International Journal of Agile Systems and Management (21 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Success and Barrier Factors in Agile Transformation  
  by Frederico Batista, Leandro Pereira, Renato Costa 
  Abstract: Agile Methods have become an appealing way of working for organizations focused on improving their performance and matching their customers needs. Agile Methods were originally created to be used by small and independent teams, which leads to complex challenges when implemented in Large-Scale. The purpose of this study is to fill the gap in the scientific literature on Large-Scale Agile Transformations. A feedback from 294 Agile Experts was collected through a survey strategy. Parametric techniques were used to rank and explain the most relevant factors as success and barriers for agile transformations in Large-Scale.
  Keywords: Agile Methods; Agile Transformation; Large-Scale Agile.
  
  
• A transdisciplinary engineering framework for analysing initial public offerings financial behaviour  
  by Carlos Mario Aldana, Federico Trigos 
  Abstract: Effective decision-making is crucial amid uncertainty in the early stages of a business venture. Due to the lack of historical data, decision-makers face real-time challenges, relying on financial key performance indicators (KPIs) trends. This research addresses the need to overcome the uncertainty of initial public offerings (IPO) by analysing the trends using engineering control functions (first/second order with open/closed loop) to model the stock price in realtime, taking advantage of behavioural finance concepts. Stakeholders, including decision-makers, may anticipate and react to the initial steady state of a new venture in real-time. This approach sheds light on the role of behavioural factors and closed-loop adaptive control in shaping steady state outcomes in new market ventures. The contribution of this research is twofold: a) a transdisciplinary decision support framework to analyse the initial stage of IPOs and their behaviour; and b) two actual IPO analyses to illustrate the framework’s capabilities.
  Keywords: financial market dynamics; behavioural finance; real-time decisionmaking in finance; knowledge engineering in financial systems; systems thinking; adaptive control in financial markets; transdisciplinary financial analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10064696
   
  
• Reinforcing public sector scorecard in law enforcement sector: prosecution institution of government of Indonesia  
  by Frizkana Meilia, Bambang Tjahjadi 
  Abstract: The concept of a unifying public sector organisational framework strategy drawing, improving the quality of public services, controlling and assessing, is called the public sector scorecard (PSS). This approach is based on a broader version of the balanced scorecard to fit the added cultural factors and values of the public sector. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate, based on a case study approach in prosecution agencies, how PSS addresses a number of critical success aspects for performance management and service quality improvement in the public sector. The results of analysis at the prosecutor’s office in Indonesia show that PSS in the field of law enforcement with case studies of restorative justice, with the aim of accommodating rehabilitative values and reforming criminals. PSS is a management approach that is able to manage organisational elements to become more effective to produce high quality of performance.
  Keywords: public sector; performance management; balanced scorecard; PSS; public sector scorecard; governance; strategy mapping; prosecution institution.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10065029
   
  
• System dynamics simulation for reducing the number of lifestyle-related disease patients and medical costs in Japan by promoting behavioural changes in multiple generations  
  by Shingo Kawai, Masako Toriya, Tetsuya Toma 
  Abstract: Super-aging societies are emerging in many countries. In these societies, a significant proportion of medical costs is accounted for by lifestylerelated diseases (LDs). As LDs gradually worsen and develop into more serious diseases, behavioural changes should be promoted among the public to prevent the onset of LDs. In this study, we simulated a reduction in the number of patients with LD and medical costs through behavioural changes, using our recently proposed system dynamics model and statistical data in Japan. We investigated the contribution of each generation and showed that behavioural changes in multiple generations effectively reduced the number of LD patients and medical costs. The estimation error was reduced by selecting an adequate reference year. The versatility of our model was confirmed by comparing the rate of reduction in the number of patients and in medical costs calculated using the data for a subset of LDs with those calculated using the data for all LDs. Thus, if statistical data are available, our model can predict the number of patients with LDs and medical costs in any country.
  Keywords: system dynamics; lifestyle-related diseases; behavioural change; morbidity rate; agile goal setting; government policymaking.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10065075
   
