Diffusing software-engineering methods

The problems that surround software technology transfer are examined. It is suggested that for software engineers to understand these problems, they need to identify a conceptual framework that can provide a systematic understanding of diffusion processes and to identify priority areas through which the software-engineering community can effect the successful diffusion of its innovations. E.M. Roger's framework for diffusion of innovations (The Diffusion of Innovations, Free Press, NY, 1983) is discussed, and two ways to use it, as a descriptive model or as a prescriptive model, are described. A case study is presented to illustrate the arguments.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">></ETX>