An Empirical Evaluation of Software Quality Assurance Practices and Challenges in a Developing Country

Globally, it has been ascertained that the implementation of software quality assurance practices throughout the software development cycle yields quality software products that satisfies the user and meets specified requirements. The awareness and adoption of these techniques has recorded increase in the quality and patronage of software products. However, in developing countries like Nigeria indigenous software produced is not patronized by large corporations such as banks for their financial portfolio, and even the government. This research investigated the software quality assurance practices of practitioners in Nigeria, and the challenges being faced in implementing software quality in a bid to improve the quality and patronage of software. It was observed that while most practitioners claim to adhere to software quality practices, they barely have an understanding of software quality standards and a vast majority do not have a distinct software quality assurance team to enforce this quality. The core challenges inhibiting the practice of these software quality standards have also been identified. The research has helped to reveal some issues within the industry, of which possible solutions have been proffered.