Agile Development Research Articles

Exploring prescriptive and agile management of university-based living labs

ABSTRACT University-based living labs serve as open innovation platforms that foster collaborative research and experimentation across various disciplines. These labs bring together academics, citizens, community organisations, companies, and other entities to collectively address complex contemporary issues. The labs’ managers are expected to adopt flexible, agile management approaches to support the openness of their lab to stakeholders. Flexible management approaches create various challenges, as the labs are often expected also to comply with traditional project management principles of deadlines, project deliverables, budget restrictions, and quality conditions as set by their project sponsors and host organisation. The combination of prescriptive and agile project management approaches in such open innovation settings has been relatively underexplored in higher education research. Drawing on the theoretical literature on boundary work and project management, we analyse how the managers of a Dutch university-based living lab execute flexible project management styles in a setting that is dominated by prescriptive project management traditions. Based on information from 20 interviews and document analysis we identify five areas of tension between agile and prescriptive project management. Living lab managers, supported by researchers, buffer these tensions through boundary work that shapes the openness of the projects in rather unexpected ways.

Web-Based System Enhances Extracurricular Management Efficiency in Educational Institutions

Background: The advancement of information technology has significantly influenced educational management, particularly in managing extracurricular activities within schools. Specific Background: Traditional methods of managing these activities often lead to time-consuming processes and ineffective communication, highlighting the need for a more efficient system. Knowledge Gap: While various management systems exist, few specifically address the challenges faced in managing extracurricular activities effectively and transparently. Aims: This research aims to develop and implement a web-based Extracurricular Management Information System (SIMAK) to enhance efficiency and transparency in managing extracurricular activities. Results: Utilizing Agile methodology with the Scrum model and the Laravel framework, the study successfully developed the SIMAK application, which supports activity registration, schedule management, attendance tracking, and student assessments. The implementation of SIMAK resulted in improved administrative efficiency, streamlined processes, and increased transparency in information access for administrators, coaches, and students. Novelty: This study presents a unique approach to extracurricular management by leveraging modern technology and methodologies to address existing inefficiencies in educational settings. Implications: The findings suggest that the SIMAK application not only enhances the management of extracurricular activities but also encourages greater student participation and provides schools with better data for decision-making. Overall, the application significantly contributes to optimizing students' educational experiences outside the classroom, promoting a more organized and transparent approach to extracurricular management. Highlights: Efficiency: Streamlines registration and scheduling processes for extracurricular activities. Transparency: Improves information access for all users involved. Engagement: Increases student participation in extracurricular activities. Keywords: Extracurricular Management, Information System, Agile Methodology, Transparency, Education Technology

Agile Methodologies In The Automotive Industry: A Comprehensive Survey

The automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation driven by trends such as autonomous driving, connectivity, electrification, and rapid digitalization. This results in embracing agile software development practices and new digital architectures to accelerate development cycles and manage increasing complexity. This paper discusses the insights on the agile methodologies into automotive software procedures, extending agility beyond software units , integrating agile with product lines, addressing security concerns, and constructing advanced digital platforms for automotive systems also assessment models like ASPLA (Agile Software Product Line Adoption) for agile adoption in software product lines, and future research directions towards realizing the vision of intelligent, self-driving, connected vehicles through continuous evolutions in agile-based development processes, digital architectures complying with quality standards, cross-domain collaborations, and empirical validations

NoSQL document data migration strategy in the context of schema evolution

In Agile development, one approach cannot be chosen and used all the time. Constant updates and strategy changes are necessary. We want to show that combining several migration strategies is better than choosing only one. Also, we emphasize the need to consider the type of schema change. This paper introduces a novel approach designed to optimize the migration process for NoSQL databases. The approach represents a significant advancement in migration strategy planning, providing a quantitative framework to guide decision-making. By incorporating critical factors such as schema changes, database size, the necessity of data in search functionalities, and potential latency issues, the approach comprehensively evaluates the migration feasibility and identifies the optimal migration path. Unlike existing methodologies, this approach adapts to the dynamic nature of NoSQL databases, offering a scalable and flexible approach to migration planning.

Development of MyREADY Transition BBD Mobile App, a Health Intervention Technology Platform, to Improve Care Transition for Youth With Brain-Based Disabilities: User-Centered Design Approach.