  
• Applying generative AI to explore new dimensions of reflection and interaction in agile design workshops  
  by Jo-Yu Kuo, Hao-Yu Chang 
  Abstract: Artificial intelligence’s (AI) capability to generate innovative visual content has intrigued the design community, leading to significant exploration of its influence on design outcomes. However, the broader impact of AI on the holistic design process, especially in collaborative settings, remains understudied. This paper contends that generative AI can augment both reflective and interactive functions within agile design workshops, thereby enriching the collaborative design experience. This paper presents findings from three agile design workshops that explicitly incorporated generative AI for university design students. The first case study examines individual product experience reports, the second analyses team discussion transcripts, and the third observes the active role of generative AI in the design process. Our insights extend beyond AI’s output performance to its implications for project management, offering a new perspective on the strategic use of AI in design education and practises.
  Keywords: generative AI; agile design workshop; design process; design education; project management; collaborative learning.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10066006
   
  
• HR strategies for sustaining remote-work productivity across generations  
  by Josephine Liemantoro, Steryna Ownrysher Nyoto, Ruth Srininta Tarigan 
  Abstract: Introduction: Remote work has become the new norm with its impact potentially varying across generations. This research explores the relationship between remote work challenges, which are work-home interference and financial security, towards productivity, one element of sustainability, and how these effects are influenced by generational differences. Method: Data from respondents across the three generations, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, are analysed using the PLS-SEM. Results: The analysis indicates that both work-home interference and financial security are significant factors contributing to productivity. Generational characteristics moderates only the relationship between work-home interference and productivity but not between financial security and productivity. Discussion: The findings suggest that companies need agile strategies to mitigate interference and ensure remote workers’ financial security. Customised HR policies can help accommodate different generations varying needs and preferences.
  Keywords: generational characteristics; productivity; remote work; financial security; work home interference; SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth).
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10066211
   
  
• Unlocking gamer loyalty: the power of Logitech’s brand experience, trust, and eSports advertising  
  by Oviliani Yenty Yuliana, Juan Reno Santoso, Tipajin Thaipisutikul 
  Abstract: The growth of gaming and eSports in Indonesia is driven by technological advancements, impacting consumer behaviour towards Logitech gaming products (Logitech G). This study investigated how Brand Experience and Brand Trust influence user Brand Loyalty to Logitech G, focusing on the role of eSports advertising. Using quantitative research with 100 respondents aged 15-35 in Metropolitan Surabaya and applying partial least squarestructural equation model (PLS-SEM), the study revealed that Brand Experience directly impacted Brand Loyalty and had an indirect effect through Brand Trust. eSports Functional Advertising significantly affected the relationship between Brand Experience and Brand Loyalty. However, it did not moderate the relationship between Brand Trust and Brand Loyalty. Gaming companies can enhance consumer loyalty by prioritizing strategic product development and effective eSports advertising. This research aligned with SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. It provides a model applicable to technology-driven markets, offering practical implications for global consumer engagement and marketing strategies.
  Keywords: brand experience; brand loyalty; brand trust; functional advertising; eSports; SDG 9.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10066213
   
  
• Market liquidity of agriculture sector in Indonesia and Malaysia during COVID-19 Delta  
  by Elisa Tjondro, Caroline Liovan Subur, David Pangestoe 
  Abstract: This study aims to assess the influence of the COVID-19 Delta outbreak on stock market liquidity within the agricultural sectors of Indonesia and Malaysia. This study assesses the impact of the COVID-19 Delta variant by examining COVID-19 cases, mortalities, recoveries, vaccinations, and stringency datasets. The study comprised a sample of 57 agricultural firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) and Bursa Malaysia. Daily data was collected from January to December 2021, generating 8358 observations. The study utilises the panel regression weighted least square (WLS) analysis approach. This study reveals that COVID-19 Delta has adversely affected market liquidity in the agricultural sectors of Indonesia and Malaysia. The study reveals that rising daily cases, deaths, and recoveries have a negative effect on market liquidity, whereas vaccination and stringency do not demonstrate any association. Even increasing the recovery rate does not restore market liquidity due to the Delta variants negative impact.
  Keywords: COVID-19; Delta variant; stock market liquidity; market resilience; COVID-19 cases; deaths; vaccination; stringency.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10066525
   
  
• A novel human-centric framework for maintenance digitisation using augmented reality  
  by Lorenzo Valentini, Fabio Grandi, Margherita Peruzzini, Marcello Pellicciari 
  Abstract: Maintenance operators usually face complex challenges due to the complexity of modern sophisticated machinery and systems. Only highly experienced operators may have sufficient skills to perform recovery procedures properly and quickly; frequently, not expert operators need for assistance from the manufacturer’s after-sales. Therefore, very long recovery times, high maintenance costs, and temporary drop in production take place. In this context, augmented reality (AR) can offer valid support to non-expert operators involved in maintenance activities. In this work, a framework based on user experience (UX) design approach was developed for designing highly usable AR applications to guide operators in performing maintenance procedures safely and efficiently. The proposed framework has been applied to the H2020 European project titled “XMANAI - Explainable Manufacturing Artificial Intelligence”. Results showed that the application developed is suitable to assist not expert operators, preventing them from making mistakes, leading to the upskill and increased productivity for the company.
  Keywords: augmented reality; Operator 4.0; Industry 5.0; user experience design; transdisciplinary engineering.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10066633
   
