I have been involved in Agile Software Engineering research for the past seven years. I am interested in Agile Transformation with an emphasis on Assessing Agile Methods. My current research focuses on assessing agile methods adopted by organizations and teams and examining the extent to which those adopted agile methods meet the needs of those organizations and teams. That assessment is based on (1) the method’s adequacy to achieve the enunciated objectives, (2) the capability of the organization to provide the supporting environment to successfully implement that method, and (3) the method’s effectiveness. We have developed the Objectives, Principles and Strategies (OPS) Framework to guide our assessment process. The Framework identifies (a) objectives of the agile philosophy, (b) principles that support the objectives, and (c) strategies that implement the principles. It also defines (d) linkages that relate objectives to principles, and principles to strategies, and finally, (e) indicators for assessing the extent to which an organization supports the implementation and effectiveness of those strategies. The propagation of indicator values along the linkages provides a multi-level assessment view of the agile method. We have designed and implemented an onsite examination and assessment of agile methods adopted by Company X in Blacksburg, VA. Results show that the assessments based on our approach are consistent with the perceptions of Company X employees, and two Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). This establishes the validity of the OPS Framework and assessment methodology.

The Agile Community has now recognized the importance of and the need for agile assessment. The OPS Framework and assessment methodology are a first step towards providing a systematic, structured, and comprehensive approach to assessing the ‘goodness’ of agile methods. I understand that the Framework and the methodology must evolve based on future research findings. Based on the results from the study, and from feedback gathered from Agile practitioners, current work is underway to perform additional data analysis, and expand the indicator hierarchies. Another of my goals for the future is to implement the Framework and methodology in other companies. Additionally, I plan to work towards automating the agile assessment process.

My other areas of interest are Computer Science Education, Requirements Engineering, and User Experience Research.