Scrum Team Maturity: A New Model

Arina Rossikhin

Master's thesis

The Application of the New Agile Framework Maturity Lifecycle Model (AFML) to Scrum

Abstract:

Organizations are becoming increasingly Agile due to technology projects are 29% more likely to succeed if Agile is implemented compared to the traditional waterfall method of project management. (Mersino, 2021) Additionally, Scrum continues to be the top Agile methodology implemented by teams at 66%. (“15th State of Agile Report,” 2021) Despite the positive records of Agile and Scrum, teams struggle with the unpredictability of the approach and, as a result, are not able to plan, work, manage or continuously improve their outcomes. (Verwijs et al., 2020) To counter the unpredictability of the approach, the thesis purposes a new model named Agile Framework Maturity Lifecycle (AFML). The conceptualization of the model has been done through primary and secondary research in the field of Agile, Scrum, and maturity. For the purpose of the research, the application of the model was limited to Scrum. Through the research, four existing maturity models, CMMI, AMM, Tuckman's Model of Group Development, and the "Shu Ha Ri" model, were analyzed for their application and limitation to Scrum. The model demonstrates that there are multiple aspects to consider when defining the maturity of a team and provides the team with a snapshot into where they are currently in their journey and what should they do next to develop further.

Abstract:

Organizations are becoming increasingly Agile due to technology projects are 29% more likely to succeed if Agile is implemented compared to the traditional waterfall method of project management. (Mersino, 2021) Additionally, Scrum continues to be the top Agile methodology implemented by teams at 66%. (“15th State of Agile Report,” 2021) Despite the positive records of Agile and Scrum, teams struggle with the unpredictability of the approach and, as a result, are not able to plan, work, manage or continuously improve their outcomes. (Verwijs et al., 2020) To counter the unpredictability of the approach, the thesis purposes a new model named Agile Framework Maturity Lifecycle (AFML). The conceptualization of the model has been done through primary and secondary research in the field of Agile, Scrum, and maturity. For the purpose of the research, the application of the model was limited to Scrum. Through the research, four existing maturity models, CMMI, AMM, Tuckman's Model of Group Development, and the "Shu Ha Ri" model, were analyzed for their application and limitation to Scrum. The model demonstrates that there are multiple aspects to consider when defining the maturity of a team and provides the team with a snapshot into where they are currently in their journey and what should they do next to develop further.

Keywords

Methodology, Maturity, Agile Transformation, Agile, Model, Project Management, Challenges, Scrum

Keywords

Agile, Scrum, Maturity, Methodology, Model, Project Management, Challenges, Agile Transformation

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 5. 12. 2022

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 1. 6. 2023
• Supervisor: Alena Buchalcevová
• Reader: Michal Doležel

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme:
Information Systems Management