Conducting empirical studies in industry
Empirical studies lie at the heart of software engineering (SE).
When solutions are created, they need to be validated for use in
production environments otherwise there are all sorts of risks in making
use of such solutions. Such validation undergoes empirical procedures
where specific objectives are set, appropriate data is gathered and
analysed, results are interpreted in real-world contexts, and
conclusions drawn. Likewise, knowledge-seeking studies are conducted
using empirical procedures and eventual findings and conclusions form
bed-rock foundation for creating new products, processes, services, and
technologies. Flaws in empirical procedures can induce risks in the
quality of the solutions created or of the findings and conclusions of
studies. With increasing societal dependence on computing technologies
and systems and services, it is becoming imperative that empiricism be
an integral part of technological endeavours if we are to serve society
well.
However, empirical studies conducted in industrial settings are
particularly challenging because the actual environments are complex and
what is first observable by researchers is only tip of the iceberg.
Yet, investigative questions must be formulated, valid constructs need
to be defined, trust needs to be in place, quality data must be gathered
within small time-frames available, etc. In essence, researchers often
need to start running when they haven't quite learnt how to walk.
Building on the success of the CESI 2013 workshop, this year the organizers seek to hold a follow-on workshop at ICSE 2014.
While consolidating on community building, the proposed workshop aims
at: recognising uncommon but successful practices for conducting
empirical studies in industry; seeking out new knowledge and research
directions to add to the knowledge-base resultant from CESI 2013; and at
fostering networking among the participants. A long-term goal of the
series of CESI workshops is to create a vibrant research and practice
community with a focus on conducting quality empirical studies in
industry in the hope that their results will lead to improved software
engineering practices, methods, processes, technologies,
products/systems and services.
- 27/10/13: Workshop date finally known! 2nd June
- 22/10/13: First version of cfp available
- 22/10/13: Website launched!
- 17/10/13: Bill Curtis accepted as keynote speaker
