Relationships between complexity theory and software engineering?

Question

I'm interested to know if there is any literature out there on the relationship of complexity theory (emergence, complex systems, evolution) and software development processes. I read somewhere that SCRUM philosophy came out of the theory of punctuated equilibrium in evolution theory. Are there any additional studies/researches on this subject?

Thanks!

Answer 1

There's a slightly tongue-in-cheek book called Systemantics. Because a software program is a type of system, its observations are applicable to software: for example,

• The bigger the system, the narrower and more specialized the interface with individuals.
• A complex system cannot be "made" to work. It either works or it doesn't.
• A simple system, designed from scratch, sometimes works.
• Some complex systems actually work.
• A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that works.
• A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work. You have to start over, beginning with a working simple system.

Answer 2

There interesting blog posts by Jurgen Appelo of NOOP.NL fame, which are related to application of complexity theory to software engineering and project management:

• Your Project Will Suffer From Power Laws
• What (Else) Can Agile Learn from Complexity?

These can be helpful in researching this topic.