A mechanism to explore proactive knowledge retention in open source software communities. Issue 3 (15th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rashid, Mehvish; Clarke, Paul M.; O'Connor, Rory V.
• Other Names: Biró Miklós guestEditor.; Colomo–Palacios Ricardo guestEditor.; Messnarz Richard guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of software. Volume 32:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-07-15
• Subjects: knowledge loss -- mixed methods research -- open source software -- proactive knowledge retention -- software development process; Software engineering -- Periodicals; Computer software -- Development -- Periodicals; Software maintenance -- Periodicals; 005.1
• DOI: 10.1002/smr.2198
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2047-7473

Abstract

Abstract: Open‐source software (OSS) is a type of computer software wherein the source code is distributed under a special type of licence in which the copyright holder grants users the rights to inspect, alter, and redistribute the software. OSS projects are collaborative endeavours which have multiple contributors who are constantly joining, leaving, or changing their role in the project. This ever‐changing and ever‐transient nature of OSS project contributors contributes to a contributor turnover‐induced knowledge loss in OSS projects. In this case, "knowledge loss" refers to the phenomenon of the loss of project‐specific knowledge, experience, and expertise in an OSS project, caused by contributors regularly joining and leaving the OSS project. This paper describes the design and development of a robust research methodology and contributes towards the formation of proactive knowledge retention practices in OSS projects to transform contributor's use of knowledge and engagement in knowledge‐relevant activities including knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer.