Understanding Scaled Agile Framework Coordination Methods for Reducing Failure Rates
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2020 Understanding Scaled Agile Framework Coordination Methods for Reducing Failure Rates William Collins Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Management and Technology This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by William Collins has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Karla Phlypo, Committee Chairperson, Applied Management and Decision Sciences Faculty Dr. Elizabeth Thompson, Committee Member, Applied Management and Decision Sciences Faculty Dr. Branford McAllister, University Reviewer Applied Management and Decision Sciences Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2020 Abstract Understanding Scaled Agile Framework Coordination Methods for Reducing Failure Rates by William Collins MS, Strayer University, 1999 BS, North Carolina State University, 1980 Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Management Walden University August 2020 Abstract As organizations’ software needs continue to increase, software development failure rates parallel and directly threaten organizations’ wellbeing and viability. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory single case study was to understand the methods and relationships impacted by coordination during a transformation to the scaled agile framework. The research question was designed to explore how large organizations transforming to scaled agile frameworks use coordination methods to support software and systems engineers to potentially improve the success of implementation. This was an exploratory single case study of a global aerospace organization. Data collected included historical organization documents, casual field observations, and semi-structured interviews with a cross-section of 12 engineers and managers regarding coordination experiences to understand the methods and relationships impacted by coordination. The conceptual framework included von Bertalanffy's general system theory and Malone's coordination theory. Five key themes emerged through thematic analysis of textual data and transcript analysis: effective-efficient performance, knowledge transfer, transformational leadership, cross- boundary, and cognitive diversity. This research identified problem factors, including efficient and effective coordination methods, knowledge transfer, changing mindset, and cultural shift. This study contributes to positive social change for organizations transforming to the scaled agile framework through an enhanced understanding of factors involved with successful implementation, providing psychosocial reinforcement to employees and management while increasing performance that supports an organization’s financial objectives. Understanding Scaled Agile Framework Coordination Methods for Reducing Failure Rates by William Collins MS, Strayer University, 1994 BS, NC State University 1980 Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Management Walden University August 2020 Dedication “No man is an island, Entire of itself, Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less. As well as if a promontory were. As well as if a manor of thy friend's Or of thine own were: Any man's death diminishes me, Because I am involved in mankind, And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.” ---John Donne This study is dedicated to my wife, Patricia for the hours of sacrifice, support, incredible patience, and belief in me. For the 54 years she has been the better half of me. Acknowledgments John Donne said no one is an island. The completion of a dissertation requires humility of its author and selfless support of many cohorts, faculty, and friends. To properly list all who have supported this journey would double the size of the study. My doctorate has been an endeavor to gain a small increase in knowledge and a large increase in understanding. I hope my grandsons, Benjamin, and Adam, will see education as a means to better understand the world they will live in and a source of fulfillment. This dissertation could not have been written without Dr. Karla S. Phlypo, who not only served as my Chair, but also encouraged and challenged me during my capstone process. After the death or departure of three previous Chairs, Dr. Phlypo accepted the challenge to create a phoenix from the ashes and has succeeded beyond what was possible. I especially want to thank Dr. Elizabeth H. Thompson, who had the unenviable challenge to replace my original second committee member late in the process and with no notice. I would like to thank, Dr. Walter McCollum, for inviting me into a unique Cohort that created a support environment that works and gets candidates to the finish line. It is necessary to recognize all my fellow Cohort members who added to my success and knowledge throughout the entire process. Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v List of Figures .................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Background of the Study ...............................................................................................2 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................8 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................9 Research Question .........................................................................................................9 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................10 Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................12 Definitions....................................................................................................................15 Assumptions .................................................................................................................18 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................19 Limitations ...................................................................................................................20 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................21 Significance to Practice......................................................................................... 21 Significance to Theory .......................................................................................... 23 Significance to Social Change .............................................................................. 24 Summary and Transition ..............................................................................................26 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................28 Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................29 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................30 i Literature Review.........................................................................................................37 Coordination and the Evolution of Scaled Agile Framework ............................... 37 Communication, Collaboration, and Coordination ............................................... 41 Psychosocial Influence.......................................................................................... 57 Importance of Scaled Agile Framework and Coordination to Business ............... 68 Synthesis and Summary ...............................................................................................91 Summary and Conclusions ..........................................................................................92 Chapter 3 Research Method ...............................................................................................95 Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................95 Research Design.................................................................................................... 96 Research Rationale................................................................................................ 99 Role of the Researcher ...............................................................................................102 Methodology