Knowledge Management in Software Engineering: A Systematic Review of Studied Concepts, Findings and Research Methods Used (1811.12278v1)

Abstract: Software engineering is knowledge-intensive work, and how to manage software engineering knowledge has received much attention. This systematic review identifies empirical studies of knowledge management initiatives in software engineering, and discusses the concepts studied, the major findings, and the research methods used. Seven hundred and sixty-two articles were identified, of which 68 were studies in an industry context. Of these, 29 were empirical studies and 39 reports of lessons learned. More than half of the empirical studies were case studies. The majority of empirical studies relate to technocratic and behavioural aspects of knowledge management, while there are few studies relating to economic, spatial and cartographic approaches. A finding reported across multiple papers was the need to not focus exclusively on explicit knowledge, but also consider tacit knowledge. We also describe implications for research and for practice.

• The paper systematically reviews empirical studies, mapping diverse KM concepts and revealing the balance between explicit and tacit knowledge strategies in software engineering.
• The paper employs varied research methods—primarily case studies—to analyze real-world applications of technocratic and behavioral KM approaches.
• The paper recommends diversifying methodologies, such as incorporating ethnographic studies, to address gaps in agile, cartographic, and spatial KM research.

Systematic Review of Knowledge Management in Software Engineering

The paper by Bjørnson and Dingsøyr presents a comprehensive systematic review of empirical studies focused on knowledge management (KM) in software engineering (SE). The authors aim to map the field by identifying the KM concepts addressed in software engineering, major findings, and the research methods employed. Knowledge management is crucial in SE due to its knowledge-intensive nature, where human capital predominates over physical assets. The demand for empirically-validated studies has catalyzed efforts to synthesize existing research through systematic reviews, facilitating evidence-based software engineering (EBSE).

Key Knowledge Management Concepts

Empirical studies are predominantly rooted in technocratic and behavioral schools of KM, with scant coverage of economic, spatial, or cartographic approaches. The technocratic schools, particularly systems and engineering, dominate the research landscape. In systems, the focus is on developing and using knowledge repositories. Findings suggest that such repositories are actively used in industries, contributing to both immediate and long-term benefits. Interestingly, the carpographic aspects capture minimal research interest, despite their acknowledged applications in other sectors.

Behavioral schools concentrate on organizational and strategic elements, evaluating networks and the strategic integration of KM into broader company goals. Notably, research within the organizational category emphasizes harnessing existing informal networks for effective knowledge pooling. The strategic KM studies support the existence of distinct management approaches for innovation and the utilization of extant knowledge.

Major Findings

A recurring theme is the dual necessity of explicit and tacit knowledge management. Empirical results emphasize that KM strategies should not be solely explicit, countering critiques asserting the limitations of IT-heavy KM approaches. The long-term viability of codification strategies remains underexplored; however, initial studies indicate success in software contexts.

The recognition of knowledge pull—user-led knowledge discovery—as a more efficient management approach than knowledge push is an important finding corroborated by studies outside software-specific domains. Moreover, leadership's pivotal role as a KM enabler reinforces the importance of organizational culture alongside technological tools.

Research Methods

The methodology utilized across studies is diverse, with case studies predominating, complemented by action research and field studies. This reflects the field's focus on real-world applications and practical implications. However, given the field's maturity trajectory, there is a call for methodological diversification, especially towards ethnography, to deepen understanding of KM practices within software companies.

Implications and Future Directions

For researchers, the paper elucidates gaps, particularly within the behavioral schools pertinent to agile software development practices. Given the observed shift towards agile methodologies, prioritizing KM aspects more aligned with tacit knowledge could foster relevant insights. Further exploration within the cartographic and spatial schools, given their relatively lower implementation costs and potential applicability to agile setups, is warranted.

Practitioners are advised to align KM initiatives with their development approach. Traditional settings might benefit from technocratic strategies, while agile entities might find value in emphasizing organizational networks and spatial adjustments to enhance tacit knowledge sharing.

Conclusion

This systematic review underscores a bifurcation in KM strategies appropriate for different software development paradigms. It highlights an evolving landscape where a balance of explicit and tacit knowledge strategies is crucial. Future research trajectory should consider the dynamic nature of SE environments and align with emerging development methodologies to propose effective KM solutions.