Scaling Agility: Exploration and Measurement of Trade-offs in Large-Scale Organizations

Abstract

This thesis explores the trade-offs and measurements associated with large-scale agility
in organizations. The primary objective lies in the development of a conceptual model,
the Timeline Model, to measure and compare the level of agility in large-scale agile
methodologies. The secondary objective is to synthesize existing literature to understand how agile values and principles must adapt in large-scale environments.
The literature on large-scale agility reveals the complexities and challenges organizations
face when implementing agile methodologies at scale. It discusses how agile values
and principles are adapted as organizations transition from small to large structures,
highlighting the implication on agility in planning, coordination, and team autonomy
in large-scale settings.
The literature review identifies several trade-offs to agility at scale, providing insights
into the compromises organizations must make to scale agility practices effectively.
The resulting conceptual model, the Timeline Model, encapsulates these trade-offs to
offer a framework for measuring agility in large-scale agile methods. This model aims to
help organizations evaluate and improve their agile practices, addressing the challenges
of scaling agility in complex environments.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English (American)
Supervisor	Herwig Mayr (Supervisor)