Exploring Adoption and Use of Agile Methods: A Comparative Case Study

In this paper we describe the adoption of agile methods in two organizations. A participant observation method was used to gather in-depth data on the introduction and initial use of agile methods at a bank and a global law firm. An agile usage model, built on theories of innovation diffusion, information systems development, and agile methods, is used to explain post-adoption use of the agile methods in the two organizations. Both organizations had identified problems in meeting business needs with existing waterfall-type methods, and the agile practices and tools introduced at the organizations were similar. Yet the organizations achieved very different results. Compatibility, sociological factors, and top management support were associated with greater agile method use and more positive outcomes.

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