Categorization of risk factors for distributed agile projects |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Alarcos Research Group, Institute of Technologies and Information Systems, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Paseo de la Universidad, 4, Ciudad Real 13071, Spain;2. GTI Research Group, Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering Faculty, University of Cauca, Calle 5 # 4 – 70, Popayán 190002, Colombia;3. IDIS Research Group, Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering Faculty, University of Cauca, Calle 5 # 4 – 70, Popayán, 190002, Colombia;1. University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK;2. The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK;1. Communication & Media Management, Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University, Hughes Hall, Rm. 513 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458, USA,;2. Business Information Systems Group, National University of Ireland, Galway, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University Road, Galway, Ireland |
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| Abstract: | ContextOrganizations combine agile approach and Distributed Software Development (DSD) in order to develop better quality software solutions in lesser time and cost. It helps to reap the benefits of both agile and distributed development but pose significant challenges and risks. Relatively scanty evidence of research on the risks prevailing in distributed agile development (DAD) has motivated this study.ObjectiveThis paper aims at creating a comprehensive set of risk factors that affect the performance of distributed agile development projects and identifies the risk management methods which are frequently used in practice for controlling those risks.MethodThe study is an exploration of practitioners’ experience using constant comparison method for analyzing in-depth interviews of thirteen practitioners and work documents of twenty-eight projects from thirteen different information technology (IT) organizations. The field experience was supported by extensive research literature on risk management in traditional, agile and distributed development.ResultsAnalysis of qualitative data from interviews and project work documents resulted into categorization of forty-five DAD risk factors grouped under five core risk categories. The risk categories were mapped to Leavitt’s model of organizational change for facilitating the implementation of results in real world. The risk factors could be attributed to the conflicting properties of DSD and agile development. Besides that, some new risk factors have been experienced by practitioners and need further exploration as their understanding will help the practitioners to act on time.ConclusionOrganizations are adopting DAD for developing solutions that caters to the changing business needs, while utilizing the global talent. Conflicting properties of DSD and agile approach pose several risks for DAD. This study gives a comprehensive categorization of the risks faced by the practitioners in managing DAD projects and presents frequently used methods to reduce their impact. The work fills the yawning research void in this field. |
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| Keywords: | Distributed Agile Development (DAD) Agile software development (ASD) Distributed Software Development (DSD) Risk factor classification Leavitt’s’ model Risk management in distributed agile development |
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