CORPORATE EDUCATION IN SMEs OF THE SOFTWARE INDUSTRY: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Abstract

The development of professional competences is one of the challenges faced by technology-based companies, situated in an environment that evolves rapidly and steadily. This scenario is particularly valid for the software industry, since professionals’ qualification is an essential element for their survival in the market. One of the main obstacles to its growth is the lack of qualified professionals, not only in terms of technical knowledge, but also in terms of skills and attitudes that are essential to the concept of competence. Considering the importance of this sector, this paper aims to identify and to analyze the challenges faced by small and medium size software enterprises in their processes of corporate education. The research method included participatory research in a medium size software company and interviews with experts, managers of industry representative organizations and technology centers located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). The main research results show that most of the software companies in the researched context do not have or have only scarce financial resources for investment in human resources management. Thus, most such companies do not have a systematic planning of actions that allow them to align future goals with the development of their professionals. Most of the medium/small size software companies do not promote corporate education due to lack of knowledge on this subject and also due to lack of financial resources and trained personnel to conduct projects or programs according to this logic. Finally, the results show that universities still do not address the needs of professional training for the software industry in the researched context. Actions are needed in order to strengthen the relationship between companies and educational institutions, to accomplish an effective development of professionals that can contribute to the software sector competitiveness.