Doing Scrum Rather Than Being Agile: A Case Study on Actual Nearshoring Practices

Abstract

Previous research in the field of Agile Distributed Software Development often focused on the a synchronicity of working hours due to different time zones, as if this was the only risk when developing software in non-co-located environments. This case study reflects a near shoring setting in which this primary impediment does not exist and investigates a broader range of risks now standing out more clearly. We observed two Polish Scrum teams working for a German company, which has been successfully applying Agile Methods for over four years. We present the actual process and practices of the external teams and contrast them to the intended way of proceeding. Main result: Agile near shoring is feasible and may produce high satisfaction amongst Product Owners, but this satisfaction might be delusive if process deviations due to misunderstandings of what Agile development means go unnoticed.