Risk management in software projects through Knowledge Management techniques: Cases in Brazilian Incubated Technology-Based Firms

•A study of the integration of Knowledge Management and risk management•An analysis of four small incubated technology based firms•An analysis of four small incubated technology based firms•Unclear vision or goals as the main risk factors for managers and developers•The identification of risks remains more reactive than preventive.•The dissemination of knowledge was not incorporated into company policy.

In businesses such as the software industry, which uses knowledge as a resource, activities are knowledge intensive, requiring constant adoption of new technologies and practices. Another feature of this environment is that the industry is particularly susceptible to failure; with this in mind, the objective of this research is to analyze the integration of Knowledge Management techniques into the activity of risk management as it applies to software development projects of micro and small Brazilian incubated technology-based firms. Research methods chosen were the Multiple Case Study. The main risk factor for managers and developers is that scope or goals are often unclear or misinterpreted. For risk management, firms have found that Knowledge Management techniques of conversion “combination” would be the most applicable for use; however, those most commonly used refer to the conversion mode as “internalization.”