An Empirical Study to Investigate the Impact of Sustainable Practices in Agile Software Development
Muhammad Taha Sohail, Shuja Mughal, Um-e Abiha, Assad Abbas, Mazhar Ali, Samee U. Khan · 2024
This research examines the integration of sustainability principles within Agile Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodologies. While Agile frameworks such as GLUX emphasize user experience and adaptability, they often prioritize software stability primarily during design and implementation phases, potentially neglecting long-term sustainability considerations. Our study posits that incorporating sustainability as a core element in Agile SDLC is essential for developing software that demonstrates optimal performance, environmental consciousness, and long-term cost-effectiveness. Through a comprehensive systematic literature review, we analyzed 67 papers selected from an initial pool of 1900 studies, employing qualitative research methods to extract and evaluate hypotheses regarding sustainable practices in agile development. The findings reveal a significant gap in current Agile methodologies concerning long-term software viability. This deficiency impedes the software's ability to adapt to evolving requirements, thus limiting its full potential. Our research proposes novel frameworks and approaches to address this limitation, aiming to ensure sustainability throughout the Agile development process. By identifying and analyzing relevant procedures and methods that contribute to sustainability within the Agile framework, this study provides valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners. The proposed integrative approach extends beyond immediate usability concerns, focusing on software products' long-term adaptability and viability. This research contributes to the growing knowledge of sustainable software development and offers practical guidelines for implementing sustainability measures within Agile frameworks. The findings highlight the importance of improving software longevity and adaptability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.