Agile Development Research Articles

Developing a framework for business analysts to bridge stakeholder and technical team gaps: Enhancing collaboration and project success

In today’s dynamic business environment, projects often fail due to misalignment between stakeholders’ needs and technical implementation. Business Analysts (BAs) play a crucial role in bridging the gap between business stakeholders, who focus on strategic objectives, and technical teams, who emphasize implementation details. However, without a structured approach, BAs may struggle to facilitate effective communication and collaboration. Developing a robust framework for BAs can significantly enhance project outcomes by ensuring clear alignment between stakeholder expectations and technical deliverables. A critical component of this framework involves stakeholder identification and analysis. BAs need to clearly understand the interests, expectations, and influence levels of different stakeholders to prioritize requirements effectively. By utilizing tools such as stakeholder matrices and engagement plans, BAs can foster trust and manage expectations, ensuring that business objectives are translated into actionable technical specifications. Effective requirements gathering and documentation is another key element. Techniques such as workshops, interviews, and process mapping can be leveraged to capture detailed business needs. Translating these into clear, structured documentation such as user stories and process flow diagrams ensures technical teams have a precise understanding of project goals, reducing the likelihood of misinterpretation. The use of collaborative tools is essential for enhancing communication between stakeholders and technical teams. Platforms like JIRA and Confluence, along with Agile methodologies, promote iterative feedback loops, ensuring that both parties remain aligned throughout the project lifecycle. Regular check-ins and sprint reviews enable stakeholders to provide real-time feedback, allowing technical teams to adjust solutions to evolving business needs promptly. Additionally, continuous training and upskilling of BAs is vital for the framework’s success. As projects become more complex, BAs must be proficient not only in communication and documentation but also in leveraging data analytics and emerging technologies to drive insights. By developing a comprehensive framework that encompasses stakeholder engagement, clear documentation, and collaborative practices, organizations can optimize project success rates, streamline workflows, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Ultimately, the role of BAs is becoming increasingly strategic as organizations strive to remain agile and responsive in a fast-evolving market landscape. Keywords: Business Analysts, Agile Methodologies Framework, Review.

Accelerating Agile Quality Assurance with AI-Powered Testing Strategies

The infusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Agile software development is revolutionizing the domain of software testing, reshaping conventional methodologies to meet the demands of today’s complex and accelerated development cycles. Agile frameworks, renowned for their iterative workflows and adaptability, often encounter limitations in scaling to the velocity and intricacy of modern projects. AI emerges as a game-changer, introducing sophisticated capabilities such as hyper-automation, predictive defect analytics, and context-aware decision-making, thereby addressing these limitations with precision and scalability. This paper investigates the transformative influence of AI on Agile testing methodologies, with a focus on specific use cases, the operational efficiencies gained through AI-augmented workflows, and the seamless collaboration between human testers and intelligent systems. A comprehensive, architecture-driven framework for embedding AI into Agile testing cycles is presented, with empirical validation through case studies that demonstrate tangible improvements in accuracy, productivity, and sprint adaptability. Keywords: Agile Methodology, Artificial Intelligence, Quality Assurance, Predictive Analytics, Test-Driven Development (TDD), Behavior-Driven Development (BDD), Natural Language Processing

Integration of User Experience and Agile Software Development: A Systematic Literature Review

New methods and best practices are being used to enhance the software lifecycle because of the recent expansion of the software industry. Agile development approaches have also been widely used, and they have positively affected people's lives and the operations of enterprises. Although agility makes working with developers easier, it does not offer enough chances to collaborate with users. In early Agile formulations, User Experience (UX) was not recognized as a distinct part of software development. The tricky part is figuring out where to integrate them and how to merge them so that the two parts interact. Combining user experience with Agile approaches is the subject of this research's proposed systematic literature review (SLR). This research found ten relevant studies highlighting the growing interest and research in merging these two critical areas of software engineering. In conclusion, this research found some papers or studies integrating user experience into Agile methodologies. Many techniques are used, and all studies have different approaches to integrate them.

THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO THE FORMATION OF BUSINESS PROCESSES IN THE SPHERE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITALISATION

THE PURPOSE OF THE ARTICLE is to study theoretical approaches to the formation of business processes in the field of information technology in the context of digitalization. RESEARCH METHODS. The following methods were used in the article: SWOT-analysis; PESTLE-analysis; benchmarking; market and competitor research; data analysis and BI (Business Intelligence); project management; analysis and synthesis, graphical and tabular methods. PRESENTING MAIN MATERIAL. Modern development of society, digitalization of the economy, globalization and digitalization of economic processes determine fundamentally new approaches to the formation of business processes in the field of information technology in the context of digitalization. The formation of business processes in the IT sector is determined by the rapid pace of digitalization and its impact on all aspects of modern enterprises. Digitalization is a key factor in achieving competitive advantages in the global market, as it allows optimizing business processes, automating business operations, improving communication and data-driven decision-making. The role of business processes in the context of digitalization is to increase the efficiency and speed of enterprises, which allows them to respond quickly to new challenges, minimize costs and improve the quality of products and services. In the context of IT enterprises, digitalization not only accelerates processes but also radically changes the very nature of business, forcing enterprises to adapt their models, strategies, and business processes. The study of theoretical approaches to the formation of business processes in the context of digital transformation has shown that the main approaches are: classical approaches (process-oriented, Input-Output model, Project-Based Approach); modern approaches (Agile methodologies, Lean Management, DevOps). The following features of IT business processes were identified: dynamism and flexibility; innovation; project-oriented structure. The following tools are used to model and optimize business processes in the IT sector in the context of digitalization: BPMN; ERP systems; project management tools. It is proved that business processes in the IT sector cannot function without a synergistic combination of the main components of digitalization: automation, integration, analytics, flexibility and adaptability, artificial intelligence, cloud technologies. CONCLUSIONS. It is established that the digitalization of IT enterprises provides new opportunities for optimizing business processes and achieving competitive advantages. It is proved that the introduction of digital technologies contributes to the automation, integration, efficiency and flexibility of business processes. It is determined that IT enterprises should actively use innovative approaches to adapt to the latest market conditions, taking into account theoretical variations and functional aspects of digitalization. It is proved that the formation of business processes in the IT sector requires taking into account theoretical and practical aspects, where classical approaches (process-oriented, project approach) remain basic, and modern approaches (Agile, Lean and DevOps) open up new opportunities for optimizing processes and increasing their efficiency. It has been established that technological innovations, in particular artificial intelligence and cloud solutions, play a synergistic role in transforming business processes in the IT sector, helping enterprises to remain competitive in the face of rapid change and globalization. KEYWORDS: business processes; information technologies; digitalization; theoretical approaches; IT enterprises; competitive advantages; digital technologies; automation; integration; adaptation; classical approaches; modern approaches; artificial intelligence; transformation.

Quality Assurance Using Agile Applied in Organic Herbs Conditioning

Abstract The paper’s objective is to emphasize the applicability of AGILE Methodology in quality assurance of organic herbs conditioning. This paper begins with a brief overview of the theoretical components of quality assurance and a short introduction in AGILE Methodology emphasizing how may be applied in a variety of industries, such as the food processing industry and pharmaceutical industry. The goals of interdisciplinarity are customer happiness, productivity growth, and profit maximization.

Implementing Agile Methodologies in Healthcare IT Projects

Implementing Agile Methodologies in Healthcare IT Projects

Hybrid Agile-Kanban frameworks for workflow adaptability: A proposed solution for innovation in project management

Agile and Kanban methodologies have become indispensable in modern project management, emphasizing workflow adaptability, iterative processes, and streamlined task prioritization to meet dynamic project requirements. However, traditional applications of these methodologies often face challenges such as workflow inefficiencies, misaligned task priorities, and bottlenecks caused by static configurations and manual adjustments. A hybrid approach that combines Agile methodologies with Kanban principles, including visualization tools and flow control, offers a promising solution to these challenges. This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of a Hybrid Agile-Kanban Framework (HAKF), designed to enhance project workflow optimization, team collaboration, and task execution. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time feedback loops and dynamic task prioritization, the proposed framework addresses common bottlenecks and resource imbalances, enabling more efficient and scalable project management practices. Despite its transformative potential, challenges such as tool integration, scalability, and initial adoption barriers must be addressed for widespread implementation. To mitigate these issues, this paper introduces a conceptual HAKF model that seamlessly integrates with existing project management tools, providing actionable insights for optimizing workflows. This study lays a foundation for future research into hybrid methodologies, advancing the potential of Agile-Kanban integration to create more efficient and adaptive project management systems.

