Agile Methodology in Sysco Labs

This article discusses Agile Methodology in software development and its applicability in Sysco Labs. It covers the history and growth of Agile Methodology, its principles, and various Agile methodologies such as Scrum, Lean, and Extreme Programming. The article also talks about the future direction of Agile Methodology and its potential to be an all-round system when it comes to project management.

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AGILE METHODOLOGY IN SYCO LABS
By (Name)
Course
Professor’s name
University’s name
City, State
Date of Submission

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Introduction
Agile Methodology refers to a form of project management process which is mostly used
by software developing companies (Kumar and Bhatia 2012). The method involves the
collaboration of organizational team in providing technological solutions that conform to the
specifications of the customers' needs. Since the software industry is a highly dynamic and
competitive market, it requires time to time upgrading the systems, there was a need to have in
place a mechanism that would facilitate the process (Špundak 2014). Agile Methodology
replaced the use of the waterfall method, which was a traditional software method because of the
challenge it had when it came to the constant software upgrading process.
Today Agile Methodology have become popular in software development because they
are quick compared to the waterfall method, which was slow to upgrade. Due to the ease of agile
methodologies to improve quickly, they have proven to be more effective in project
management. The system is in the position to maneuver the dynamic business environment and
also manage the complexity that is present in modern software systems. However, no much
research and evidence are pointing on the use of agile methodology use in Sri Lanka. This study
focusses on the use of agile Methodology in Sysco Lab Company in the software engineering
department. The paper will discuss the history and growth of software technology, the current
use of agile methodologies in the industry, its applicability in Sysco Lab and the future direction
in software development.
History and Growth of Agile Methodology.
Studies show that the use of Agile Methodology is high in the United States and Europe.
The studies point at the increase in the use of Agile Methodology in the mid-1990s (Duka 2013).

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During the same period, it is clear that there were incremental and iterative software
development techniques where new methodologies adopted new technologies, accepted
flexibility of the rules in project behavior and incorporation of human interactions.
Agile methodologies emerged during the mid-1990s shortly after the emergence of other
software methodologies such as adaptive software development and dynamic systems
development method, making it accessible and significant among the software development
companies (Ahmed, et al 2010). In 2001, agile was adapted in software organizations to enhance
software development. Thirteen software developers decided after a lot of resources were lost in
the development of software where the project stalled; hence, there was a need among the
software developers to correct this menace (Muntean and Surcel 2013). Research in the USA and
Europe shows that agile methodologies are present in 14% of the companies and consequently
49% of the software developing organizations are open to the idea of incorporating the concept
of agile into their operations (Duka 2013).
Software organizations that have adopted the use of agile methodologies have
experienced its ability to enhance customer satisfaction, reduce defects rates and increase the
development process considering its ability to accommodate the changing requirements of
software development.
Agile Methodology principles.
 Ensuring customer satisfaction by delivering software’s on regular basis.
 Taking into consideration the changes that take place on time.
 Consolidation of both software developers and clients. Working in unison.
 Having in place a team that is motivated to deliver best software.

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 Encouraging cordial communication among the teams involved in development.
 Success is measured by providing a software that is operational.
 Simplicity is encouraged in delivery of software.
 Consistent assessment of the processes to make improvements.
Traditionally agile methodologies were designed for the software organizations but
following its significant contribution various sectors have opted to adopt it due to its efficiency
in saving of time where projects were completed on time, save money and its rapid change
nature (Špundak 2014 p.399). Today many industries have adopted the application of agile
methodologies in project management. According to the 11th Annual State of Agile Survey that
was conducted in 2016 between the month of July and December, it was reported that software
industry is the leading with 23% adoption of agile followed by financial services industry at
14%, professional services at 12%, insurance at 6%, healthcare industries at 6%, government at
5%, transport industry at 4% and manufacturing which is also at 4% (One 2017).
Agile methodologies comprise of several methods which form a single umbrella. Among
the techniques are scrum, crystal, XP (Extreme Programming), FDD (Future Driven
Development), DSDM (Dynamic System Development Method). These various agile
methodologies share almost similar but have unique features and practices when it comes to the
implementations phase.
Scrum is an agile methodology which is applicable in the management and control of
iterative and incremental projects. This Methodology is a product by Ken Schwaber, Mike
Beedle, Jeff Sutherland and others. Scrum has been famous as agile Methodology because it’s
simple, productive and able to wrap other software used in agile methodologies (Akif and
Majeed 2012 p.3). It enables the organization to work closely with its customers by identifying

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and prioritizing the system functions. The product backlog comprises of features, non-functional
requirement, bug fixes among other functionalities to facilitate the process of delivering a
working software system.
Lean Methodology is an iterative agile initially developed by Mary and Tom
Poppendieck. It focusses on delivering value to organization clients. The main principles of this
methodologies are eliminating waste, amplifying learning, deciding as late as possible, delivering
as fast as possible, empowering the team, building integrity.
Extreme Programming, XP was developed by Kent Beck; it is a disciplined approach
which focusses on the delivery of high-quality software in continuous and faster manner. This
Methodology enhances customer involvement, quick feedback, continuous testing and planning.
It is therefore guided by for mean values which include communication, courage, simplicity and
feedback.
Crystal methodology is another easily adaptable approach to software development.
Crystal is made up of a group of agile methods that range from crystal clear to crystal orange.
Crystal methodology emphasizes on the factors relating to team size, project priorities and
criticality of the system.
Applicability of the Technology.
Agile methodologies have become significant over the time thus being adopted by
organizations due to its distinct features such as the dynamic changes in user needs; it enhances
involvement of the users, realistic expectations by the developers, proper planning and honest
communication (Kumar and Bhatia 2012 p.47). Agile Methodology earned it popularity in
various industries, thus being applied to manage projects.

