Loading...
Walk before you run: using heuristic evaluation to assess a training tool prototype
Date
2014
Abstract
Context: One of the chief challenges of Global Software Development (GSD) is for globally, culturally and linguistically diverse team members to communicate effectively. Failing to meet this challenge can lead to misunderstandings that impede project success. To prepare practitioners for remote and diverse forms of communication we have developed VENTURE: a simulationbased training platform that aims to increase cultural awareness. Aim of study: Having developed a prototype training platform, we now assess whether VENTURE can deliver real learning and increase cultural awareness. Method: A survey was designed based on educational theory. Using a heuristic evaluation approach, a group of potential users trialed the system and completed a proof of learning survey before and after using the platform. Survey results, and VENTURE’s own automated assessment scores, were analysed and compared. Results: Results indicate that the platform has the potential to provide useful and meaningful training for cultural awareness in GSD. A secondary result is that the assessment scheme proved useful in providing both evidence of learning and highlighting areas where VENTURE could be improved. Conclusion: Researchers and practitioners can gain an understanding of how to evaluate, train and measure soft skills, such as communication, important to all forms of software development. The methodology applied served to adapt the environment to the needs of potential users and the actual problems of GSD.
Supervisor
Description
peer-reviewed
Publisher
Association for Computing Machinery
Citation
EASE '14 Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Evaluation and Assessment in Software Engineering;article 41
Files
Loading...
Monasor_2014_walk.pdf
Adobe PDF, 779.31 KB
ULRR Identifiers
Funding code
Funding Information
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional FEDER, GLOBALIA, Consejería de Educación y Ciencia, Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha