lead to robust software systems and easier to use applications by removing barriers and increasing accessibility for users, thus supporting individuals in their daily life.

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