Management of cross-team interfaces in large-scale agile development

Abstract

Agile product development promises improved productivity, fast development cycles, and high employee satisfaction. Large-scale agile development frameworks (e.g., SAFe, Sage, Scrum [at symbol] Scale, Spotify, LeSS) adapt agile principles for programs where multiple teams must work together to build complex products and services. In this research, we explore how large-scale agile organizations manage cross-team interfaces and dependencies. We reviewed existing frameworks and interviewed fourteen individuals from six different organizations. We learned that many large-scale agile practices act as coordination mechanisms. Large-scale agile programs use these coordination mechanisms to: (1) reduce the quantity and complexity of cross-team interfaces; (2) identify interfaces up front; (3) surface interfaces as they emerge in development; (4) manage interfaces during development; and (5) build a shared understanding between teams. Experienced practitioners consider how agile roles, events, artifacts, and other mechanisms contribute to coordination in each of these areas. While large-scale agile frameworks provide recommended practices, we suggest programs should adapt these approaches to fit their specific needs. Future research may help to evolve large-scale agile practices by further exploring: product, process and program architecture, coordination mechanisms and effectiveness, and leadership and accountability.