Defect Prevention with Code Review Participation in Distributed Development Teams: Survey Analysis

Nora Lie

Authors

Nora Lie Department of Informatics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway Author

Keywords:

Code Review, Distributed Teams, Defect Prevention, Software Quality, Survey Analysis

Abstract

The rapid shift towards globally distributed software development has fundamentally altered how engineering teams approach quality assurance and peer review. Code review, traditionally a synchronous or collocated activity, has evolved into an asynchronous, tool-driven process essential for defect prevention. However, the precise relationship between developer participation levels in code review and the subsequent reduction in software defects remains insufficiently quantified in fully distributed environments. This paper investigates this relationship through a comprehensive survey analysis combined with self-reported defect metric evaluations across multiple distributed development teams. Utilizing a meticulously designed methodological framework, survey responses from software engineers were analyzed to assess how active participation, review thoroughness, and communication quality influence defect density in production systems. The findings reveal a significant inverse correlation between high participation in asynchronous code reviews and the frequency of post-release defects. Furthermore, the study identifies critical socio-technical factors, such as psychological safety and organizational support, which act as moderating variables in maximizing the efficacy of code review processes. By bridging the gap between empirical software engineering practices and human-centric survey methodologies, this research provides actionable insights for engineering leaders aiming to optimize quality assurance protocols in remote teams. Ultimately, the evidence suggests that fostering a culture of rigorous, inclusive, and highly communicative code review is paramount for sustained defect prevention in the modern distributed software landscape.

References

1. Acciaro, M.; Renken, K.; El Khadiri, N. Technological change and logistics development in European ports. In European Port Cities in Transition: Moving Towards More Sustainable Sea Transport Hubs; Springer Nature: Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany, 2020; pp. 73–88.

2. Shehadeh, M. (2025). Disclosures on digital transformation strategy and financial technology in Jordanian banks: Innovations, challenges and opportunities. Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting.

3. Balanza-Martinez, J.; Lago, P.; Verdecchia, R. Tactics for Software Energy Efficiency: A Review. In Proceedings of the Advances and New Trends in Environmental Informatics 2023; Wohlgemuth, V., Kranzlmüller, D., Höb, M., Eds.; Springer: Cham, Switzerland, 2024; pp. 115–140.

4. Ebert, C., & Duarte, C. H. C. (2018). Digital transformation. IEEE Software, 35(4), 16–21.

5. Hall, S.; Nataraj, S.; Kim, D.K. Detecting no-sleep energy bugs using reference counted variables. In Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Mobile Software Engineering and Systems (MOBILESoft ’18), Gothenburg, Sweden, 27–28 May 2018; pp. 161–165.

6. Petticrew, M.; Roberts, H. Systematic Reviews in the Social Sciences: A Practical Guide; Blackwell Publishing: Malden, MA, USA, 2006.

7. Mourtzis, D.; Panopoulos, N. Digital transformation process towards resilient production systems and networks. In Supply Network Dynamics and Control; Springer: Cham, Switzerland, 2022; pp. 11–42.

8. Yang, Y.C.; Hsieh, Y.H. The critical success factors of smart port digitalization development in the post-COVID-19 era. Case Stud. Transp. Policy 2024, 17, 101231.

9. Monteiro, E.; Cavalcante, H.; Barreto, R.; de Freitas, R. Analysis of Energy Consumption on Android Devices for Developers: A Systematic Mapping Study. SBC Rev. Comput. Sci. 2023, 3, 1–18.

10. Konopik, J., Jahn, C., Schuster, T., Hoßbach, N., & Pflaum, A. (2022). Mastering the digital transformation through organizational capabilities: A conceptual framework. Digital Business, 2(2), 100019.

11. Rua, R.; Fraga, T.; Couto, M.; Saraiva, J.a. Greenspecting Android virtual keyboards. In Proceedings of the IEEE/ACM 7th International Conference on Mobile Software Engineering and Systems (MOBILESoft ’20); ACM: New York, NY, USA, 2020; pp. 98–108.

12. Monferdini, L.; Bottani, E. Examining the Response to COVID-19 in Logistics and Supply Chain Processes: Insights from a State-of-the-Art Literature Review and Case Study Analysis. Appl. Sci. 2024, 14, 5317.

13. Eleutheriou, K. (2024). Accessing digital transformation tools and practices. Jobily.gr. Available online: https://jobily.gr/blog/2a511ea6-5879-46d3-85ef-dd9941f53dec (accessed on 5 August 2025).

14. Lykourentzou, M. A., Apostolopoulos, N., Dabić, M., Liargovas, P., & Tekavčič, M. (2025). Assessing the role of human factor in digital transformation projects: A systematic literature review and research agenda. Technology in Society, 82, 102934.

15. Nunkesser, R. The End of Mobile Software Engineering (As We Know It). In Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Software Technologies-ICSOFT, Dijon, France, 8–10 July 2024; pp. 131–136.

16. Smajli, E.; Feldman, G.; Cox, S. Exploring the Limitations of Business Process Maturity Models: A Systematic Literature Review. Inf. Syst. Manag. 2024, 42, 2–21.

17. Saragiotis, P. Business process management in the port sector: A literature review. Marit. Bus. Rev. 2019, 4, 49–70.

18. Nunkesser, R. The Past, Present, and Future of Mobile Software Engineering. In Software Technologies; Fill, H.G., Domínguez Mayo, F.J., van Sinderen, M., Maciaszek, L.A., Eds.; Springer: Cham, Switzerland, 2026.

19. Schneider, D., Huth, T., & Vietor, T. (2021). Development of an Industry 4.0 method and knowledge platform for strategic technology implementation. Procedia CIRP, 100, 613–618.

20. Asatiani, A., & Torell, J. (2023). Balancing digital debt and digital options: Challenges of digital transformation at Green Cargo. Journal of Information Technology Teaching Cases, 13(2), 154–164.

21. Su, Z.; Liu, Y.; Gao, Y.; Park, K.S.; Su, M. Critical success factors for green port transformation using digital technology. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12, 2128.

22. Al Zami, M.B.; Shaon, S.; Quy, V.K.; Nguyen, D.C. Digital twin in industries: A comprehensive survey. IEEE Access 2025, 13, 47291–47336.

23. Kurp, P. Green computing. Commun. ACM 2008, 51, 11–13.

24. Kitchenham, B.A.; Dyba, T.; Jorgensen, M. Evidence-Based Software Engineering. In Proceedings of the 26th International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE ’04), Edinburgh, UK, 28–28 May 2004; pp. 273–281.

25. Petticrew, M., & Roberts, H. (2006). Systematic reviews in the social sciences: A practical guide. Blackwell.

26. Issa, A., Hatiboglu, B., Bildstein, A., & Bauernhansl, T. (2018). Industrie 4.0 roadmap: Framework for digital transformation based on the concepts of capability maturity and alignment. Procedia CIRP, 72, 973–978.

27. Nadeem, K., Wong, S. I., Za, S., & Venditti, M. (2024). Digital transformation and industry 4.0 employees: Empirical evidence from top digital nations. Technology in Society, 76, 102434.

28. Musella, L. The Impact of COVID-19 on Thesupply Chain: Review of the Effects of a Pandemic Crisis on the Global Supplysystem and Analysis of its Fragilities.

2023. Available online: https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1751221&dswid=5953 (accessed on 12 January 2025).