Prioritizing solutions for overcoming knowledge transfer barriers in software development using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process

Abstract

An effective knowledge transfer (KT) process is a key factor in achieving the competitive advantage that is critical for software development companies seeking to maintain their existence and improve their performance. However, there do exist obstacles to the achievement of effective knowledge transfer. Companies often face difficulties in identifying those barriers that have the great impact on KT as well as the best solutions with which to address them. Through a systematic literature review and interviews conducted with 15 experts, we identified 21 KT barriers and 12 KT solutions. The barriers were classified into three categories: team, project, and technology. Then, using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, the identified KT barriers and solutions were ranked. The result of this research is a list of ranked KT barriers and solutions relevant to software development. Poor communication and interpersonal skills, lack of management direction, and challenges to transactive memory systems topped the list of team-, project-, and technology-related barriers, respectively. It was further found that an additional weekly meeting is the best solution with which to overcome the barriers to KT.