Breno Alves de Andrade

arXiv2026

Useful Learning Experiences: A Qualitative Study of Corporate Training in Brazilian Software Engineering

Context: Quantitative studies can identify statistical predictors of training quality, but they often fail to capture what professionals themselves consider genuinely useful learning experiences and why. Objective: This study qualitatively investigates which types of learning experiences are perceived as most useful by Brazilian software engineering professionals and what characteristics define this usefulness. Method: Open-ended responses from 195 software engineering professionals were analyzed using Thematic Analysis, supported by frequency and lemmatization analysis using IRAMUTEQ and co-occurrence analysis between themes. Results: Five themes emerged: Continuous Technical Updating (T1), Practical and Applied Learning (T2), Formal Academic Education (T3), Social Learning and Networking (T4), and Leadership Development and Soft Skills (T5). Technical updating and practical application dominate professionals' accounts. Formal education, social learning, and soft skills are also valued as complementary dimensions. Conclusions: Perceived usefulness is strongly tied to alignment with daily work demands and immediate applicability. The convergence of technical updating (T1) and practical application (T2) in both frequency and co-occurrence reinforces the imperative of continuous learning in software engineering. Useful learning is not reducible to a single modality: genuinely valued experiences span technical, academic, social, and self-directed dimensions. Formal academic education and practical learning are perceived as complementary rather than competing. Organizations should design training ecosystems that integrate these dimensions rather than delivering isolated events.

cs.SE↗

arXiv2025

A Mapping Study About Training in Industry Context in Software Engineering

Context: Corporate training plays a strategic role in the continuous development of professionals in the software engineering industry. However, there is a lack of systematized understanding of how training initiatives are designed, implemented, and evaluated within this domain. Objective: This study aims to map the current state of research on corporate training in software engineering in industry settings, using Eduardo Salas' training framework as an analytical lens. Method: A systematic mapping study was conducted involving the selection and analysis of 26 primary studies published in the field. Each study was categorized according to Salas' four key areas: Training Needs Analysis, Antecedent Training Conditions, Training Methods and Instructional Strategies, and Post-Training Conditions. Results: The findings show a predominance of studies focusing on Training Methods and Instructional Strategies. Significant gaps were identified in other areas, particularly regarding Job/Task Analysis and Simulation-based Training and Games. Most studies were experience reports, lacking methodological rigor and longitudinal assessment. Conclusions: The study offers a structured overview of how corporate training is approached in software engineering, revealing underexplored areas and proposing directions for future research. It contributes to both academic and practical communities by highlighting challenges, methodological trends, and opportunities for designing more effective training programs in industry.

cs.SE↗