Agile Methods in large-scale software development organizations : applicability and model for adoption
Maarit Laanti · 2012
Agile methods have proven to be beneficial in small organizations, and there has also been growing interest in using these methods in large organizations. This dissertation analyzes what agility and agile development are and creates a framework for using those methods in large organizations. The work starts with a Concept Analysis of Agile Software Development and agile-in-large. The theoretical part also reflects the necessary background of Complex Adaptive Systems, Lean Thinking, and Learning Organizations. Then a model of an Agile Enterprise is defined and a Framework for Organizational Development and putting Agile Methods into use in large software development organizations is presented. Large development organizations consist of many levels. It is not enough to use Agile Methods on a certain level only, e.g., on the lowest level, but all levels need to change and adapt to the new way of working. Failure to do so leads to several unwanted consequences, which are described. One possible large-scale Agile Framework is described and analyzed. The usage of Agile Methods on a large scale is validated by quantitative studies. The level of success of using an Agile Framework on a large scale is dictated by how much the same framework for operation is shared within the organization, as partial transformation leads to confusion. But smaller successes can lead into organizational learning. The framework that is proposed can be used to further enhance agility. In this way large-scale agility can be seen as a never-ending series of systematic improvements of the enterprises’ Agile Aspects.