MPS Manager: A Serious Game to Enhance Teaching on Software Development Process Quality

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Bibliographic Details
Title: MPS Manager: A Serious Game to Enhance Teaching on Software Development Process Quality
Language: English
Authors: Iago Rodrigues Agualuza, Silvana Morita Melo, Lina Garcés, Vânia de Oliveira Neves
Source: Informatics in Education. 2025 24(2):223-260.
Availability: Vilnius University Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. Akademjos str. 4, Vilnius LT 08663 Lithuania. Tel: +37-5-21-09300; Fax: +37-5-27-29209; e-mail: info@mii.vu.lt; Web site: https://infedu.vu.lt/journal/INFEDU
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 38
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Educational Games, Teaching Methods, Computer Science Education, Computer Software, Foreign Countries, Gamification, Student Satisfaction, Gender Differences, In Person Learning, Online Courses, Learner Engagement, Computer Interfaces
Geographic Terms: Brazil
ISSN: 1648-5831
2335-8971
Abstract: Modern software companies prioritize high-quality products for competitiveness, and Software Process Improvement (SPI) models help achieve this. In Brazil, the Brazilian Software Process Improvement Model ("MPS-SW" model) is widely used, but its complexity and extensive documentation make it challenging to teach in undergraduate courses. To address the lack of students engagement to learn SPI, we developed the "MPS Manager," a serious game that incorporates gamification to facilitate learning about the "MPS-SW" model. The game was evaluated in four Software Engineering courses across three universities with 83 students. Using the Model for the Evaluation of Educational GAmes ("MEEGA+") method, students assessed the game across dimensions such as usability, confidence, and learning, with 55% overall agreement. Further analysis explored correlations between satisfaction and factors like gender, gaming experience, and course format (i.e., virtual or in-person). Feedback from students highlighted the need for improved engagement, social interaction, and reduced gameplay monotony, which will guide future game enhancements.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1477394
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Modern software companies prioritize high-quality products for competitiveness, and Software Process Improvement (SPI) models help achieve this. In Brazil, the Brazilian Software Process Improvement Model ("MPS-SW" model) is widely used, but its complexity and extensive documentation make it challenging to teach in undergraduate courses. To address the lack of students engagement to learn SPI, we developed the "MPS Manager," a serious game that incorporates gamification to facilitate learning about the "MPS-SW" model. The game was evaluated in four Software Engineering courses across three universities with 83 students. Using the Model for the Evaluation of Educational GAmes ("MEEGA+") method, students assessed the game across dimensions such as usability, confidence, and learning, with 55% overall agreement. Further analysis explored correlations between satisfaction and factors like gender, gaming experience, and course format (i.e., virtual or in-person). Feedback from students highlighted the need for improved engagement, social interaction, and reduced gameplay monotony, which will guide future game enhancements.
ISSN:1648-5831
2335-8971