Towards a Comprehensive Understanding of Agile Teamwork: A literature-based Thematic Network

Abstract

Agile Software Development (ASD) has become the mainstream software development method of choice. Its core fundamentals are based on Teamwork factors and the higher value it gives to individuals and their interactions over processes and tools. Teamwork and human factors have been addressed as essential topics in the literature, and researchers have stated the importance of measuring it to increase the chances of success of ASD projects. However, there is no common understanding regarding the factors that should be considered for defining an ASD Teamwork construct. Driven by this problem, this paper presents a thematic network that defines the themes (i.e., factors) that should be considered when addressing ASD Teamwork. The ASD Teamwork thematic network is the result of a process that consisted of (i) defining the studies used as a data source through a literature review; (ii) extracting data from these studies; (iii) translating this data into codes; (iv) translating the codes into themes; (v) creating the model of higher-order themes; and, (vi) assessing the trustworthiness of the synthesis. The resulting thematic network comprises four higher-level themes: Cohesion, Orientation, Shared Leadership, and Autonomy. We believe that the constructed thematic network can be generalized to ASD and used as the basis by researchers who intend to explore ASD Teamwork. Further, practitioners can use our results to understand agile teams' dynamics better and improve their efficiency.

A Comparative Analysis of Agile Teamwork Quality Instruments in Agile Software Development: A Qualitative Approach

“…al. [9] as a basis of comparison, comparing them with three ASD Teamwork instruments factors and questions. Next, we present the study design.…”

“…We aimed to perform a quantitativy and qualitative comparison between literature-based Agile Teamwork factors found by Freire et al [9] and new Teamwork instruments factors in ASD and identify trends in this comparison by focusing on the following research questions (RQs):…”

“…al. [9] developed a literature-based Thematic Network identifying the most frequent codes and themes (ASD factors) in agile teamwork literature in ASD. Freire et al [9] argued that the thematic network can support their decision-making process.…”

“…[9] developed a literature-based Thematic Network identifying the most frequent codes and themes (ASD factors) in agile teamwork literature in ASD. Freire et al [9] argued that the thematic network can support their decision-making process. Practitioners can use it as a reference for understanding the factors and dimensions that comprise ASD Teamwork.…”

“…However, for this Freire et al [9] thematic network to have a practical use, it is necessary to identify how these codes and themes are being considered in the instruments that measure the TWQ construct in agile context. It is important to understand how these factors are associated with the factors and questions of the Agile teamwork instruments, so that they can be used in practice by teamwork instruments.…”