Abstract
AbstractInter-team coordination in large-scale software development can be challenging when relying on agile development methods that emphasize iterative and frequent delivery in autonomous teams. Previous research has introduced the concept of coordination strategies, which refer to a set of coordination mechanisms to manage dependencies. We report on a case study in a large-scale agile development program with 16 development teams. Through interviews, meeting observations, and supplemental document analyses, we explore the challenges to inter-team coordination and how dependencies are managed. We found four coordination strategies: 1) aligning autonomous teams, 2) maintaining overview in the large-scale setting, 3) managing prioritizations, and 4) managing architecture and technical dependencies. This study extends previous research on coordination strategies within teams to the inter-team level. We propose that large-scale organizations can use coordination strategies to understand how they coordinate across teams and manage their unique coordination situation.
Highlights
Digital transformation drives new sectors, such as the finance and transportation sectors, to make use of agile development methods, often in large-scale settings
To better understand the challenges to inter-team coordination and how they can be managed, we address the following research question: How are coordination strategies used in large-scale agile to manage inter-team coordination challenges?
We explored the research question: How are coordination strategies used in large-scale agile to manage inter-team coordination challenges? We applied the theory of coordination as a guiding lens and extended the coordination strategy concept to the inter-team level
Summary
Digital transformation drives new sectors, such as the finance and transportation sectors, to make use of agile development methods, often in large-scale settings. Coordination Strategies: Managing Inter-team Coordination Challenges 141 engineers, architects, testers, other teams, and support and expert roles, all while keeping in line with the team’s goals and prioritizations [3] Many of these aspects represent coordination challenges, as several parts of the development organization depend on each other to align their efforts to deliver a software product. Sekitoleko et al [15] investigated challenges associated with communication of technical dependencies in largescale agile They found challenges such as planning, task prioritization, code quality, and integration and suggested that these challenges can be addressed by practices such as Scrum-of-Scrum meetings, continuous integration, and working in an open space [15]. Dingsøyr et al [5] explored coordination in a large-scale program with a high degree of task uncertainty and interdependencies and highlighted the importance of scheduled and unscheduled meetings for coordination by feedback They emphasized the need for changing coordination practices over time [5]
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