Transfer and Scale-Up of Agile Frameworks into Education: A Review and Retrospective of OKR and SCRUM

Abstract

Agile frameworks such as Objectives and Key Results (OKR) and SCRUM, originally developed for the software industry, are increasingly being considered for application in educational settings. This paper reviews the transfer and scale-up of these agile methodologies into education, aiming to analyze their effectiveness, benefits, and challenges. Through a systematic review of existing literature and detailed analysis of case studies, the study finds that agile frameworks can enhance collaboration, project management, and student outcomes. However, challenges such as resistance to change, scalability, and training requirements are significant barriers. The findings suggest that while agile methodologies hold promise for transforming educational practices, careful consideration and tailored implementation strategies are crucial. This study provides recommendations for educators and policymakers, and identifies areas for future research to further explore the long-term impacts of agile frameworks in education. The analysis builds upon foundational concepts from "A Scrum Book: The Spirit of the Game" by Jeff Sutherland and James O. Coplien (2019) and " Measure What Matters OKRs: The Simple Idea that Drives 10x Growth" by John Doerr (2018).