Artificial Intelligence for Enhancing Engineering Project Management During Emergencies: Perception-based Analysis

Purpose: The research studies the impact of various Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools on engineering project management and describes how they affect management success during emergencies in the Ukrainian context. Special attention is paid to the skills comprising AI readiness among engineers and their formation in the system of continuous education. Methodology/Approach: The study employed a perception-based analysis and applied the social cognitive theory and expectancy theory, enabling structured opinion-based questionnaires on Likert scales and assessing engineering project success after the introduction of AI tools. The research involved 96 engineers with diverse roles and expertise representing civil engineering companies or military organisations. Findings: The research explained the peculiarities of some challenges hindering engineering project management and defined traditional, agile, and hybrid engineering project management used during emergencies. 25 AI tools were outlined, and their impact on project success was revealed. The category of AI readiness was described, and its components were presented. Research Limitation/implication: Since the perception-based analysis relies on subjective views, it may not fully present the objective evaluation of AI tools in engineering project management during emergencies. The findings can be used to improve engineers' training programs by integrating AI-focused modules. Originality/Value of paper: The research provides a context-specific understanding of how AI can be applied to the unique challenges faced in Ukraine.

Mastering Change: The Journey from Waterfall to Agile and Hybrid Project Management

Mastering Change: The Journey from Waterfall to Agile and Hybrid Project Management

Conceptualizing agile business practices for enhancing SME resilience to economic shocks

This paper examines the role of agile business practices in fortifying small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) against economic shocks, emphasizing resilience as a critical factor for sustainable growth. Given SMEs' vulnerability to unpredictable economic shifts, the study explores how agility — defined by rapid adaptation, flexibility, and innovation — enables these enterprises to navigate and recover from disruptions effectively. Through a review of resilience-building frameworks, the paper identifies core agile practices, such as adaptive decision-making, lean management, and iterative product development, as pivotal to enhancing SMEs' operational and strategic resilience. Findings indicate that SMEs leveraging agile methodologies experience improved responsiveness to market changes, reduced operational risks, and greater capacity to maintain continuity during crises. Additionally, the study discusses the integration of digital tools, cross-functional teams, and customer-centric approaches as enablers of agility that strengthen resilience. Conclusions underscore the necessity for SMEs to adopt agile frameworks not only as a response mechanism but also as a proactive strategy for long-term stability and competitiveness in volatile markets. This research contributes to the growing discourse on SME resilience, offering actionable insights for stakeholders seeking to embed agility as a fundamental attribute in organizational practices.

Identifying Customer Satisfaction Characteristics with the Kano Model for the Agile Development of Video Games

Purpose: This study aims to use the Kano Model to identify critical attributes that can be used as features in video games developed using Agile software development. Methodology/Approach: Attributes were identified from the literature review and then selected for a survey given to university participants. Survey results were then analysed using the Kano Model table and a scatter plot. The survey identified respondents' preferences in video games. The survey responses were reanalysed using stratification by video game type. Findings: No one-dimensional attribute was found that would be critical to video game customers. Only a limited number of attractive attributes were identified from the aggregated data. Research Limitation/Implication: The analysis by type of video games had low sample sizes. Additionally, people from outside the target group responded to the survey. Originality/Value of paper: This paper identifies attributes to prioritise when developing a product and demonstrates the need to consider market segmentation when using the Kano Model.

Action Research Approach to Analysis of Teaching of Blockchain Web 3.0 Application Based on MACH Architecture

This study investigates the integration of agile methodologies, particularly Scrum, into the teaching of microservices, API-first, cloud-native, and headless (MACH) architecture within a university setting. Using an action research framework, we see the impact of agile approaches on student learning and the practical application of MACH principles. The findings reveal that agile methodologies not only enhance students’ technical proficiency, but also foster collaborative and iterative learning environments that simulate real-world software development. Over a 15-week course, students applied agile techniques to design, build, and deploy microservices-based systems, benefiting from structured yet adaptable sprints that broke complex tasks into manageable stages. Quantitative assessments showed substantial improvements in knowledge and confidence, while qualitative feedback emphasized the hands-on, project-based learning’s alignment with industry practices. This research underscores the potential of agile frameworks to enhance education in emerging software architectures, offering insights into how higher education can align more closely with the dynamic needs of the software industry.

