Abstract
The global demand for more efficient and usable software is constantly growing with a high attrition rate of
outdated software. The software industry has grown exponentially over the last decade and operates globally in a
distributed, geographically dispersed environment. These developments present newer challenges to the software
industry especially in the area of project management of software development projects. The growth of the
outsourced software development model with vendors and clients engaging globally to provide software solutions
has received attention from researchers and research in the areas of Global Software Development and distributed
development of software.
There is however, gaps in the areas of knowledge pertaining to project management of software projects in the
current scenario and how the existing project management methodologies are able to justify the requirements of
managing outsourced projects. One of the leading outsourced software service providers in the world, India, has
established its position in the global market, however faces a high rate of failure.
This research explores the challenges and the influence of software development methodologies like Agile and
Waterfall on the project management of outsourced software development projects in India. The research brings
to light several characteristics of the Indian software industry and the current practices and processes that the
industry is progressing towards. The research reveals some interesting insights and exposes areas for further
research.
