Towards a research agenda for adopting Agile Project Management in Creative Industries

Agile Project Management (APM) has gained strong acceptance in software development but its adoption in other industries has not been as swift. We look at the visual effects (VFX) component of the film industry to explore this issue. Using an abductive research approach combined with a survey of existing practices, we aim to investigate an industry whose projects are large, expensive and time critical. Our study hopes to show that VFX companies exhibit many characteristics conducive to APM adoption but it is only within their internal software development teams that they explicitly state their use of APM. We explore why these companies, who exhibit predisposed adoption characteristics use something other than Agile for their non-software related projects. In exploring this surprising position, we hope to gain insights into how other industries may adopt APM and to set a research agenda for APM in non-software development creative companies

Developing Socially-Constructed Quality Metrics in Agile: A Multi-Faceted Perspective

This research proposes development of socially-constructed metrics for quality assessment and improvement in Agile Software Development (ASD) projects. The first phase of our research includes an extensive literature review, which indicates that traditional (outcome-focused) metrics that evaluate quality are not directly transferable to adaptive, ASD projects. We then conduct semi-structured interviews confirming the necessity of considering people and process aspects for quality considerations in agile. We propose three dimensions for composite metrics in ASD, namely, (1) evidence (2) expectation and (3) critical evaluation. This combines quantitative and qualitative information drawn from people, process, and outcome-related factors. The proposed model allows ASD teams to concurrently conduct quality assessment and improvement during their projects, producing innovative metrics, adhering to the core principles of the agile manifesto. In our next research stage, this reference model will be tested and validated in practice

A case study of risk management in agile systems development

A principal objective of agile development methods is to reduce risk thereby resulting in more successful and effective information systems. However, while there is an extensive body of academic literature on risk management, very little research has attempted to rigorously apply this as a lens to study risk management in agile development projects. The purpose of this research was to ascertain the extent to which risk management practices are incorporated into agile development projects. A case study was conducted involving a change management consultancy firm whose main business involved the deployment of agile approaches. The study found that while there is a perception that risk management practices are not carried out in agile environments, the extent to which risk management is conducted on these projects is in some cases just as substantial to that carried out on traditional projects. In fact, in this case it appeared that the teams were more rigorous in their risk management than is often the case

Socially-Constructed Metrics for Agile Quality: An Action Research Study

We present a method to develop socially-constructed metrics for ascertaining agile software development quality. Canonical action research (CAR) is our mode of inquiry, conducted in a key European player of healthcare information systems. The result is a set of meaningful metrics that are built according to three interrelated dimensions: (1) evidence from practice; (2) stakeholders expectations; and (3) stakeholders evaluation. Our contribution suggests simple artefacts to create socially-constructed metrics and the main guidelines to use them. Agile teams struggle with quality measurement, often supported by a plethora of metrics that do not adhere to rapidly changing project environments. We argue that socially-constructed metrics can address this problem, offering a contextualized perspective of quality that can improve tacit knowledge transfer; critical reflection about quality; and effective support in daily meetings, retrospectives, and audits. Moreover, it suggests a participative approach for continuous improvement in agile software development

An Exploration of Project Approaches for International Development Projects

The purpose of this study is to explore different project management approaches used in International Development (ID) projects. The study’s findings reveal several ID-specific project management approaches applied in practice. Whilst some of these have not been well-documented in literature (e.g. the Collaborating, Learning and Adapting Approach [CLA] and Capacity Works), others are well researched (e.g. Project Cycle Management, Result-Based Management, and Project Management for Development Professionals). Surprisingly, while Project Management for Development appears extensively in literature, our research sample reveals its non-use in practice. Reasons for its non-use in our sample remain uncovered however, the study shows the significant power and influence that Donors have on which project management approaches are applied in ID projects - as they develop new approaches which are improved upon whilst ID projects are running

Investigating Process-Parameters for Decision Quality in Software Development Team

This paper presents a conceptual model that collectively depicts three explicitly-cited process parameters for achieving group decision quality. The research proposes that the existence of any one of these three parameters can positively impact group decision quality in software development teams. Firstly, by encouraging a reasoning orientation and employing a method of group consensus by giving group members instructions or rules prior to their engagement in the decision-making process may improve decision quality. Secondly, divergent thinking, which results in a broad range of ideas being considered by a group, may be encouraged by minority dissent and positively impact decision quality. Finally, following an inquiry approach during group decision making (by promoting collaborative problem solving, testing and evaluating, critical thinking, constructive criticism and minority views) may also improve decision quality. It is envisaged that by investigating the existence of these parameters in software development teams we can better understand how to achieve decision quality in groups

A Proposed Study of Contributions in Agile Systems Development: Research in Progress

This study examines contribution behaviours during decision-making in agile systems development projects. Research has indicated that generating alternatives during decision-making is of critical importance and because information is spread across a spectrum of stakeholders in ISD it is important that contributions are extracted from individuals and combined effectively to make informed decisions. Specifically, in agile systems development methods, the practices must encourage and effectively manage contributions during decision-making. The purpose of this study is to assess how agile practices impact contribution behaviours and the subsequent generation of alternatives during decision-making in agile systems development

What is Crossing the Virtual Window? Collaboration in Virtual Team Teaching

Virtual Team Teaching (VTT) is a form of collaborative teaching and learning at the college level that involves two teachers with their respective classes working together in real time from two distant classrooms. This paper looks at collaboration that occurs during VTT practice in order to examine factors that support and inhibit collaboration. It is aimed at teachers, administrators, technical support, and pedagogical advisors concerned with collaborative practices at the college level. What kind of affordances does Virtual Team Teaching provide for teachers and students in terms of collaboration? 1) How do teachers collaborate to build the activities and content for a VTT session? 2) What are some of the outcomes of this collaboration between these teachers? 3) How do students collaborate across the two classrooms? 4) What are some outcomes of this collaboration between students? And 5) Does the teachers’ collaborative effort impact the students’ collaboration, and vice versa

What is crossing the virtual window? : collaborating in virtual team teaching

Essai présenté à la Faculté d'éducation en vue de l'obtention du grade de Maître en enseignement (M.Éd.) Maîtrise en enseignement au collégialM.Éd. Université de Sherbrooke 2015Comprend des références bibliographique

Guidelines for Using Pilot Projects in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Pilot projects are popular in companies for experimenting with industry 4.0 concepts. However, few studies have addressed the specificities of piloting transformation, whose requirements are quite different than those for implementing a project with clear goals. Pilot projects can be used for the purpose of exploring, demonstrating, optimizing and disseminating solutions. In this paper we identify the role of pilot projects in digital transformation and define a successful pilot project so that it transcends to a full project. We provide accessible guidelines for the deployment of pilot projects in industry 4.0, drawing from a structured literature review and from lessons learned in an action research project implementing mixed reality in household ceramics production. A sound approach to pilot projects is important to reduce unknowns and risks in ensuing full projects and to contributing to organizational knowledge, offering an opportunity to rethink business strategies and train employees in digital transformation