Best Practices Evidenced for Software Development Based on DevOps and Scrum: A Literature Review
Manuel Alejandro Pastrana Pardo, Hugo Ordóñez, Carlos Cobos, Mirna Muñoz · Applied Sciences · 2025
Very small entities (VSEs) often lack resources and specialized expertise and thus face unique challenges in the adoption of frameworks such as Scrum and DevOps. While these frameworks offer the potential to improve efficiency and quality, their successful integration into VSEs remains a complex undertaking. To address this issue, this study conducts a literature review of studies indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, aiming to consolidate existing knowledge and identify key success factors for the joint adoption of Scrum and DevOps in VSEs. A total of 111 peer-reviewed papers published between 2014 and 2023 were analyzed using a thematic analysis. The findings reveal five critical factors for Scrum (actively involving the stakeholders, early and continuous feedback, transparent communication channel, constant measure quality, and quality deliverable), five essential DevOps practices (versioning, pipeline automation, creation of a collaborative culture, continuous integration, and automated testing), and three common practices that facilitate their integration (early feedback, collaborative culture, and continuous improvement). This research provides actionable insights for VSE practitioners seeking to implement Scrum and DevOps effectively. It underscores the requirement for tailored guidelines and practical models to support the successful adoption of these frameworks, ultimately improving software development processes and business outcomes in these resource-constrained organizations.