The Agile methodology, an innovative approach to business organization: analysis of some case studies

Abstract

Several organizations and companies are trying to cope with the turbulence of the markets and the phenomenon of digitization that increasingly push companies to move from a traditional and mechanical approach to an organic one, called Agile. However, since it is an innovative methodology, there are many obstacles and difficulties to face, the Agile Manifesto published in 2001 is to be considered the fundamental documentation that companies must refer for an effective implementation of the approach. In order for organizations to be able to incorporate Agile, as a first aspect, a change of mentality is necessary, preferring flexible and dynamic work in which nothing is predictable. The objective of this study is to analyse in detail the Agile methodology at the organization level, focusing mainly on three levels: micro, in the relationship with the client, at the team level and, lastly, macro, in relation to the concept of leadership. In this regard, following an accurate analysis of the economic literature, we chose a qualitative multiple case studies analysis in which, through interviews, to study some business realities and understand how the Agile methodology is implemented. The work was concluded with a comparative analysis in which the differences between the various case studies and what is reported in the literature were highlighted, and then concluded with a look at the current situation causing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. From the data collected through the interviews, it emerged that, being an innovative approach to business organization, the difficulties encountered are numerous, in which following to the letter what is reported in the reports and guides are difficult to apply to reality. The results highlight a considerable effort in which the key principles of the methodology, transparency and collaboration, are guaranteed and fully respected. The main difficulties are the lack of certainties, organizations operate in a dynamic and constantly changing environment, where forecasts are almost never reliable and verifiable. The main requirement is certainly customer satisfaction.