  
• Cultivating employee autonomy for agility in the workplace through the lens of Blooms taxonomy  
  by Duangthida Hussadintorn Na Ayutthaya, Pisut Koomsap, Cathal De Paor 
  Abstract: Agility has become vital for an organization to stay competitive to challenges in a dynamic environment in today’s open, connected world. Competence is a foundation of agile employees, allowing them to promptly adapt to change and uncertain environments so that the organization can exploit opportunities within the time available. To develop competence, they need not only an opportunity to work independently on tasks challenging their abilities but also to cultivate their autonomy. However, interests have been directed towards managing autonomy instead of cultivating it. Therefore, this paper presents a model developed from the education perspective to support the cultivation of employee autonomy. According to the model, employees are perceived as learners to be assessed for their knowledge, attitude, and skills through the lens of Bloom’s famous taxonomy, and appropriate activities are recommended to cultivate their autonomy. Cultivating teams’ autonomy in a design class is presented to illustrate the model’s implementation.
  Keywords: competence development; agile employee; autonomy; AAPC cycle; bloom’s taxonomy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10066634
   
  
• Substance or superstition? The dissemination dynamics of Business Analysis, Agile and DevOps as trending fashionable techniques of the digital era  
  by Eren Onay, Mehmet Ercek 
  Abstract: This study aims to explore the diffusion patterns of business analysis, agile project management (APM) and development and operations (DevOps) as trending fashionable management techniques that target the risks of and solutions for digitalisation in an emerging economy context. Building on trending and semantically related fashion research, we intend to question whether business organisations rely on superstitious learning that is motivated by quick-fix rhetorics and ritual adoption, or real learning that is driven by accumulative resource and repository development. Upon assessing the global discursive diffusion patterns of each technique, a field study was conducted in Turkey, which covered 303 companies to explore the substantive diffusion patterns of these techniques in large sized firms. The results not only supported the trending of fashionable techniques in their substantive use, but also verified considerable reliance on real learning practices, indicated by prior use of other techniques and gradual building on prior expertise.
  Keywords: management fashions; management fads; management innovation; adoption; dissemination; diffusion; business analysis; APM; agile project management; DevOps; development and operations.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10066828
   
  
• The moderating role of blockchain technology in ESG disclosure and operational efficiency: evidence from the banking sector in ASEAN and European stock market  
  by Josua Tarigan, Edward Christopher Kudrati, James Wright 
  Abstract: This paper aims to examine further how blockchain technology (BT) and environmental, social, and governance disclosure (ESGD) may be able to affect operational efficiency (OE). Additionally, examines BT as a moderating variable between ESGD and operational efficiency in the banking industry. The results revealed that BT positively affects OE. Moreover, one ESG pillar, governance (GOV) has a significant influence on OE. In terms of the moderation effects of BT, this paper shows that BT could moderate the relationship between social (SOC) and governance (GOV) on OE. The applications of BT have proven to benefit firms in information transparency, financial performance, and stability, hence creating operational efficiency. This paper contributes to the roles of BT, whether as an independent or as a moderating variable that could strengthen the relationship between ESGD and OE. The research also aligns with UN sustainability development goals (SDG) numbers 9 and 12.
  Keywords: blockchain technology; ESGD; environmental; social; and governance disclosure; operational efficiency; ASEAN stock exchange; European stock exchange.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10066829
   
  
• A hybrid approach to manage IT projects  
  by Grace Madumo, Carl Marnewick, Kwete Nyandongo 
  Abstract: Despite the widespread use of predictive and iterative project management approaches to adapt to changing client needs, market opportunities, and external threats, organisations still face difficulties. This suggests that a hybrid approach could be more effective. Predictive methods are too rigid for rapid market changes, while iterative methods deliver faster results. This research explored how these approaches facilitate IT project completion and assessed their characteristics, benefits, and challenges. A survey of software professionals informed the creation of a new hybrid model, combining predictive planning with iterative implementation. The model emphasises defined requirements, short sprints, and early feedback, with a focus on people and customer interaction, while limiting changes during the project life cycle. This work adds valuable insights to project management literature, benefiting both scientists and practitioners.
  Keywords: predictive project management; iterative project management; hybrid model; benefits and challenges; surveys; characteristics; hybrid approach model.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10066830
   
