Several companies with a strong history of using agile methods, even "hyperproductive" variants with published metrics, have abandoned their commitment to agile, sometimes accompanied by dramatic staff defections. There seems to be a correlation (not necessarily causation) with departure of key staff members. I am especially curious about this because, years ago, this happened to an employer of mine. Whether due to management failures, or failures of the agile framework, I want to understand and improve this situation.
Open Space Session, Scrum Gathering Orlando 2010
I am currently researching this phenomenon, to explore the root causes in a future paper. I do not want to bias our research by hosting a public debate, instead preferring to have one-on-one email or phone discussions with parties involved.
I will share drafts of our work prior to publication with any participants.
If you are aware of a company abandoning a commitment to agile methods, whether you were directly involved, or are aware of others I could interview, please contact me. Dan Greening dan-abandonment@greening.org, cell +1 (415) 810-3693. If you wish to remain anonymous, whether in referring to others or discussing your own direct experience, I will honor that request.
Please refrain from publicly commenting on this post, and rather contact me directly, to avoid biasing research participants. (Crossing my fingers and hoping that works.)
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