Enhancing Hajj Education through Interactive Multimedia Game-Based Learning

The Hajj pilgrimage, a fundamental aspect of Islamic education, often lacks engaging educational tools to convey its experiential and cultural significance. However, traditional methods fail to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. Therefore, this study presents the development and evaluation of the “Islamic Insight: Hajj Board Game,” an interactive 2D Game-Based Learning (GBL) tool designed to educate students about the Hajj pilgrimage. The game was developed using Agile methodology, incorporating Unity, Canva, and Microsoft Visual Studio tools. The primary objectives were to design a comprehensive storyboard, create the game, and evaluate user experience. The evaluation phase utilized the Game Experience Questionnaire (GEQ) to gather insights from 39 respondents. The GEQ results indicated a positive reception, with high ratings in competence (mean = 4.26) and immersion (mean = 3.85). Participants found the game engaging and educational, with positive affect scoring a mean of 3.35. However, the challenge aspect received a moderate rating (mean = 2.58), and the negative effect was low (mean = 2.18), suggesting minimal negative emotions during gameplay. Overall, the Hajj Board Game successfully provided an engaging and informative experience, enhancing students’ understanding of the Hajj pilgrimage. Future research should focus on improving accessibility and expanding the game to mobile platforms to reach a broader audience.

Mediating Effect of Delivery Capability on Public-Private Partnership Financing Structure and Geothermal Energy Development Project Completion in Kenya

Investments in Geothermal Energy Development Projects (GEPs) are still considered high-risk and capital-intensive with unpredictable completion even amidst the adoption of Public Private Partnership (PPP) financing models particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Numerous GEP completion bottlenecks affecting timely project completion have been documented lately; these challenges have caused delayed delivery of critical path milestones, project stalling, and even outright project failures. Recent empirical studies focused more on developed countries' longitudinal secondary databases covering the wider energy sector, with minimal attention paid to the situation of GEPs in developing countries. Anchored on the positivism and pragmatism foundations, this study examined the mediating influence of delivery capability on the relationship between PPP financing structure and the completion of GEPs in Kenya. Using a census survey design, data from 48 geothermal energy projects (private sector project managers and implementation team leaders from the public sector) and key informants was collected and analyzed using mixed methods. Data triangulation and diagnostic tests were performed. The results and findings revealed that while PPP financing structure alone explains 43.9% of the variance in project completion, the inclusion of delivery capability substantially increases the explained variance to 66.1%. A balanced PPP financing structure and delivery capability have statistically significant effects on project completion outcomes, with delivery capability (β = 0.579) having a stronger isolated effect than the PPP financing structure (β = 0.326). The reduction in the PPP financing structure coefficient from the first to the second model suggests that some of its effect is shared with or mediated by delivery capability. The study concluded that completing PPP-financed GEPs requires an integrated approach that considers both predictor variables: A balanced PPP financing structure comprising private equity, commercial and concessional loans, grants and government contributions; and strong delivery capability including geological, technological, PPP modelling and agile project management competencies. Geothermal sector-specific government support measures and industry recommendations are provided to enhance the completion of PPP-financed geothermal energy development projects mainly in the SSA region.

UTMSPACE Research Grant Management System

The "UTMSPACE Research Grant Management System" is a web application designed to improve the efficiency and accessibility of managing grants for both administrators and applicants. The current manual process, involving paper forms and departmental submissions, leads to delays, tracking difficulties, and increased administrative workload due to human errors and misfiling. The new online platform addresses these issues by enabling seamless submission and management of applications, budget matters, and other grant-related information. The system aims to streamline the application process, enhance user-friendliness, and replace traditional methods. It will be developed using HTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript, following an Agile methodology to ensure continuous collaboration between developers and stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to enhance the management of research grants, promoting efficiency, accessibility, and user satisfaction, and contributing to the advancement of research endeavors. By transitioning to this digital system, we anticipate a significant reduction in processing times, with the potential to decrease the time spent on application processing by 50-70%. Additionally, the system is expected to reduce human errors by 60-80%, leading to more accurate and reliable grant management. These improvements will not only enhance the overall user experience but also contribute to more effective and streamlined research grant administration.

