Det agila arbetssättet : En studie om det agila arbetssättets tillämplighet vid utveckling av fysiska produkter

Sammanfattning: Abstract Purpose – The purpose of the study is to find the benefits that an agile working method entails, as well as the disadvantages that can prevent an agile working method when developing physical products. The study will also affect how and when the agile approach can be applied to the development of physical products. To answer the purpose of the study, three research questions have been formulated. 1. What are the benefits of applying agile working methods within the development of physical products? 2. What are the disadvantages of applying agile working methods within the development of physical products? 3. How and when should the agile approach be applied within the development of physical products? Method – In order to answer the study's research questions, a literature study and an interview study have been conducted. The literature study gave the researchers and the study a theoretical base on the subject studied, then compiled into a theoretical framework. Empirical data was collected through an interview study involving four companies and nine respondents. In order to obtain a result based on the research questions, the theoretical framework was analysed combined with the empirical data which formed the study’s analysis. Findings – The result shows that the agile approach includes several advantages and disadvantages. These factors have been summarized to six overall areas . On the other hand, the study has not been able to determine whether the benefits or disadvantages weigh over when applying the agile approach to the development of physical products. The results of the study point out that each company must adapt the agile approach based on its organization to successfully implement a hybrid model where the agile approach integrates with the traditional way of working. Implications – The study supports existing theories connected to that the agile approach can be applied on businesses that develop physical products. As a guidance, the study has generated a model that illustrates in what extent it is appropriate for companies to work agile or traditional. Limitations – The study has been limited in terms of time and range and as a result, only interviews have been used when collecting data. As the study result indicate that a hybrid model is a possible solution for development of physical products, companies that work traditionally should also have been studied. Keywords – Agile working methods, physical products, product development, project management, project methods.