An experiment for evaluating the effectiveness of using a system dynamics simulation model in software project management education

Due to increasing demand for software project managers in industry, efforts are needed to develop the management-related knowledge and skills of the c urrent and future software workforce. In particular, university education n eeds to provide to their computer science students not only technology-rela ted skills but, in addition, a basic understanding of typical phenomena occ urring in industrial (and academic) software projects. This paper presents a controlled experiment that evaluates the effectivenes s of using a process simulation model for university education in software project management. The experiment uses a pre-test-post-rest control group design with random assignment of computer science students. The treatment o f the experimental group involves a System Dynamics simulation model. The t reatment of the control group involves a conventional predictive model for project planning, i.e. the well-known COCOMO model. In addition to the presentation of the results of the empirical study, the paper discusses limitations and threats to validity. Proposals for modifica tions of the experimental design and the treatments are made for future rep lications.