A contextualised model of the use of agile technique in South African software development team

Abstract

Background: Software development teams are challenged with the adoption of the most appropriate software development methodology. Despite their acceptance of agile methodologies, still many countries use traditional software development methods.

Objectives: The major objective of this study was to develop a contextualised model for the adoption of agile methodologies in software development teams in South Africa.

Method: Our study identified the factors that contributed to the adoption of agile software development teams in South Africa by conducting a factor analysis. We used descriptive statistics to determine the frequencies of the participant’s demographics and situational variables. A composite research model based on technology, organisation and environment, individual characters and culture constructs was constructed and analysis was performed by applying the statistical techniques of correlation analysis, regression analysis and structural equation modelling.

Results: The result of the analysis revealed that many teams do not have a specific model that they use in agile development methodology. Technology, organisation, environment and culture constructs were found to have an impact on teams in adopting agile methodologies.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that organisations lack appropriate models of agile methodologies adoption to inform their decision making. Therefore, adopt the developed model in taking informed decisions for their software development methodologies. The study makes a practical contribution to management and practice.

Contribution: This study improves on software development approaches in developing countries. The developed model can be adopted as a theory in future research. It contributed literature to the body of knowledge.