Blockchain Integration in Critical Systems Enhancing Transparency, Efficiency, and Real-Time Data Security in Agile Project Management, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), and Cold Chain Management

Blockchain technology has garnered significant attention for its potential to revolutionize critical systems by enhancing transparency, efficiency, and data security. This review examines the integration of blockchain in three essential domains: Agile Project Management, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), and Cold Chain Management. By leveraging decentralized ledgers and smart contracts, blockchain provides a robust framework for real-time tracking, data integrity, and automated compliance, addressing long-standing challenges across these sectors. In Agile Project Management, blockchain fosters seamless collaboration and transparent decision-making, minimizing bottlenecks and improving accountability. In DeFi, blockchain strengthens security for digital transactions and identity verification while offering financial autonomy and mitigating fraud risks. Within Cold Chain Management, blockchain ensures traceability, reduces data tampering risks, and enhances visibility throughout supply chain processes, safeguarding temperature-sensitive goods. This paper evaluates existing blockchain-based applications and frameworks, identifies current limitations, and discusses future opportunities for optimizing critical systems through blockchain. The findings highlight blockchain's transformative role in driving operational efficiency, security, and data transparency across diverse applications, providing a roadmap for industries to harness its full potential in critical environments.

Regression Testing in Agile Development: Reducing Bugs in High-Velocity Environments

Regression Testing in Agile Development: Reducing Bugs in High-Velocity Environments

Developing a theoretical framework for enhancing green project approaches via Agile methodology

The application of green building approaches has significantly increased in many countries and buildings, accompanied by the development of numerous standards and methodologies for their implementation. Despite these efforts, not all risks and challenges facing green projects have been eliminated in some regions. Issues such as financing difficulties, budget overruns, and schedule delays continue to pose significant challenges. As a result, no substantial improvements have been made in the approach to green projects. Therefore, this study aims to develop a theoretical framework that enhances the approach to green projects. By utilizing the AGILE methodology, specifically SCRUM, the most significant risks facing green projects were identified and converted into indicators based on prior studies. Furthermore, Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, particularly Green BIM (GBIM), was employed to create tools and elements to address these challenges, leading to the development of a conceptual framework capable of providing solutions. This framework was built around 30 indicators, whose weights were determined through an electronic questionnaire involving 140 specialists in green projects, AGILE methodology, and BIM technology. Assistance from academic experts was also sought. The results of the questionnaire, analyzed using statistical methods, contributed to the development of a theoretical framework aimed at improving the approach to green projects.

Sprint Management in Agile Approach: Progress and Velocity Evaluation Applying Machine Learning

Nowadays, technology plays a fundamental role in data collection and analysis, which are essential for decision-making in various fields. Agile methodologies have transformed project management by focusing on continuous delivery and adaptation to change. In multiple project management, assessing the progress and pace of work in Sprints is particularly important. In this work, a data model was developed to evaluate the progress and pace of work, based on the visual interpretation of numerical data from certain graphs that allow tracking, such as the Burndown chart. Additionally, experiments with machine learning algorithms were carried out to validate the effectiveness and potential improvements facilitated by this dataset development.

Principle-based decision-making: realising benefits in a scaled agile environment

PurposeThis paper examines the conflict between rule-based and principle-based approaches to benefits realisation in agile projects. It proposes a principle-based framework as a more effective alternative, aligned with the iterative and adaptive nature of agile methodologies.Design/methodology/approachThe research utilises semi-structured interviews to gather qualitative data from professionals experienced in agile projects. Causal loop diagrams are employed to illustrate the relationships between identified principles. The study identifies 12 key principles essential for agile benefits realisation, with a particular focus on visibility and consequence management.FindingsThe study finds that a principle-based approach to benefits realisation is more compatible with agile methodologies compared to a rule-based approach. The flexibility of principle-based decision-making allows for continuous adaptation and improvement, aligning with the dynamic and iterative nature of agile projects. The principles of visibility and consequence management emerge as critical factors in successfully realising benefits in an agile environment.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are based on qualitative data from a limited number of interviews, which may not be generalisable across all agile projects. Further research with a larger sample size and diverse project types is recommended to validate and refine the proposed principles.Practical implicationsAgile teams and project managers can leverage the identified principles to enhance their decision-making processes and improve benefits realisation outcomes. Adopting a principle-based approach can lead to more flexible, responsive and effective project management practices.Social implicationsBy promoting more adaptive and responsive project management practices, the adoption of a principle-based approach can contribute to greater satisfaction and collaboration among project stakeholders, leading to more successful project outcomes.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the limitations of rule-based approaches in agile contexts and proposing a principle-based framework for benefits realisation. The identification of specific principles and their interrelationships provides a novel perspective and practical guidance for agile practitioners.