Knowledge Transfer in Software Engineering Education using SECI Model

Problem Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method that is able to transfer tacit knowledge from lecturers to students based on Socialization, Externalization, Combination and Internalization (SECI) model. However, the knowledge transfer process in PBL teaching method for Software Engineering (SE) in higher education is yet remain ambiguous and need to be explored extensively. Thus, this paper aims 1) to investigate the measurement and structural models and 2) to identify the relationship of SECI model in PBL teaching method for SE education. The methodology begins with theoretical study that involves a systematic review of SECI model. Then, the empirical study is conducted by distributing a set of questionnaire to investigate the Socialization, Externalization, Combination and Internalization processes in transferring tacit knowledge from lecturer to students. The respondents are students from System Analysis and Design (SAD) classes in Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). In model evaluation phase, the model will be evaluated using a case study. The data will be analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). SEM is applied to identify causal relationship among Socialization, Externalization, Combination and Internalization and to test the fitness of SECI model. The result has shown that 1) the measurement model fits the data empirically and 2) the SECI model is suitable for PBL teaching method in SE education. This will be helpful for the higher educational institutions to understand the proper processes in transferring the tacit knowledge from lecturer to students via PBL teaching method in SE courses.