Software Contracting and Agile Development in the Norwegian ICT Industry: A Qualitative Survey

Abstract

This thesis takes a closer look at how various contract models affect the ability to use agile software development, and the work being done to help improve contracts so they better facilitate agile principles. Agile development methods are becoming increasingly popular, while most contractual standards are meant for plan-based development methods. There are done little research regarding the subject, but it is a growing concern in the industry. Work is also currently done on Norwegian contractual frameworks that aim to update two commonly used contracts. The research done consist of several interviews with industry practitioners representing Norwegian consultancy companies experienced in agile development methods. It also includes interviews of contract experts in addition to a search and study of the literature on the subject. These interviews have been analyzed and compared to literature on the subject. The results of the research revealed a number of challenges with today's contract models. Several discoveries showed difficulties with bureaucracy and customer involvement. Using traditional contracts could also easily require more upfront work than what is sensible when using agile methods. It is possible to bypass these challenges by either adapting the development method, or putting the contract aside.