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Exploring Temporal Synchronization in Scaled Agile Software Development

Masterarbeit

Overview

Agile methods, such as Scrum, have revolutionized software development, enabling faster delivery and higher quality products. Their success in small, co-located teams has driven organizations to adopt agile practices in large-scale settings, using frameworks such as SAFe and Scrum of Scrums. While a key objective of agile methods is reducing time to delivery—and agile teams are often evaluated on velocity—time-related aspects in agile ISD literature remain underexplored.

In scaled agile contexts, one critical temporal success factor is synchronization among agile development teams. However, we do not yet know how temporal synchronization occurs. What challenges hinder effective synchronization? Could factors like shared temporal cognition, temporal reflexivity, time consciousness, temporal coordination, or team polychronicity act as enablers for effective synchronization?

This thesis seeks to qualitatively and exploratively investigate the mechanisms and enablers of synchronization among agile software development teams operating in scaled-agile environments. The research methodology may involve qualitative interviews or one or more case studies.

Application:

Please send your transcript or records, your curriculum vitae (CV) and planned start date via email to . Prerequisites for this thesis are your motivation for the topic and/or enthusiasm to conduct empirical research. A plus would be existing connections to one or more companies applying scaled agile practices. Own topic suggestions within the same research field are also welcome.

Literature

  • Berntzen, M., Hoda, R., Moe, N. B., & Stray, V. (2022). A taxonomy of inter-team coordination mechanisms in large-scale agile. IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering, 49(2), 699-718.
  • Dikert, K., Paasivaara, M., & Lassenius, C. (2016). Challenges and success factors for large-scale agile transformations: A systematic literature review. Journal of Systems and Software, 119, 87-108.
  • Dingsøyr, T., Moe, N. B., & Seim, E. A. (2018). Coordinating knowledge work in multiteam programs: Findings from a large-scale agile development program. Project Management Journal, 49(6), 64-77.
  • O'Connor, M., Conboy, K., & Dennehy, D. (2023). Time is of the essence: a systematic literature review of temporality in information systems development research. Information Technology & People, 36(3), 1200-1234.
  • Tang, S., Richter, A. W., & Nadkarni, S. (2020). Subjective time in organizations: Conceptual clarification, integration, and implications for future research. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 41(2), 210-234.