Agile metrics in the construction industry : a step towards the application of agile project management in construction

Abstract

The sizes and complexities of construction projects are on the increase, competition asks the industry, more and more, to look for time and cost savings. Regardless of this demand, construction projects struggle to finish on time and within budget. While we cannot change the market, we can perhaps rethink our traditional management practices and look into other management practices outside the construction industry. This research aims to fill in this gap by studying external management practices and proposing possible applications to the construction industry. Agile project management is a branch of project management finding its origins within the software industry. It is based on empirical methods, meaning that projections and estimates, amongst other factors, are based on experience backed up by evidence. (Schwaber & Sutherland, 2014) Therefore, Agile methods recommend a framework of metrics of how to measure progress and how to use these metrics to make more reliable projections when compared to the traditional way of projecting completion dates. The research is done by applying these metrics to a real case scenario, progress is measured according to the framework outlined by Scrum and conclusions are drawn based on these results. A literature review is also compiled to gather existing knowledge on the subject. The ultimate aim is to assess whether Agile metrics can help the industry to provide the client with realistic projected end dates and help teams to achieve their goals or, better yet, surpass them.