Transition from pediatric to adult health care varies and is resource intensive. Patient-centered health information technology (HIT) interventions are increasingly being developed in partnership with patients. This study aims to develop an internet-based mobile app intervention for patients with brain-based disabilities to improve transition in care readiness. The app was designed for patients aged 15 to 17 years with brain-based disabilities having the ability to use a mobile app. A multidisciplinary team, an industry partner, and a patient and family advisory council was assembled. We hypothesized that existing tools could be migrated into the app to address education, empowerment, and navigation. We used cognitive learning theory to support chapters targeting transition in care skill sets. We used the agile iterative methodology to engage stakeholders. We developed a novel MyREADY Transition HIT platform. An electronic mentor supported cognitive learning with messaging, quizzes, rewards, and videos. We used gaming to guide navigation through a fictitious health care city. Adapting existing tools was achieved by the patient and family advisory council requesting personalization. Our iterative design required time-consuming back-end technology management. Developing the platform took 24 months instead of our grant-approved 12 months, impacting the onset of the planned trial within the allotted budget. A novel patient-centered HIT platform to improve health care transition was successfully developed in partnership with patients and industry. Careful resource management was needed to achieve timely delivery of the end product, flagging the cautious planning required to deliver HIT tools in time for the much-needed trials informing their clinical application. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03852550; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03852550.

SHARE Corona Surveys: study profile

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was in a unique position to respond to the need for high quality survey data on people’s changing living situations. Implemented as two telephone interviews in the summer of 2020 and 2021 in 27 European countries and Israel, the SHARE Corona Surveys present a great advantage by their integration into the longitudinal, multidisciplinary and ex-ante harmonised design of the SHARE study. This allows researchers to trace changes from the pre-pandemic period, through the different stages of the pandemic, and the post-pandemic situation. This article lays out the research aims and how the two Corona Surveys fit in the general design of SHARE. It presents the main design features of the SHARE Corona Surveys following the survey life cycle. It starts with information on procurement, contracting, funding, ethics, and data protection and sampling, followed by information on instrument design, translations, questionnaire content and interviewer training. Last, fieldwork, panel care and data processing are described. Focused on topics of health behaviour, health care, economics and social relationships, the balanced panel sample of the two SHARE Corona Surveys comprises more than 48,000 interviews and provides valuable information on how the 50+ population coped with the COVID-19 pandemic. The experience of implementing the SHARE Corona Surveys also offers insights into use of agile project management methods for large survey infrastructures and moving towards a multi-mode design in an ongoing panel data collection project.

Framework model of syncretic management of innovative projects

The contemporary business landscape demands agility, innovation, and the seamless integration of diverse approaches. Traditional project management methods often struggle to adapt to this dynamic environment. This abstract introduces the framework model of syncretic management for innovative projects. Syncretic management emphasizes the unification of various elements to achieve a cohesive whole. In this context, it signifies a framework that blends methodologies and tools to optimize project outcomes. Key components include – Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Agile Methodologies, AI Integration. The syncretic management model offers several advantages – Enhanced Innovation, Improved Efficiency, Increased Adaptability. Reduced Risks: data-driven insights from AI facilitate proactive risk identification and mitigation strategies. Paper provides a concise overview of the syncretic management model for innovative projects. Subsequent sections will explore the core components of this framework in greater detail, delve into its practical applications, and discuss potential challenges and considerations for successful implementation.

Management of innovative projects to ensure innovative development of enterprises

The subject of the study is theoretical provisions, methodology of adaptive management of innovation projects and innovative development of enterprises, methodological basis, practical proposals for its research in modern conditions. The purpose of the article is to summarize generalization of the theoretical basis of the features of innovative projects, the expediency of using organizational structures for managing the processes of their formation and implementation, analysis of adaptive methodologies for managing innovative projects to ensure the employment of workers, their innovative development, and development of practical recommendations on these issues for a working enterprise. The purpose is revealed by solving the following tasks: generalize the features of innovative projects that determine the success of their implementation; determine the feasibility of using organizational structures of enterprise management for the formation and implementation of innovative projects to ensure innovative development; identify and propose the use of adaptive management methodologies for innovative projects to achieve successful innovative development of enterprises; develop a hybrid organizational structure for innovation management; the main directions of innovative personnel management of enterprises to promote their employment and management of innovative development are proposed. To solve the tasks, the following methods were used: theoretical generalization, analysis, synthesis, induction and deduction, structural and logical analysis, systemic and situational approaches, the method of working day photography, Agile adaptive management methodology, graphic method, and the authors' own practical experience. The conclusions and results of the article are as follows: it is proved that the management of innovation projects should take into account their features, be based on the use of project, matrix and hybrid organizational management structures and the application of adaptive methodologies for managing innovation development and the formation and implementation of innovation projects, such as Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Lean. For the operating enterprise Nebozvid LLC, using adaptive management methodologies, a hybrid organizational structure of the project department has been developed to ensure the innovative development of the enterprise through the implementation of innovative projects with the organization of small project teams. The main trends in innovative personnel management of enterprises are proposed, the use of which contributes to the success of innovative project management to ensure the innovative development of enterprises.

