Implementing Agile Methods in Large Scale Hardware Development Projects
Liminka, Jyri (2019)
Liminka, Jyri
2019
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2019052010814
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2019052010814
Tiivistelmä
The objective of this thesis was to examine how to implement an agile project model for hardware development and what the challenges related to it are. Scaling agile methods for larger projects and programs, with multiple teams from different fields was studied as well. The theoretical framework was formed from a literature review, covering different project models, an agile model in hardware development and methods for scaling an agile model. A case study was made for an organization where they had recently started using the Scrum process in hardware development. Data for the case study was collected by conducting six individual interviews with Project Leaders, Product Owners and Scrum Masters from two hardware projects in the company. The case study findings supported the information obtained from the existing literature. Adequate training for the personnel before implementing the agile model and coaching during the transition period was found to be important to allow for a smooth transition to the new project model. Testing was determined to be a bottleneck in agile hardware development and investing in test automation should be considered to mitigate this issue. Full support from the organization when transitioning to the agile model, was deemed important as well. Additionally, other observations and improvement ideas were gained from the interviews. The findings from this thesis can be used by the case study company to evaluate their processes and make possible adjustments to them. Other organizations planning to switch from a traditional project model to an agile project model in their physical product development may find useful information from the research and thus be better prepared for the challenges it brings.