Software startups: Motivations for agile adoption

Abstract

Agile software development methodology (ASDM) has become a more popular development method for software development, especially for web and startup companies. It has also been characterized differently from plan-based methodologies mainly because of its focus on adapting to change and delivering products of high quality through simple work processes. Agile adoption is nonetheless a complex task, and not all agile processes and practices are suitable for small-scale startups. There are some agile practices that have negative impact on startups. The failure of some startups is mainly caused by the failure to develop products due to the lack of adopting of proper development methodology. However, there is a lack of studies on factors that affect the selection or adoption of agile methodologies. This study therefore attempts to showcase the motivation rationale for agile adoption among software startups in Saudi Arabia. An online survey was conducted for software startups in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to elicit their responses on their motivations for adopting agile methodologies. The outcome reveals that the top five motivations for agile adoption are the need for accelerated product delivery, enhanced ability to manage changing priorities, increased software maintainability, simplified development process, and need for enhanced delivery predictability. This outcome will support startup companies, projects managers and development teams, ets.