Title: Scrum methodology adaptation in the non-software industry: agile management of a research initiative

Authors: Carolina Piedrahita; Guillermo Arturo Alzate-Espinosa; María Camila Herrera-Schlesinger; Abel Naranjo-Agudelo; Edson Felipe Araujo-Guerrero; Carlos Andrés Torres-Hernández; Camilo Andrés Benítez-Peláez

Addresses: Research Group in Applied Geomechanics (GIGA), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, Antioquia, 050034, Colombia ' Research Group in Applied Geomechanics (GIGA), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, Antioquia, 050034, Colombia ' Research Group in Applied Geomechanics (GIGA), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, Antioquia, 050034, Colombia ' Research Group in Applied Geomechanics (GIGA), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, Antioquia, 050034, Colombia ' Research Group in Applied Geomechanics (GIGA), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, Antioquia, 050034, Colombia ' Research Group in Applied Geomechanics (GIGA), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, Antioquia, 050034, Colombia ' Research Group in Applied Geomechanics (GIGA), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, Antioquia, 050034, Colombia

Abstract: The application of agile techniques is critical to achieve success in the resolution of unique problems in collaborative projects. This article explores the adoption of a project management approach adapted from the Scrum agile method in collaborative research initiatives framed within the Oil & Gas industry. The Scrum features integrated are assessed in six phases to identify how agile principles contribute to the efficiency in research processes related to modelling and understanding geomechanical phenomena in heavy oil reservoirs. Aiming to gather information, the study performs interviews, surveys and the analysis of official documents. Results suggest to foster certain "apprenticeship of observation" from more experienced researchers, a high degree of openness during the adoption of the Scrum framework to develop a collective understanding of novel Scrum practices, exploit improvement opportunities and incorporate agile roles in a flexible manner to strengthen team trust, constructive criticism, efficiency and communication.

Keywords: Scrum framework; agile methods; collaborative research initiatives; agile project management; feasibility assessment; success factors.

DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2023.132471

International Journal of Agile Systems and Management, 2023 Vol.16 No.3, pp.368 - 399

Received: 29 Apr 2022
Accepted: 02 Aug 2022
Published online: 21 Jul 2023 *

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