SWEBoK-based Bibliometric Analysis of Software Engineering

Abstract

In our research study spanning 2015-2021, we analyzed Software Engineering (SE) across 15 Knowledge Areas (KAs) outlined by SWEBoK. Using Web of Science (WoS) database, we examined 32,232 articles (2015-2017), 31,459 articles (2018-2020), and 6,919 articles (2021). Collaborative and co-word networks were generated using VOS Viewer. Our findings reveal SE's influence in 81 research areas. English dominated, but Spanish and Portuguese were notable. Europe led in publications, with USA and China prominent. Stronger collaboration networks, especially in the USA and China, correlated with increased research output. Asian countries' rise was evident from 2018-2021. Top 10 highly cited papers and co-word analysis were included, aiding researchers and educators. SE's impact crossed domains, enabling cross-disciplinary research and informing educators' course designs. Institutional and country productivity influenced partnerships and academia-industry collaborations. Multinational companies gauged research potential through active countries. Analyzing co-words depicted trends, and highly cited papers set industry standards. Bibliometric analysis offered qualitative and quantitative research evaluation.

Keywords

• Software Engineering
• Knowledge Areas
• Bibliometric
• SWEBoK