Agile Scrum Scaling Practices for Large Scale Software Development

Abstract

Plan-driven software methods, which are also called tradition approaches, promise predictability, stability, and high assurance while Agile methodologies, which is also called light-weight, increased customer satisfaction, lower defect rates, faster development times, and are a solution to rapidly changing requirements. Research works in the software engineering domain report on the increasing use and successes of small-scale and relatively simple software projects with Agile Scrum methods. Recently, however, empirical academic research works and industry experience case studies have confirmed the wide use of Agile Scrum in large-scale and mission-critical software projects. Despite the widely adoption of the method by the software industry, there are still challenges and pressing demands to identify scaling factors for Agile Scrum method. This research is envisioned to identify the specific problems that software companies face when trying to implement Agile Scrum method, in particular related to the implementation of large software development projects. Then, it tries to identify critical success factors of large software development projects that are appropriate for scaling up Agile Scrum. In this research, mixed research methods have been employed to address the research questions. Two Large-scale as well as Safety/Mission-Critical Agile Scrum software development companies are selected for case studies. The findings of the research will help agile practitioners and consultants to identify and adopt Agile Scrum scaling practices in their respective organizational context.