Scaling Agile software development approach in government organization in New Zealand

Abstract

Agile methods are based on an iterative and incremental cycles of development where requirements and solutions are developed through collaboration and coordination between cross-functional teams and their customer. Agile software development focuses on flexibility, allowing changes in requirements to occur during the software development process. The use of Agile software development is increasing in both the private and public sectors. However, there is little knowledge about the use of Agile in the public sector. This paper presents important factors such as communication, transparency, feedback, product owner engagement, confidence and organization culture that contribute to the outcome of Agile Software development projects in public sector organisations. This study compares the main challenges in the public and the private sector. Transparency and Product Owner engagement were found to be the main difference in the challenges in the public and private sectors