Article Gold Open Access 2026

Bridging the skills gap through Agile methodologies in Vocational Software Development Education

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Journal · Vol. 29 · Art. 100614
Abstract

This study introduces a multi-semester framework for Vocational Software Development Education (VSDE) that incorporates Agile practices—specifically Scrum, Lean Startup, and Extreme Programming—into a Project-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum. Conducted at an Indonesian polytechnic with 51 students across six courses, the framework was evaluated using a mixed-methods case study that combined qualitative data (such as interviews and reflections) with quantitative indicators (including Net Promoter Score [NPS], Minimum Viable Product (MVP) delivery, and sprint completion rates). The findings demonstrated a systematic improvement, with the median NPS increasing from 20.0 in Sprint 1 to 56.9 in Sprint 5, and six out of seven teams showing progress (Friedman χ2(4) = 11.38, p = 0.023). Survey results indicated gains of 1.5–2.0 points in Agile competencies, while student reflections highlighted a greater sense of ownership and more adaptive delivery processes. Overall, the results indicate that the iterative adoption of Agile practices can enhance both product quality and professional readiness. This study presents a replicable model and provides practical guidance for curriculum design, stakeholder engagement, and scaling Agile pedagogy across diverse institutional contexts. © 2025 The Authors

Keywords

Author Keywords

Project-Based Learning Vocational education Agile methodologies Skills gap Software industry readiness Thematic analysis

Index Keywords

Teaching Curricula Agile manufacturing systems Apprentices Education computing Iterative methods Lean production Product design Quality control Students Agile Methodologies Agile practices EXtreme Programming Mixed method Project based learning Skills gaps Software industry Software industry readiness Thematic analysis Vocational education Software design
Author Affiliations
Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
SimHive Group, Surabaya, Indonesia
Funding & Acknowledgements
Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi, MECRT
Grant: PT/2022, 1427/PKS/ITS/2022
We want to thank the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia for their generous support of our research through the Doctoral Dissertation Research Program. The main contract number for this program is 084/E5/PG.02.00.PT/2022 , while the Researcher Contract Number is 1427/PKS/ITS/2022. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the teaching team of Software Engineering subjects at Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya, as well as to the students who participated in the 2022 Software Development course, for their invaluable contributions.
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