The Impact of Project Activities on the International Business Development

The impact of project activities on the international business development is an urgent issue in view of the increasing global expansion and intensifying competition between companies. The aim of the study is to assess the impact of project activities on the international business development. The research methodology is based on the analysis of modern trends in the development of international business using econometric modelling, statistical analysis, and extrapolation. The impact of project activities on business expansion was determined and the use of Agile and PMBOK methodologies was assessed. The obtained results show the experience of international companies in the use of project methodologies, which increased by 20% in 2023 compared to 2022. The study found that project activities have a significant impact on the international business development thanks to the support of bank lending. The results show that the effective use of project methodology optimize production processes and reduce costs in international business. The available results emphasize the importance of strategic project management for the successful development of enterprises on the international market using the example of Azerbaijan. The research findings indicate the effective practice of applying innovative technologies in project activities with the help of Agile for international business development. A comparative analysis of management approaches objectively determines the advantages, which include the promptness of decision-making, ensuring organizational efficiency. Further research into project management methods in international business will contribute to the improvement of management practices and the development of strategies that meet the modern globalization challenges.

A governance and risk management framework for project management in the oil and gas industry

The oil and gas industry operates in an environment marked by high risks, complex regulations, and significant financial investments. Effective project management in this sector requires a robust governance and risk management framework to address operational, regulatory, financial, and environmental challenges. This review proposes a comprehensive governance and risk management framework tailored specifically to the unique needs of oil and gas projects. The framework integrates governance structures that define clear roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes, ensuring that projects align with corporate objectives and compliance standards. Central to this framework is a risk management model that identifies, assesses, and mitigates potential project risks. The model emphasizes continuous risk monitoring, utilizing advanced technologies such as predictive analytics, AI, and digital twins to forecast risks and optimize decision-making. Additionally, it advocates for proactive stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure alignment among diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, investors, and local communities. The governance aspect of the framework promotes transparency, accountability, and sustainability, ensuring that projects meet both operational goals and regulatory requirements. It also introduces agile project management techniques to enhance flexibility and responsiveness throughout the project lifecycle. By integrating technological tools like blockchain for contract management and AI for predictive maintenance, the framework addresses both governance and risk management challenges. Ultimately, the review serves as a guide for oil and gas companies to enhance project efficiency, minimize risks, and meet the demands of an increasingly complex industry landscape.

DESIGNING A MICROSERVICES BASED ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE USING TOGAF 10: A CASE STUDY APPROACH

PT Umbara Karya Sejati, operating in the home living and industrial product sectors, faced significant digital transformation challenges, marked by inefficiencies due to system integration issues and vendor dependencies that incurred cost penalties of 10-15% each month. Addressing these challenges, this research developed an Enterprise Architecture using TOGAF 10's Microservices Architecture (MSA) from the Preliminary Phase to Phase F: Migration Planning. This approach aimed to enhance system integration and operational efficiency, thereby improving modularity and scalability while reducing reliance on external vendors. A pivotal component of this architecture, an API gateway, provided robust monitoring capabilities for integration processes, enabling quick identification and prioritization of critical issues, which will assist the internal IT team's workflow. Furthermore, the research planned the establishment of a DevOps team, incorporating Agile methodologies, and scheduled IT governance and data security training to prepare for future policy development and strengthen internal controls. This strategic design equips the organization to navigate the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) of market demands with agile and effective responses, projecting a 10% increase in both operational and cost efficiency for PT Umbara Karya Sejati.

Approaches for Hybrid Scaling of Agile in the IT Industry: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda

Agile methodologies, initially designed for the project level, face challenges when applied at enterprise levels where complex projects and diverse stakeholders are involved. To meet this challenge, several large-scale agile methodologies have been proposed. However, these approaches are not flexible enough or tailored to the needs of organizations, projects, and their teams. It is in this context that hybrid methodologies have emerged. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review to trace the evolution of hybrid scaling of agile and characterize different approaches to implement it. This study starts by assessing 1509 studies through the use of the PRISMA 2020 framework and identifies 38 relevant studies in this field. The findings indicate that the majority of studies are from 2021 onwards and that qualitative methodologies supported by case studies predominate, making it possible to characterize tailoring processes in these organizations. Moreover, the implementation of hybrid scaling of agile is supported by the paradigm of ambidextrous strategy, a combination of agile with traditional project management methodologies, and continuous improvements. This study contributes insights into navigating the complexities of agile scaling, offering practical guidance for organizations seeking to optimize their project management practices.