  
• Courtesy attitudes, interpersonal communication and coworker on performance with motivation of civil servants in Banyuasin Regency  
  by Hendra Hadiwijaya, Sulastri , Zunaidah , Marlina Widiyanti 
  Abstract: Effective public service delivery hinges on the performance of civil servants. However, in Banyuasin Regency, Indonesia, concerns have arisen regarding the suboptimal performance of some civil servants. This study delves into the potential factors influencing civil servant motivation and performance, specifically examining the roles of courtesy attitudes, interpersonal communication, and coworker support. The data for this study are analysed utilising structural equation modelling-partial least squares (SEM-PLS). The study’s sample comprised 373 civil servants occupying structural positions at echelon IV. The findings indicated that motivation was positively impacted by the direct influence of courtesy attitude variables, interpersonal communication, and coworkers; however, the impact of interpersonal communication variables on motivation was found to be more significant. In addition to courtesy attitudes, the motivation of civil servants is positively and significantly impacted by interpersonal communication and coworkers. The conduct of civil servants in Banyuasin Regency may be impacted by Courtesy, interpersonal Communication, and colleague relationships.
  Keywords: courtesy; interpersonal communication; coworker; motivation; performance; Banyuasin.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10066831
   
  
• Hybrid pair programming in distributed software development  
  by Ridi Ferdiana, Irdina Wanda Syahputri 
  Abstract: Pair programming exhibits direct communication in the same place, time, and context. However, applying this programming in distributed software development is difficult because of the limited interaction, space, and time between developers. Distributed software development is a way to develop software remotely with separate team members. This paper aims to understand the key difficulty of pair programming in Distributed Software Development. In this study, researchers constructed an experiment to understand the difficulty of pair programming in distributed software development. The experiment compared individual programming, pair programming, and combining the two. The experiment result was then used to propose a hybrid pair programming method. This study showed that hybrid pair programming supplied better productivity than personal programming (55% better) and pair programming (43% better). Hybrid pair programming can improve coordination, scheduling, and technical issues, increasing individual programming productivity.
  Keywords: pair programming; distributed software development; individual programming; managerial effectiveness; organisational agility.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10067099
   
  
• Live-streaming as an agile marketing strategy: an examination of a TikTok shop through the S-O-R framework  
  by Maria Natalia D. Maer, Timothy Jefferson, Ivana Tejokusumo, Fandy Tjiptono 
  Abstract: This study investigates the impact of live streamers’ attractiveness and product usefulness on consumer behaviour in TikTok Shop’s live streaming platform. Results show that attractive live streamers significantly enhance user enjoyment, which, in turn, increases the urge to buy impulsively. This enjoyment-driven impulse buying is reinforced by dynamic and engaging interactions during live streams. Conversely, trustworthiness and expertise of live streamers were found to have an insignificant effect on perceived enjoyment. The findings emphasise the importance of visual appeal and product usefulness in creating a compelling online shopping experience. However, the study’s exclusive focus on TikTok Shop in Indonesia may limit the generalisability of the findings to other regions and cultural contexts. Additionally, concentrating on a specific live-streaming channel restricts the applicability of these insights across various platforms. These insights offer valuable guidance for businesses seeking to enhance consumer engagement and drive sales through live streaming.
  Keywords: agile marketing; live-streaming; consumer behaviour; impulse buying; TikTok shop; S-O-R model; attractiveness; perceived enjoyment.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10067100
   
  
• Innovative system design methodology for holistic lifecycle development  
  by Matthew C. Cook 
  Abstract: For innovative design to succeed within a competitive environment, it is essential to ensure a holistic understanding of the product or service lifecycle early. Without applying consideration to other areas and/or disciplines that may also need to develop or innovate to support the product, e.g., manufacturing, testing, production, operational support and the end user, many innovative designs may fail despite excellent technical capability. TRIZ, being well-known as a problem-solving philosophy for applying logic and data, can drive innovation of a product or service. However, its application is unstructured and potentially ineffective at later stages of the system development lifecycle, therefore offering scope to further expand its use. This paper proposes the embodiment of a 3PE model to form the basis of a framework for improving the holistic design process. The extended TRIZ-3PE structure incorporates the absent design effort and ensures focus is applied to broader elements of Process and People and their interactions both with each other, as well as Product.
  Keywords: complex engineering; lifecycle management; innovation; design; transdisciplinary.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10067381
   
