A competency framework for the stakeholders of a software process improvement initiative

Abstract

The competencies (a set of specific knowledges, skills, attitudes and behaviors; e.g. stress handling, commitment, collaboration and identification of conflicts) of the employees of software organizations are a fundamental element for the success of a Software Process Improvement (SPI) initiative. We performed three case studies to identify the competencies required for the stakeholders in an SPI initiative. To identify these competencies, we observed the activities that each stakeholder performs and the interactions among them. We also identified the competencies that are required to perform those activities. We performed a classification of the identified competencies and integrated them into a framework. This framework defines the competencies for seven roles involved in an SPI initiative and defines the level of expertise required by each role for each competency. To evaluate the framework, we performed ten interviews and two empirical tests. Preliminary results show that this framework is relevant in SPI initiatives, the use of this framework can raise the awareness about the competencies, and it can support some SPI activities.