Agile Quality or Depth of Reasoning? Applicability vs. Suitability with Respect to Stakeholders' Needs

Abstract

This chapter provides a basis for discussion and analysis of the quality characteristics of the agile information systems development (AISD) process, and exposes concerns raised regarding the applicability and suitability of agile methods in different organisational and national cultures. The arguments are derived from recent literature reviews and reports on the state-of-the-art in agile methodologies. We also reflect on our own research and experience in three European countries with different academic and work values, and information systems development (ISD) industrial practices based on diverse principles. Examining the different perceptions of quality in the agile software development paradigm by comparing and contrasting them to the quality perceptions in the established ISD methodological paradigms, we aim at: (i) exploring the relationship of traditional, agile, managed, and measured ISD processes, (ii) making the human dynamics that bear on the success and consensus acceptance of IS more explicit, and (iii) establishing a critical framework/approach for reflecting on the suitability and applicability of agile methods in the development and management of quality software systems.