Agile project management challenge in handling scope and change: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Uncertainty has become a challenge in project management during the age of the Covid-19 pandemic. Project management required a more flexible and dynamic approach; therefore, it is believed that Agile project management could provide a solution to this problem. Agile has been widely used in multiple industry areas as a practical and flexible approach in project management practices. In the project, the scope is considered one aspect that can directly affect the budget and timing. Unfortunately, it seems to be one of the most neglected domains in Agile and conventional. Agile is recognized for its rapid improvement as well as its willingness to embrace change. However, uncontrolled change can potentially delay and make the project overspend. This paper aims to examine the challenges and discover the best practices in handling scope and change in Agile. A systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out through the literature sources, which entailed IEEE Explore, ScienceDirect, Emerald Insight, ProQuest, and Wiley Online. The finding was seven categories, and eighteen issues were found. Then twenty-four best practices were mapped to the challenges. We found the most significant challenge came from People & Organization, User Requirement Prioritization, Over-scope Requirement, and Communication & Coordination. Those areas are considered the most significant challenge because they can create delays and overspend in the project.