Improving business product owner commitment in student scrum projects

Abstract

Aim/Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore and test several improvements for incorporating the Business Product Owner (BPO) role in student software projects using Scrum. Background As the popularity of Scrum has grown, its roles and ceremonies have been utilized in student software projects, yet one of the more challenging roles to implement in the academic context is the role of BPO. Consequently, alt-hough the BPO role is central to Scrum, this role is lacking in many student Scrum projects. Methodology Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected at a large university in the U.S. to assess the effectiveness of attempted improvements in incorpo-rating the BPO role in 32 student Scrum projects. Contribution This study is among the first to theorize and examine the bottom-up selec-tion of BPOs where team members select their own BPOs as a unique pro-ject requirement. This study extends current theory to expand the develop-ment team roles when BPOs are unable to articulate requirements during co-creation activities. This study also informs us of the impact of BPO attributes on team member perceptions and it demonstrates how BPO engagement can be improved in student Scrum projects. Findings The findings suggest that BPO engagement can be improved by (a) formaliz-ing the BPO selection process through time-limiting responses, screening, and contractual agreements, (b) starting the BPO initiation process through co-creation activities (e.g., user story workshop), and (c) expanding the devel-opment team's role in defining and prioritizing features during the BPO exe-cution process through mutual steering. Recommendations for Practitioners Based on the findings, practitioners are recommended to educate BPO's con-cerning their role and its impact on the Scrum team. Recommendations for Researchers Researchers are recommended to develop and test additional mechanisms to facilitate ongoing BPO engagement. Impact on Society Higher education needs to explore more ways of involving practitioners in student projects. Future Research Future research should explore ways of reducing BPO attrition in student Scrum projects.