  
• Forecasting social media engagement: an ARIMA-based approach  
  by Samer Abaddi 
  Abstract: This study analyses social media engagement on X Company’s Instagram and Facebook pages, forecasting the engagement rate (ER) using the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model based on 2 years of data. The objectives were to understand social media behaviour, develop and evaluate an ARIMA model for ER forecasting, and develop a predictive social media dashboard. Findings revealed high predictability for both Instagram and Facebook ER data, though the high mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and symmetric mean absolute percentage error (sMAPE) indicated room for improvement. Using business intelligence tools (Power BI), the study has developed an interactive dashboard for real-time insights and reliable forecasts, enhancing social media management for X Company. Continuous monitoring and adjustment of strategies based on actual ER values are recommended due to possible real-world changes.
  Keywords: ARIMA forecasting; engagement rate; social media analytics; predictive dashboard; content type; Stata; Power BI.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10067382
   
  
• Organisational factors and success of agile innovation practices at the project level: a comparative case study  
  by Mehmet Gençer, Abdulkadir Özgen, M. Kerem Kızıltunç 
  Abstract: The aim of this research is to explore how organisational factors, ranging from level of specialisation to co-location, interfere with successful implementation of agile innovation practices, which originated in small scale software contexts, and now being applied in projects at large scale and nonsoftware business organisations. We have carried out a multiple case study using several projects within one manufacturing and one digital services firm. Employing a qualitative approach, we interviewed project managers and team members to understand how organisational factors interfere with agile practices. Our findings offer insights into effects of organisational factors on agile practices at the project level and how these differ from their known effects at the macro level. Our results also indicate that factors, such as colocation or availability of technical resources, may interact in non-trivial ways so as to allow new inroads into agile innovation practice in large scale organisations.
  Keywords: agile project practices; organisational factors; large scale organisations; co-location; technical resources; internal communication; specialisation; task interchangeability; managerial attitude.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10067383
   
  
• The role of individual ambidexterity in supporting sales force performance based on a personal motivation perspective  
  by Andre Setiawan Omarhadi, Hatane Semuel, Serli Wijaya 
  Abstract: The disruption of post-COVID-19 consumer habits presents challenges for marketing managers, necessitating innovation in sales force management to remain competitive. Individual ambidexterity is a strategy employed in sales force management to encourage both explorative behaviour, which seeks new opportunities, and exploitative behaviour, which enhances operational efficiency. This research examines the influence of personal motivation on the development of individual ambidexterity behaviour, which, in turn, boosts sales force performance. A total of 223 salespeople participated in the survey conducted for this study. The participants work in retail stores across various sectors, including food and beverage, personal care, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals in East Java, Indonesia. The research results indicate that personal motivation directly impacts the formation of individual ambidexterity behaviour. Furthermore, individual ambidexterity behaviour positively affects sales force performance. The study also reveals that individual ambidexterity behaviour mediates the relationship between personal motivation and sales force performance.
  Keywords: personal motivation; exploitation; exploration; sales force performance; Indonesia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10067384
   
  
• A flexible and intelligent software tool for process planning and enterprise performance enhancement  
  by Ederson Carvalhar Fernandes, Jaqueline Sebastiany Iaksch, Sandro Jesse Ferreira Tabor, Luiz Gustavo Romanel, Liam Brown, Milton Borsato 
  Abstract: Companies often employ strategic tools to refine production processes in pursuing operational excellence. Value stream mapping (VSM), known for its holistic view of workflows, is a popular choice. However, traditional approaches can be time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies. In today’s digital era, innovative solutions have emerged. This study introduces a dynamic web application aimed at enhancing engineering practices. Using data analysis and machine learning, it uncovers valuable insights and suggests process improvements. A Docker-based virtualisation system was implemented to ensure seamless operation. The application was field-tested at an agricultural equipment company in Brazil. The evaluation identified four promising alternatives for process enhancement, all of which received approval from the company’s engineers. This research underscores the potential of digital tools and decision support systems in enhancing production processes. The dynamic web application, powered by advanced analytics, offers benefits for companies seeking to streamline their production workflows and unlock new avenues for efficiency.
  Keywords: production; monitoring; enhancement; VSM; value stream mapping; Docker; web system.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2024.10067754