Strategic factors in agile software development method adaptation : a study of market-driven organisations : a thesis presented in partial [fulfilment] of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology at Massey University, Albany campus, New Zealand
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Date
2011
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Massey University
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Abstract
Agile methods now provide an alternative to the structured approach for software
development. Since their early adoption in the mid-1990s, there has been a growing
acceptance of agile methods as a legitimate development approach amongst the
information systems development community. Amongst some of the talked about agile
benefits in comparison to the structured approach are improvements in delivery and
quality standards, productivity levels and knowledge transfer within the organisation,
and customer satisfaction through collaboration and frequent delivery of implemented
features. The agile philosophy of a team approach and ownership for product
development creates a feel-good and motivational factor for engineers. Regardless, the
inventors of the agile approach strongly emphasize adaptation to achieve continuous
product development success. As a result, an understanding of the adoption of agile
methods cannot be separated from an understanding of its adaptation by development
teams.
Using a theoretical framework relating to software development process adaptation,
developed by Fitzgerald (1998), and through two case studies (agile adopters)
qualitative data in relation to agile adaptation was gathered and analysed to determine
the nature of agile adaptation. This revealed that adaptation is a critical feature of agile
approaches. These adaptations enhance the strategic nature of the organisational factors
and the chosen agile approach to develop market differential products. The main
contribution of the thesis is that it presents an adapted agile adaptation framework
showing that at a conceptual level the main structures (the organisational and
methodology factors) that influence software development remain consistent when
moving to agile development. However, the underlying elements of these factors are
comprehensively adapted, transforming an organisation into an agile organisation in a
market-driven environment. Further, in this environment the organisational and
development structures will keep evolving due to the emerging market factors and
improvements in product development technologies.
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Keywords
Software development, Information systems, Software development process adaptation, Agile software development methods