1.1 The Need To Improve The Performance Of Software

Committee Member The Office of Graduate Studies has verified and approved the above named committee members. ii I would like to sincerely thank my two advisors, Dr. Bob Zmud and Dr. Joey George, whose wisdom, guidance, and extreme patience made this dissertation possible. I truly appreciate their insights, suggestions, and granting me the opportunity to complete this effort. I would also like to thank my other committee members, Dr. William Anthony and Dr. David Paradice, for their help and support in making this effort possible. I thank you all and wish you all the best. Finally, I would like to thank my family for all the help and support they have given me over these many years. I know it was very hard for all of us but I could not have finished without their support and sacrifice. I simply could not have done it without them and hope that someday I can make it up to them. Thanks