Offshore software developer skill sets: A survey analysis of the impact on project success

The research presented in this dissertation studies the impact of offshore software developer skill sets on the success of a software development project from the aspects of on-time delivery and adherence to requirements. The impact of technical experience, English proficiency and prior experience working with U.S.-based companies is evaluated to understand the dependency of project success on these factors. The study was based on a sample of U.S. software developers. The research addresses the noted factors using a quantitative correlative approach to determine the strength of the correlations. Statistical analysis revealed that technical skills, English proficiency and experience working with U.S. companies play an important role in the delivery of a software application that adheres to requirements. The same factors showed similar effects on the on-time delivery of the software project developed offshore.