Software Process Improvement through Knowledge Management

Software Process Improvement (SPI) is an approach to systematic and continuous improvement of a software development organisation’s ability to develop quality software. SPI requires improvement trough learning and knowledge creation around software development processes. Knowledge management (KM) is therefore an important component of a successful SPI effort. Many SPI programs are often based on normative models that fit badly with the unique and changing environment of software development projects. This paper presents and discusses two different approaches for knowledge management (KM) in software development organisations. Using the two studies we give recommendations for KM in software development organisations and how SPI can be supported by KM. The first study discusses a project that started with a common strategy to software process improvement— the Experience Factory—and later changed to a networking strategy. The second study discusses software development methods as knowledge enablers and their role in an SPI effort. One finding is that codified knowledge that lacks context is difficult to exploit i n a volatile product development environment. A second finding suggests that there must be a balance between exploration and exploitation of knowledge as both are of importance to the software development process. A third finding suggests that methods as knowledge enablers play an important role in SPI.