Misfit or misuse? Lessons from implementation of Scrum in radical product innovation

Abstract

In this paper we report from a study of the implementation and early experiences of using Scrum for radical product innovation in a traditional, matrix-organized software company. The empirical data was collected in an interview-based case study. The case data show a company undergoing significant change due to a recent corporate take-over which has lead to a re-thinking of the roles and tasks of the organization at all levels. We draw on an already established framework for analyzing the organizational change process. The analysis results in a set of observations that we use subsequently in the discussion of practical lessons for organizations facing similar challenges. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2008.