Scrum for Hardware development projects

Abstract

The trends in the high tech sector push towards creating and delivering better products to cope with the increasing demands of the customers. The projects of the high tech sector are referred to as Hardware (HW) development projects, which consist of both hardware and software (SW) development. Many organisations have been using traditional project management approaches for years for such projects. In the past few years, the organisations are considering or in the progress of shifting towards the agile project management approach as it has potential benefits which include high involvement and satisfaction of customers, a better quality of deliverables, and adapt to changing requirements in a project. However, mixing both the traditional and agile approaches can have a significant effect on the performance of the project. As it is possible to integrate practices of the agile method into the traditional project management approach, and when combined, this would improve the functionality of the product less influencing the cost and time. A common framework of the agile project management approach is the Scrum method, commonly used for software development. However, to get full advantage of the scrum method for hardware development, it needs to be tailored to the needs and type of the project. The aim of the research is to explore the application of Scrum for hardware development projects with the objective is to formulate suggestions on elements of Scrum that can be applied in the management of hardware development for the benefit of the projects. A theoretical framework was developed, describing scrum practices and their benefits. The benefits known from the theoretical framework will be used as background knowledge to investigate the fit of Scrum elements in the current management approach. Further, the applicability of scrum practices for HW development is decided based on the agile value and principle; each Scrum practice is related. This research determines the characteristics of the HW development project and the difference between the traditional project management approach and agile project management approach. Also presents the suggestion of scrum practice after considering the inputs from the expert's meetings that can be applied in managing specific complexity/problem.