Towards a Framework for Agile Management Based on Chaos and Complex System Theories

Abstract

The necessity of a paradigm shift in software project management, particularly with advent of agile methods, nowadays is an interesting and challenging issue. The values and principles that have centrality in agile thought need new approaches in relation to project management. The main causes of this needed paradigm shift are unpredictability and dynamicity of software processes, and inefficiency of traditional approaches. With respect to these factors, and increasing growth of applying chaos and complex system theories in organizational study and strategic management, this research attempts to design a framework for managing agile projects based on these two theories. Concepts of these theories will be a lens to investigate software project management and propose new practices. Our analyses indicate that chaos theory can further shape strategic decisions in comparison to complex system concepts that can further help designing an appropriate agile team in the level of people interaction.