A Framework to Evaluate Software Engineering Program Using SWEBOK Version 4

Abstract

Software engineering (SE) has a dynamic nature that makes it challenging to design educational material that can adequately communicate the necessary knowledge and skills to students. The Guide to the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK) has been updated and a new version has been released to cope with the fast base changes in the domain. Any software engineering program needs to be evaluated from different perspectives, including curricula, teaching methods, lab facilities, and faculty expertise. This paper aims to develop a common framework for evaluating software engineering programs. A case study is conducted to evaluate two aspects of the SE program, namely, the curricula and the expertise of the faculty. The main findings show the lack of coverage in several SWEBOK areas such as maintenance, software process, configuration management, construction, and software engineering economics. Additionally, new SWEBOK areas like software security and software engineering operations have limited course offerings. The study also recognizes some challenges in evaluating the success of bridging academia and industry through capstones and collaborations. Practitioners are recommended to conduct regular reviews of SE curricula in accordance with evolving standards such as the SWEBOK. They should strive to improve the coverage of areas that have not been adequately addressed and to expand course offerings in emerging SWEBOK areas.