Management of Innovation in Digital Brands: An Integrative Review

The present paper explores how innovation management is manifested in digital brands. The objective of this study is to analyze the approaches to innovation management within digital brands. The methodology adopted is an integrative review with a qualitative approach. Innovation management in digital brands has become increasingly crucial in today's dynamic business landscape. Digitalization has revolutionized the way brands interact with consumers, requiring constant innovation to remain competitive. This study aims to shed light on the strategies and practices adopted by digital brands to manage innovation effectively. The methodology has a qualitative approach through integrative review, which allows for the synthesis of existing literature on innovation management in digital brands. Through research and analysis of academic articles, this article identifies key themes and trends in innovation management in the digital context. Themes such as open innovation, co-creation with consumers, agile development methodologies, and digital transformation strategies emerge as central components of innovation management in digital brands. A conceptual framework is developed to provide a structured understanding of the various dimensions of innovation management in digital brands. This framework serves as a guide for professionals and researchers seeking to navigate the complex landscape of innovation in the digital age. The results of this study reveal a multifaceted approach to innovation management in digital brands. Also it includes the development of a descriptive figure conceptual of innovation management in digital brands. In conclusion, this integrative review highlights the importance of effective innovation management in digital brands. By adopting innovative strategies and embracing digital technologies, brands can drive growth, improve customer experiences, and maintain competitiveness in today's digital economy. Furthermore, this study contributes to the academic discourse by offering insights into the evolving nature of innovation management in the digital sphere. By understanding these dynamics, organizations can adapt their strategies to thrive in an increasingly digital-centric marketplace.

Feature Engineering for Agile Requirement Management Using Semantic Analysis

Efficient management and prioritization of software requirements are critical challenges in agile projects, where requirements constantly evolve due to changing user needs, business goals, and regulatory updates. This paper explores the role of semantic feature extraction in enabling adaptive management strategies. Using the PROMISE Expanded Dataset and the Coquina Dataset, we employed TF-IDF weighted Word2Vec for advanced tokenization and feature extraction. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) was used to analyze how preprocessing steps like stop word removal impact topic representation, revealing that removing stop words improved topic specificity and coherence. To address class imbalance, Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) was applied, enhancing the model's ability to handle underrepresented classes effectively. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) reduced the dimensionality of TF-IDF weighted Word2Vec embeddings from 100 features to 30, while Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) identified the most significant features for classification. The results obtained identified three features to have p-values below 0.05 as statistically significant, p-value = 0.0000605, p-value = 0.00000000469, and p-value = 0.0024. These extracted features could be used as input to training machine learning models for predicting and managing software requirements adaptively during agile development. With the reduction of ambiguities and sentiments of the user at the requirement phase, the development phase could be undertaken seamlessly with ease.

Universal strategy for rapid design and analysis of gas detection peptide chips with positional preference

The design and analysis of gas detection chips directly affect their detection efficiency and applicability. Detection devices are currently restricted by detection principles, facing drawbacks like intricate structural design, limited applicability, and low detection efficiency. We have designed a complete set of design and analysis scheme for a peptide gas detection chip. First, we selected specific and high-affinity peptide combinations from existing peptide-gas affinity datasets. Then, the peptide chip's arrangement was grouped according to the variations in peptides' affinity towards different gases. Peptides were arranged based on their affinity levels within each group, striking a balance between discrimination and flexibility in the design of the chip. Finally, we evaluated the analysis methods by generating simulated data based on a reference affinity matrix constructed from actual data. Due to the preprocessing role of chip design on affinity data, all methods can effectively accomplish gas classification. In gas concentration prediction tasks, our method reduced mean square error to 0.41, significantly outperforming other methods. This gas detection scheme shortens the development cycle of chip design and analysis methods, fully utilizing the specificity of peptides, enhancing gas analysis effectiveness, and demonstrating the agile development of gas detection chips.

TPSQLi: Test Prioritization for SQL Injection Vulnerability Detection in Web Applications

The rapid proliferation of network applications has led to a significant increase in network attacks. According to the OWASP Top 10 Projects report released in 2021, injection attacks rank among the top three vulnerabilities in software projects. This growing threat landscape has increased the complexity and workload of software testing, necessitating advanced tools to support agile development cycles. This paper introduces a novel test prioritization method for SQL injection vulnerabilities to enhance testing efficiency. By leveraging previous test outcomes, our method adjusts defense strength vectors for subsequent tests, optimizing the testing workflow and tailoring defense mechanisms to specific software needs. This approach aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of vulnerability detection and mitigation through a flexible framework that incorporates dynamic adjustments and considers the temporal aspects of vulnerability exposure.

