Success factors in distributed agile development : case study

Abstract

This thesis aimed to figure out success factors in distributed software development conducting literature review and empirical research. The motivation for

this research rose from practical work experience and the notion that usage of

agile development has increased same time as global distributed software development has become more common. The research question formed to investigate

the topic was: “What are success factors in distributed agile development and what experiences about this combination already exists?” To answer research

question, there were conducted literature review of existing literature and empirical case study research executed using theme interviews. In literature review

used keywords were distributed development, agile development and distributed agile development. These keywords were covered in success and challenge

perspectives and literature related to distributed development and agile development were used to support review because the lack of references related only

to success factors of distributed agile development. In both, distributed development and agile development success factors, raised two similar factors. The first

common factor is about teams and team members. Based on agile development team members should be competent and team should be high-caliber team and in distributed development the team integration and spirit were highlighted. The

second factor is related to communication and effective communication technologies and tools. Based on studied empirical case, communication, trainings and

team cohesion were agreed as success factors in distributed agile development. Also, correct roles for team members and technical tools were mentioned.