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Addressing the Real Skill Issue: Exploring the Impact of Soft Skills on Software Engineering Team Performance

Schekkerman, Kelian (2025) Addressing the Real Skill Issue: Exploring the Impact of Soft Skills on Software Engineering Team Performance. Master's Internship Report, Computing Science.

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Abstract

Performance prediction of student groups is a thoroughly researched topic, often focusing on demographic data or historical traits. Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability are considered essential by employers, but have not yet been included in prediction studies of student group performance. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the impact of soft skills on team performance, alongside technical skills, weekly statuses, and collaboration preferences. We used data from a real-life Software Engineering course at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen during the academic year 2023-2024. Our methodology involved finding and analysing the correlations between variables and performing statistical tests to determine significance. We formed quadrant-based clusters based on group soft skills and grades. We then identified and investigated the movements of groups among these clusters over time. We found that prior programming experience and the ability to extract the core problem are crucial for performance in block A. In block B, on the other hand, teamwork and communication skills are essential for success. These findings highlight the relevance of soft skills in determining group success. This study provides a foundation for future research, including supporting struggling groups, developing prediction models, or further exploring soft skills.

Item Type: Thesis (Master's Internship Report)
Supervisor name: Capiluppi, A. and Karastoyanova, D.
Degree programme: Computing Science
Thesis type: Master's Internship Report
Language: English
Date Deposited: 17 Jun 2025 06:39
Last Modified: 17 Jun 2025 06:39
URI: https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/35361

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