Distributed Agile Outsourcing. An Overview of Methods and Success Factors

Term Paper (Advanced seminar) , 2017 , 21 Pages , Grade: 1,0

Computer Science - Commercial Information Technology

IT outsourcing (ITO) engagements have become one of the prevailing IT strategies. Moreover, agile software development (ASD) approaches tend to replace traditional, sequential methods. Injecting ASD into ITO leads to agile global or distributed outsourced development (AGOSD/ADOSD) projects characterized by using agile methods within distributed environments rising the challenge of facilitating coordination and collaboration between teams.

Especially communication between client and external vendor became one of the major critical success factors. Consequently, my study examines communication practices within global IT projects.

(1) I conducted a structured literature review to extend the list of communication practices provided
by prior studies. (2) I consolidated and categorized them. (3) By having performed expert interviews, I deployed a ranking pointing out their practical relevance.

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Theoretical Background
2.1 Related Work
2.2 AGOSD – A symbiosis of ITO and ASD

3. Research Method
3.1 Data Collection
3.2 Data Analysis

4. Results
4.1 AGOSD communication practices for large IT projects in the literature
4.2 Overview of AGOSD communication practices in large projects
4.3 Practical relevance of dedicated AGOSD communication practices in large projects
4.3.1. Category 1: Frequent Visits.
4.3.2 Category 2: Multiple Communication Modes.
4.3.3 Category 3: Mirroring / Balances Sites.
4.3.4 Category 4: Ambassador / Rotating Guru.
4.3.5 Category 5: Synchronization of Work Hours.

5. Discussion
5.1 Summary of Findings and Implications
5.2 Limitation and Future Research

6. Conclusion

7. References

• College: University of Cologne (Seminar für Wirtschaftsinformatik und integrierte Informationssysteme)
• Course: Hauptseminar
• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Oliver Götz (Author)
• Publication Year: 2017
• Pages: 21
• Catalog Number: V355110
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668412545
• ISBN (Book): 9783668412552
• Language: English
• Tags: distributed, agile, outsourcing, overview, methods, success, factors