Behaviour-driven development and metrics framework for enhanced agile practices in scrum teams

Abstract

ContextAgile methodologies highlight collaborative efforts among software engineering groups for iterative, high-quality product delivery within short timeframes. However, Scrum teams face persistent challenges in achieving these objectives, stemming from difficulties in seamless collaboration and effective communication among various roles, such as developers and testers. To address these issues, Scrum teams are increasingly adopting Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD), a testing technique fostering collaboration and shared understanding through test scenarios. ObjectivesThis research investigates the adoption of BDD practices in Scrum teams and the formulation of a metrics framework tailored for optimizing Scrum practices and product quality. MethodsEmploying action research, this study extends over two and half years, actively engaging Scrum team members and stakeholders to encompass their collaborative contributions, insights, and perspectives. It commences with defining a metrics framework through exploration within agile teams to measure and evaluate Scrum team performance. Subsequently, the focus shifts to implementing BDD practices systematically, employing training sessions, workshops, and iterative refinements. ResultsThe results of the study emphasize the substantial role of Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD) in improving collaboration, communication, and the comprehension of requirements within the Scrum team. Concurrently, the tailored metrics framework bolsters quality assurance practices, enhancing software quality and customer satisfaction. BDD adoption expedites automation and product delivery, while the metrics framework enables informed decision-making. ConclusionsCombining BDD practices with a custom metrics framework offers a holistic strategy for addressing Scrum challenges. Enhanced collaboration, communication, and requirements comprehension, resulting from BDD, synergize with the metrics framework to elevate Scrum teams' performance, software quality, and customer value. This research underlines the importance of adopting BDD as a testing methodology to achieve these improvements in Scrum teams.