# A Decentralized Framework for Managing Task Allocation in Distributed Software Engineering
## 2 Distributed Software Development  
Task allocation is a challenging activity for projects being developed in a distributed scenario. As discussed in the above section, studies in the past have discussed many strategies to bridge challenges of task allocation in DSD. [PERSON] et al. [3] conducted a study with 95 projects and analyzed that globally dispersed teams generally require about 2.5 times longer than collocated teams to complete their work due to the lack of task coordination. The literature lists a number of techniques to support task allocation using multi-criteria optimization [4], risk-driven models [5], effort estimation models [6], and the SDLC-based work division technique [14], aiming to minimize overhead costs. In addition to these domains, aiding team building, promoting teamwork, personality composition of team members, how cultural identities influence and foster communication, coordination, and collaboration are also explored [1; 2; 15]. A large number of these approaches are based on quantitative and mathematical aspects. [PERSON] [16] clearly state that the human factor is the main ingredient for a successful project. Closely related to the issue of task allocation is the issue of task dependency [17]. A few authors have adopted multi-criteriaapproaches for efficient task distribution among team members [18; 19; 20]. These approaches use multiple factors in an organization, such as perform context characterization, and rank influencing factors using the verbal decision analysis (VDA) method for evaluation and decision making. [PERSON] et al. [21] proposed multi-criteria decision analysis for planning and fine-tuning project plans. The model was developed using cognitive mapping and MACBETH (Measuring Attractiveness by a Categorical-Based Evaluation Technique) [22]. In the DSD environment, these dependencies have strong communication as well as coordination requirements. Insufficient interaction among teams causes a lack of team spirit and creates the problem of stakeholder dissatisfaction, leading to rework. To the best of our knowledge, to date, the literature lacks in studies focusing on considering the actual view of the developer, whether (s)he can or is willing to work on a particular project based on their strength, preferences, schedules, and weaknesses. It is generally handled by project leaders/managers, dominated by project managers' appraisal, their biased/unbiased judgment, and the availability of past experiences of team members. In light of the present work, the work carried out in the past has been categorized into the following four types, listed below. These studies have investigated and tried to solve problems associated with research topics in the context of adopting DSD. Several types of research methods are used in these studies, such as case study, controlled experiment, simulation, and expert panel, using several other research sub-models, such as interviews, observation, questionnaire, analysis of data repository, etc., to produce evaluation research papers, experience papers, solution proposals, opinion papers, philosophical papers, and validation research papers. A summary of these is presented below:  
* Issue of collaboration, coordination, and communication: A few researchers have investigated and proposed solutions or strategies to improve and provide solutions for effective collaboration, coordination, and communication required for successful implementation of DSD. * Issue pertaining to knowledge and resource management: Researchers have proposed new models for knowledge representation and resource management focusing on discussing stochastic models, problems of asynchronous communication, managing effective team process and work, feasibility, project execution, coordination, knowledge-sharing, etc. * Theoretical basis:The progress in the development of new theories, helping withdrawalesing knowledge gaps and issues of misunderstandings leading to techniques not addressing DSD characteristics, to achieve the desired result.