Creating and sustaining software knowledge

Abstract

Software processes are complex combination of technology and skill, highly dependent on human knowledge. Human involvement and the very nature of software development processes incur high degree of volatility in software processes. Valuable knowledge is created and also lost as software organizations lean towards ‘agility’. Capturing and sustaining this knowledge in readily available and usable form is very important in ensuring continued success for the organization. Software organizations relying on agile methods, usually overlook the importance of knowledge sustenance, which can lead into loss of valuable software knowledge.

This thesis outlines the factors influencing knowledge transfer in today’s increasingly agile software world by carrying out participatory (active) observations in a product based software organization. Knowledge representation forms (text / visual), software architecture, development practices and standards compliance affect how knowledge is sustained within a team and hence dictates the efficiency of transfer to new members.