Implementation and usage of an Agile Framework - A Case Study of the implementation of an Agile Framework within the Manufacturing Industry, and the challenges which occurred

Abstract

In today's turbulent digital world, a greater need for flexibility on issues regarding change has arisen for large organizations in the industrial sector. Flexibility was something that was previously lacking in the traditional management methods that many of today's large organizations used a few years ago. To adapt their organization to the changes and requests of the outside world, organizations realized the importance of moving towards a more Agile way of working, that permeates all or parts of the organization. A way of working that originates from the Software industry, and was not primarily intended for structured organizations within the manufacturing industry. At present, much research has been done regarding the Agile Frameworks and their impact on various organizations. Where the authors found a lack of research was how the Agile methods were implemented within the organizations at department level, as well as the results and challenges this have generated. This was of interest, as researchers suggest that it is only when the implementation comes down to the everyday tasks that one can study the actual results linked to the implementation. The aim of this thesis is therefore to study how the implementation of an Agile Framework took place in a sector of an organization present in the automotive industry. As well as what concrete methods and models are used today for prioritization work. The results of our research have shown difficulties among the departments within a large organization using Agile Prioritization models. This is when shortcomings have arisen regarding the implementation of the Framework. The following challenges were identified: (1) The Implementation, (2) Large-scale organization, (3) Resistance to change, (4) Lack of Agile mindset and (5) Individualism. In order for the Agile prioritization model to operate successfully within the departments, it is recommended that organizations implement an Agile Framework at an early stage, identify these challenges, and counteract them.