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There has emerged need to use agile among the software industries following the
acknowledgement that the software industry is increasing globally. Software industries over the
decade have developed a trend of moving from high wages nations to low ones such as Sri
Lanka. According to Vithana, Fernando, and Kapurubandara (2015) the application of agile
methodologies in Sri Lank software companies such as Sysco Labs which have increased its
exports earning more in foreign exchange, thus contributing much more into the country
economic growth.
Agile methodologies promote smooth operation of the software development as well as
its application in the ICT industry where the needs of the software are vital. The Methodology is
also essential in helping practitioners examine the system requirement modifying its purpose in
project management with the team members and also to serve customers effectively. Agile is
useful in defining software architecture, enhances planning, thus enabling the company to learn
from it and adjust from market feedback due to positive interaction with the customers.
Agile works in a unified manner as it follows the software development cycle where
requirements are analyzed, designed, coded and tested to deliver small release as it waits for the
customer feedback. Therefore, satisfying the customer with fast development unlike the old
Methodology.
The Future of Agile Methodology.
Agile Methodology was initially developed to improve the process of software
development. The Methodology is quicker compared to traditional project management systems.
However, with improvements in technology and the dynamic nature of software's improvements
of Agile Methodology is inevitable. Among the anticipated developments in the order are;

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formation of smaller teams (Agile pods) to oversee a project (Duka 2013 p.426). The team will
comprise of four to eight individuals skilled and well equipped to deliver software in the shortest
time possible.
Secondly, there is likely to be increased growth in team maturity. Maturity will be as a
result of the team's consistency in the delivery of quality software. In turn, advent software
developers are likely to get into agency duties and therefore being in apposition to hire out a
team of experts to handle set projects (One., 2017).
Thirdly, agile Methodology will spread across all the departments in the organization.
Currently, the focus is on the engineering team, but with the team, there is a likelihood of
adaptation of Agile Methodology in the finance, marketing and even the management
departments (Vithana, Fernando and Kapurubandara 2015). It is quite natural for engineers to
operate in a firm that has incorporated agile Methodology in its operations because the approach
makes it easy for them to manage a project without using much effort and time, thus improving
their management skills and at the same making their job interesting.
Additionally, in future agile Methodology will be more data-driven. Agile data-driven is
as a result of improvement in processes and incorporation of tools. Currently, the situation with
Agile Methodology is that it comes with little objective evidence (One., 2017). However, in days
to come, flexibility and increase in data are likely to improve the situation. More so, the biggest
beneficiaries of data-driven agile will be Team Software Process and Personal Software Process.
Conclusion

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Conclusively, agile methodology is the best project manager when it comes to software
development. The techniques are in a position to maneuver the dynamic nature of changes in
technology and it also encourages the need to have in place a team that will oversee the process
of delivering a product that conforms to the demands of the customer. However, agile
methodology has its shortcomings that range from the high cost of implementation which make
only applicable to firms that are well established. Agile system is quickly being integrated in
other sectors of the economy such as finance, insurance, marketing and Healthcare. This in
essence means that agile methodology has the potential to an all-round system when it comes to
project management.
References

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Ahmed, A., Ahmad, S., Ehsan, N., Mirza, E. and Sarwar, S.Z., 2010, June. Agile software
development: Impact on productivity and quality. In 2010 IEEE International Conference on
Management of Innovation & Technology (pp. 287-291). IEEE.
Akif, R. and Majeed, H., 2012. Issues and challenges in Scrum implementation. International
Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 3(8), pp.1-4.
Duka, D., 2013, May. Adoption of agile methodology in software development. In 2013 36th
International Convention on Information and Communication Technology, Electronics and
Microelectronics (MIPRO) (pp. 426-430). IEEE.
Kumar, G. and Bhatia, P.K., 2012. Impact of agile methodology on software development
process. International Journal of Computer Technology and Electronics Engineering
(IJCTEE), 2(4), pp.46-50.
Muntean, M. and Surcel, T., 2013. Agile BI-The Future of BI. Informatica Economica, 17(3).
One, V., 2017. 11th annual state of agile survey. Technical report, Version One.
Špundak, M., 2014. Mixed agile/traditional project management methodology–reality or
illusion? Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 119, pp.939-948.
Vithana, V.N., Fernando, S.G.S. and Kapurubandara, M., 2015. Success Factors for Agile
Software Development â [euro]" A Case Study from Sri Lanka. International Journal of
Computer Applications, 113(17).s