Jeffery and Lawrence have performed a high quality research effort. They have substantiated their work adequately in both narrative and statistical forms. The information contained in their paper should be read by all individuals concerned with managing or directing programmers.

An indication that significant productivity improvements can be made through changes in methodology rather than through a sustained improvement in individual performance is helpful, particularly to those individuals implementing a disciplined approach to software development. Another indication that technology changes have not impacted the programming task to any noticeable extent seems to corroborate the notion that methodology improvements should be paramount.

I think Jeffery and Lawrence make a significant contribution to the human factor element of computer programming, i.e., the establishment of the need for a very strong relationship between a supervisor and the programmer to effect improved programming productivity. While this seems academic or basic, since the supervisor/employee relationship is significant in any effort, it does add to the body of knowledge being gathered relative to software productivity and software quality. It further suggests that all lead programmers, programming supervisors, and managers should be subjected to formal courses in human relations and attitude motivation. Let us hope that this paper causes that to happen.