Lessons Learned from the Agile Transformation of an Aeronautics Computing Center

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to share the main lessons learned in more than one year of work in the Agile Transformation of the Brazilian Aeronautics Computing Center of São José dos Campos. At the beginning of works, the intention was to support the implementation of Scrum as a framework for software development. The first faced challenge was the paradox between Scrum, for its horizontality in the interaction between individuals and the military hierarchy. An update in the Internal Regulations of this Computing Center included in its organizational structure a Project Management Office focused on advising Scrum Teams. The Scrum Teams were also included in the organizational structure, with no hierarchical link to any sector of the Organization. Over time, there has been an increase in people’s engagement to this work. The year 2019 began with the reorganization of the teams, following the Scrum Guide, and with two success stories: the construction of a Flight Simulator and the development of a system that controls the overflight of foreign aircraft in brazilian airspace.