Application of Lean Startup Principles in the Improvement of Digital Platforms: a Case Study in a Solar Energy Company

Objective: The objective of this study is to improve a solar energy company's website by utilizing the principles of the Lean Startup methodology to meet customer expectations. Theoretical Framework: This study is based on the concepts of digital entrepreneurship and the Lean Startup methodology, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the digital environment and applying agile methodologies for technological innovation. Method: The research adopted a case study with a qualitative and descriptive approach. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews with customers and potential customers, as well as prototyping to validate the hypotheses raised. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that the main improvement needs include adding information about the company, adjusting visual elements, and incorporating interactive tools. The application of Lean Startup principles allowed for rapid iterations on the improvements, resulting in an increased perception of the website's credibility and usability by users. Research Implications: This research provides practical insights into the implementation of agile methodologies for the enhancement of digital products, highlighting the importance of continuous validation with users to achieve satisfactory results. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the applicability of the Lean Startup methodology in a real context of digital product improvement, offering a replicable model for other companies seeking continuous innovation and customer satisfaction.

Evolution of Requirements Engineering in Agile Methodology – Literature Review

Requirements Agile approaches have transformed engineering. This paper shows how RE in Agile software development has evolved from documentation-heavy to collaborative, adaptable, and customer-focused. Agile was born in the mid-1990s when the industry realized it needed to respond to changing client needs and market volatility. This evolution includes iterative development, client interaction, and emphasizing communication above documentation, as discussed in the paper. By comparing conventional and Agile RE approaches, we demonstrate the benefits of adapting to change, working with customers, and delivering functional software faster. This analysis provides a persuasive description of Agile RE implementation methodologies and resources through a detailed literature review and real-world experiences. User stories and backlog refinement are notable techniques. The research finishes by exploring how these techniques affect team dynamics, project success, and customer satisfaction. RE's Agile difficulties and opportunities are also examined. The findings illuminate RE methods' successful adaptation to Agile projects' dynamic character. Software development is more responsive and effective due to this adaptation.

PERCEPTIONS ON THE INTEGRATION OF AGILE PRINCIPLES IN IT SERVICE MANAGEMENT PROCESSES. STUDY FROM ROMANIA

This research paper aims to provide insights into the impact generated by the introduction of Agile methodologies in Romanian industrial environments which used to work exclusively with Waterfall methodologies for the delivery of IT products and services. Through this study, the authors aim to uncover perceptions provided by knowledge workers working in the area of IT Service Management who have experienced first-hand this transition in ways of working from Waterfall to Agile, followed by suggestions on how to improve the process of integrating new elements in future transition activities. In order to achieve this aim, a qualitative research exercise has been performed, by conducting interviews with experienced knowledge workers who carry out IT Service Management activities. The results of the research present both breakthrough and setback points with this activity. Breakthrough points focus on the perception of knowledge workers having higher levels of autonomy and ownership of daily activities and dependency on ITIL/ISO process alignment for achieving auditing requirements. Setback points include the need for guidelines availability to ensure better integration between Waterfall and Agile elements, design of metrics to reflect Agile elements integration, and optimisation of tools usage to avoid redundant activities. Following this research, the authors recommend development of more focused research in the area of ITSM activities, as this is an untapped source of improvement for organisations. These findings help contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of IT Service Management processes and builds a basis for further research on change initiatives of IT processes.

Preliminary Design of Satellite Systems through the Integration of Model-Based System Engineering and Agile Methodologies: Application to the 3ColStar Mission

This paper presents a case study on integrating Agile Systems Engineering methodologies in the preliminary design phase of satellite systems, focusing on the 3ColStar satellite mission. Through Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), technical consistency was rigorously managed across various architectural documents, ensuring coherency and minimizing errors. Furthermore, the preliminary design was developed, with the implementation of the Arcadia Method, supported by the Capella modeling tool. This allowed the digitalization of the system, which was represented by models that contain requirements, architecture, and interfaces between the different parts of the system. At the same time, the preliminary design process was streamlined and completed within an accelerated time frame of 4 months, with weekly sprints driving progress based on the scrum methodology. This case study highlights the effectiveness of Agile Systems Engineering principles to improve the team communication accuracy, communication, and efficiency of satellite systems preliminary design, providing valuable insights for future missions.