Examination of Adoption Theory on the DevOps Practice of Continuous Delivery

Examination of Adoption Theory on the DevOps Practice of Continuous Delivery by Andrew J. Anderson MBA, Dowling University, 2006 BS, State University of New York Plattsburgh, 1995 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Management Walden University November 2019 Abstract Many organizations have difficulty adopting advanced software development practices. Some software development project managers in large organizations are not aligned with the relationship between performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions, as moderated by experience, with intent to adopt the DevOps practice of continuous delivery. The purpose of this study was to examine the statistical relationships between the independent variables—performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions, as moderated by experience— and the dependent variable of behavioral intent to adopt a continuous delivery system. Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, and Davis’s unified theory of acceptance and use of technology provided the theoretical framework. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed on survey data from 85 technical project managers affiliated with LinkedIn project management groups. The analysis reflected that only performance expectancy was significant in predicting intent to adopt continuous delivery. The findings may contribute to social change by providing project managers with the information they need to support organizational change, collaboration, and facilitation. The knowledge gained may additionally help organizations develop operational efficiency, competitive advantage, and generate higher value to their clients and society.Many organizations have difficulty adopting advanced software development practices. Some software development project managers in large organizations are not aligned with the relationship between performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions, as moderated by experience, with intent to adopt the DevOps practice of continuous delivery. The purpose of this study was to examine the statistical relationships between the independent variables—performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions, as moderated by experience— and the dependent variable of behavioral intent to adopt a continuous delivery system. Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, and Davis’s unified theory of acceptance and use of technology provided the theoretical framework. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed on survey data from 85 technical project managers affiliated with LinkedIn project management groups. The analysis reflected that only performance expectancy was significant in predicting intent to adopt continuous delivery. The findings may contribute to social change by providing project managers with the information they need to support organizational change, collaboration, and facilitation. The knowledge gained may additionally help organizations develop operational efficiency, competitive advantage, and generate higher value to their clients and society. Examination of Adoption Theory on the DevOps Practice of Continuous Delivery by Andrew J. Anderson MBA, Dowling University, 2006 BS, State University of New York Plattsburgh, 1995 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Management Walden University November 2019 Dedication I would like to dedicate this work to Daniela and Emma. Daniela, you have continued to inspire me to be a better person every day. Thank you for your understanding, encouragement, and support as you have helped me realize a lifelong goal. Words cannot express how much I love and appreciate you. My dearest daughter, Emma, some day you will understand the world from a much bigger perspective, and I am sure when that day comes we will reconnect. I hope this work proves that goals, dreams, and persistence are the essence of life. I have learned that health, happiness, and peace comes from knowing who we are and being smart and selective with whom we associate. My hope is that you also find health, happiness, and peace. Until the day we meet again I will be waiting in the place where lost things go. I love you more than words can say and miss you more with every passing day. Wǒ ài nǐ, Daddy. Acknowledgments I would like to acknowledge everyone who has given me the encouragement to pursue academic excellence. The pursuit of an advanced degree takes time, patience, and support from others. Professors, friends, and colleagues have all cheered me along the decade-long journey to realize my goal. I want to thank my committee, Dr. Gordon, Dr. DeYoung, and Dr. Hazari, for helping me keep momentum along this journey. Their feedback addressed the items that mattered the most and they were patient in observing me learn and adapt. The path of becoming a researcher is a personal one where a student becomes a peer. Mentors must choose feedback carefully to be critical yet constructive. I have become a much better researcher and writer as a result of their conscious efforts. It takes support from many to accomplish great things. Walden Librarian Audrey Butlett-Swenson, Walden Writing Center’s Jenny Martel, Walden Editor Angie Drennen, Cassie Bowland, Dr. Sherman, and Dr. Storlie have been behind the scenes giving me pointers that have helped me avoid obstacles and build confidence. I can say that without a doubt I would not be able to achieve this goal without the Walden University Writing Center, Library, Writing Intensive, and other academic services. When I was stuck and losing hope, Audrey was there to give me a quick response to affirm my assumptions yet show me a solution. Jenny could quickly glance at my work and offer ways to make me write with more clarity. Dr. Sherman spent time with me to understand the nuances of populations at a time when I was struggling with details. Dr. Storlie helped me align my work in anticipation of results. Thank you all for being a part of my journey. To my friends, Gabe, Rick, Mark, Ralph, Eric, and Tommy, thank you for listening to me over the years as I struggled with priorities, sacrifice, and life. I am forever indebted to you for your kindness, patience, and encouragement. I am blessed to call you friends. Please know that I will always be there for you when you need someone. To my colleagues, Ralph and Peter, thank you for giving the support I needed for the last mile of this journey. The time requirements it takes to build a body of work, as substantial as a dissertation, is immense. You allowed me to become a better version of myself and that is one of the greatest gifts anyone can ever be afforded. Thank you both. To my expert panel, Scott, John, and Ralph, thank you for helping me jump the final hurdle in my proposal. It was a fantastic feeling to know that relationships I have forged with colleagues stood the test of time. Thank you for accepting the challenge, renewing my spirit, and giving me a boost when I needed it most. To Tom and Vince, thank you for showing me the value of guidance, persistence, and professionalism. Without you I would not have restarted this process. Thank you both for giving me the strength, wisdom, and tools I needed to chase my dreams. To the Writing Intensive gang, Jim C. , Steve, Alex, Scott, Vantrice, Emmitte, Lorraine, Khadija, Jeff, and Jim M. Thank you for your support, encouragement, and laughter. It was truly amazing to be humble, joyous, and accepted by all of you. I am looking forward to celebrating our prodigious achievements at graduation.