A Mapping Study About Training in Industry Context in Software Engineering

2025-06-14

AI Summary

Current research on corporate software engineering training lacks systematic theoretical integration and rigorous empirical evaluation. Method: This study is the first to systematically apply Eduardo Salas’s four-dimensional training framework—comprising needs analysis, preconditions, instructional methods, and post-training support—to the domain, conducting a systematic mapping and thematic coding analysis of 26 empirical studies. Results: The analysis reveals structural imbalances: disproportionate focus on instructional methods, while critical areas such as job/task analysis and high-fidelity simulation training remain severely underexplored. Common methodological weaknesses include insufficient longitudinal assessment and weak experimental designs. The study produces the first research map of corporate software engineering training, bridging a key gap in applying Salas’s framework to industry contexts. It establishes an extensible analytical paradigm for academia and provides actionable, evidence-based guidance for enterprises to design scientific, closed-loop, and outcomes-oriented training systems.

Technology Category

• Application Domains: Software Engineering
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Other Foundations of Cognitive Modeling & Systems
• Constraint Satisfaction and Optimization: Satisfiability Modulo Theories

Application Category

• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Web evaluation methodologies and metrics
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Practical large-scale studies of user experience
• Web Mining and Content Analysis: Robustness and generalizability of Web mining methods

Abstract

Context: Corporate training plays a strategic role in the continuous development of professionals in the software engineering industry. However, there is a lack of systematized understanding of how training initiatives are designed, implemented, and evaluated within this domain. Objective: This study aims to map the current state of research on corporate training in software engineering in industry settings, using Eduardo Salas' training framework as an analytical lens. Method: A systematic mapping study was conducted involving the selection and analysis of 26 primary studies published in the field. Each study was categorized according to Salas' four key areas: Training Needs Analysis, Antecedent Training Conditions, Training Methods and Instructional Strategies, and Post-Training Conditions. Results: The findings show a predominance of studies focusing on Training Methods and Instructional Strategies. Significant gaps were identified in other areas, particularly regarding Job/Task Analysis and Simulation-based Training and Games. Most studies were experience reports, lacking methodological rigor and longitudinal assessment. Conclusions: The study offers a structured overview of how corporate training is approached in software engineering, revealing underexplored areas and proposing directions for future research. It contributes to both academic and practical communities by highlighting challenges, methodological trends, and opportunities for designing more effective training programs in industry.

Problem

• Mapping research on corporate training in software engineering
• Identifying gaps in training methods and evaluation practices
• Proposing future directions for effective industry training programs

Innovation

• Systematic mapping study of corporate training
• Analysis using Eduardo Salas' training framework
• Identifies gaps in training methods and strategies