A1 Journal article (refereed)
The state of research on software engineering competencies : A systematic mapping study (2022)

Assyne, N., Ghanbari, H., & Pulkkinen, M. (2022). The state of research on software engineering competencies : A systematic mapping study. Journal of Systems and Software, 185, Article 111183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2021.111183

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Assyne, Nana; Ghanbari, Hadi; Pulkkinen, Mirja

Journal or series: Journal of Systems and Software

ISSN: 0164-1212

eISSN: 1873-1228

Publication year: 2022

Volume: 185

Article number: 111183

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: Netherlands

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2021.111183

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/79150

Abstract

Considering the critical role of software in modern societies, we face an urgent need to educate more competent software professionals. Software engineering competencies (SEC) are considered the backbone of successfully developing software products. Consequently, SEC has become a hotspot for software engineering research and practice. Although scientific literature on SEC is not lacking, to our knowledge, a comprehensive overview of the current state of SEC research is missing. To that end, we conducted an extensive and systematic review of the SEC literature. We provide an overview of the current state of research on SEC, with a particular focus on common SEC research areas. In addition to reporting the available SEC models and frameworks, we compile a list of 49 unique essential competencies of software professionals. Finally, we highlight several gaps in the literature that deserve further research. In particular, we call for a better understanding of how the essential competencies of software professionals change over time, as well as fresh accounts of the essential competencies of software professionals. Additionally, considering recent shifts toward Agile and DevOps methods, future research must explore the competencies required for developing software products in modern development environments.

Keywords: software sector; software engineering; software development; software developers; competence; competence development; systematic reviews

Free keywords: Competencies; Essential competencies; Mapping study

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 3