Abstract:
Agile methods have been adopted by many information systems development (ISD) teams and organizations in recent years. However, while agile method research is growing, many studies lack a strong theoretical and conceptual base. Innovation adoption theories provide new perspectives on analysing agile methods. This paper is based on an exploratory study of the application of innovation theory to agile practices in use, focusing in particular on the later stages of assimilation i.e. acceptance, routinization and infusion. Three case studies were conducted involving agile method projects, using semi-structured interviews. One key finding is that specific needs of the adopting teams may drive the relevant agile practices in use to a deeper level of assimilation. Another key finding indicates the period of agile use does not have a proportional effect on their assimilation stages. Therefore, one needs to be cautious when using time as a measure of agile practice assimilation.
