Challenges in Scaling Agile Software Development

Abstract

Many challenges arise when agile software development methods are being used on larger scale. This thesis consists of two parts. First the thesis will go through the traditional software development processes and compare them to iterative and agile software development practices such as Scrum. Agile methods are represented so that the theory can be used on a basis of scaling analysis. For example queuing theory is relevant when using lean principles and working with larger batches. The most common practices are explained such as Test Driven Development, Continuous Integration and Extreme Programming. Different aspects of scaling issues and solutions, when working with large or distributed teams, are represented. These include the Scrum of Scrums model, agile release train and different requirements in the global delivery. Second part of the thesis is the survey which was conducted to a few software industry professionals. Their answers are being analyzed and represented with two related surveys. /Kir10

Keywords: Agile software development, lean, agile, global delivery, Scrum, agile at scale