Research Paper

Distributing Expertise in Agile Software Development Projects

Abstract

The distribution of expertise in Agile teams is vital to enable team knowledge to be shared, preserved, and accessed when it is needed. Most studies emphasize knowledge sharing but a few empirical studies focus on skills. Integrating knowledge and skills is vital to leverage expertise in Agile teams. Moreover, it is not easy to leverage expertise by distributing expertise in Agile teams. Through a Grounded Theory study involving 18 Agile practitioners based in New Zealand and Australia, we revealed five approaches to distributing expertise in Agile teams: embracing a master-apprentice model, coaching and mentoring, engaging hands-on learning, establishing discussion platforms and disseminating explicit knowledge. Distributing expertise will provide insight into how Agile team members disseminate available expertise and pull new expertise into Agile teams.

Mawarny Md. Rejab
School of Engineering
and Computer Science
Victoria University of Wellington,
Wellington, New Zealand
[email protected]

James Noble
School of Engineering
and Computer Science
Victoria University of Wellington,
Wellington, New Zealand
[email protected]

George Allan
School of Engineering
and Computer Science
Victoria University of Wellington,
Wellington, New Zealand
[email protected]

Agile Alliance members-only content

To read the full content, and gain access to many more valuable resources, conference discounts, and invitations to exclusive networking and learning events, please consider becoming an Agile Alliance member.

If you’re already a member, please log in now. 

Your membership enables Agile Alliance to offer a wealth of first-rate resources, present renowned international events, support global community groups, and more — all geared toward helping Agile practitioners reach their full potential and deliver innovative, Agile solutions.

Add to Bookmarks Remove Bookmark
Add to Bookmarks Remove from Bookmarks
Add to Bookmarks Remove from Bookmarks

Got feedback? Join the conversation!

Additional Agile Research Papers

In Agile software development, key artifacts used to support the process are the User Story (usually recorded on a Storycard) and Story Cardwall (usually a dedicated portion of a wall). These low-fidelity tools work together to help teams stay focuse…
With the popularization of Agile methods for developing and managing software projects, many organizations have been using visual management tools for planning, executing and evaluating their activities. These visual management tools range from simpl…

Discover the many benefits of membership

Your membership enables Agile Alliance to offer a wealth of first-rate resources, present renowned international events, support global community groups, and more — all geared toward helping Agile practitioners reach their full potential and deliver innovative, Agile solutions.

Not yet a member? Sign up now