Knowledge Management in Distributed Agile Software Development

Abstract

Software development teams need highly valuable knowledge to carry out knowledge-intensive development activities. Agile teams are cross-functional teams that promote sharing of projectspecific knowledge through frequent face-to-face interaction, effective communication and customer collaboration. Knowledge sharing is difficult for distributed Agile teams due to spatial, temporal, and cultural barriers, which negatively affect face-to-face interaction, communication and collaboration. There seems to be very few studies that focus on knowledge management in distributed Agile teams. Through a Grounded Theory study that involved 45 participants from 28 different software companies in the USA, India and Australia, we investigate distributed software development from the specific perspective of Agile teams. In this paper, we describe how Agile teams gather, store, share and use knowledge in distributed software development.

Knowledge management in small software development organisations: A South African perspective

“…In fact, all the managers indicated that knowledge is used in their organisations. Dorairaj et al (2012) and Chandani et al (2007) found similar results. They found that software organisations apply the knowledge they have thus learning from it.…”

“…Apart from not opting for formal training methods, the rest of the results are a confirmation of studies conducted previously. Dorairaj et al (2012) explain that in software organisations, knowledge is generated by brainstorming, customer collaboration, formal training; communities of practice and self-learning. Boden, Nett and Wulf (2010) state that knowledge is transferred by holding meetings, training sessions and the use of technology (the Internet in this case).…”

Knowledge Sharing in Distributed Agile Projects: Techniques, Strategies and Challenges

“…These practices do not facilitate knowledge sharing in distributed agile teams but are effective for collocated and small teams. In one study Dorairaj et al [16] reported that in distributed agile project, team members practice sprint planning, daily scrums, sprint reviews and project retrospective meetings. Distributed agile team members share knowledge through effective use of knowledge management tools like Wiki, pair-programming and video-conferencing.…”

Knowledge Transfer in a Management Process for Outsourced Agile Software Development

“…According to Dorairaj et al [24], agile methods promote knowledge transfer through constant communication and collaboration amongst team members, especially through face-to-face exchange. Aimed at using a knowledge system to identify, control, and disseminate contracting information.…”