2013 Agile Conference Adapting Agile Methodology to Overcome

2013 Agile Conference Adapting Agile Methodology to Overcome Social Differences in Project Members Hitoshi Ozawa and Lan Zhang OGIS RI Co. , Ltd. Tokyo, Japan Ozawa_Hitoshi@ogis-ri. co. jp, Zhang_Lan@ogisri. co. jp

Abstract • Different values • Offshoring software difficulties - China • Low quality deliverables • High turnover rate • Solve the problem - Agile

Introduction and Back. Ground • Offshoring projects in China • 10 years of experience

Sociocultural Differences • Phenomena • Values, attitudes, behavioral norms, beliefs, communication approaches • Problems • Rise to misunderstanding and misinterpretation of intent • Results • Conflicts, mistrust, underutilization of talents • Subtle social differences between China & Japan

Sociocultural Differences • Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions • Appearances • Differences in offshoring software project • Sociocultural Challenges • Openness of society • Difference in willingness to adopt new techniques and technology • Differences in communication Japan China Individualism -collectivism 46 20 Power distance 54 80 Uncertainty avoidance 92 30 Masculinity. Femininity 95 66 Long-term orientation 80 118

Methodology • For a example-- specifications differ between two countries • An example – unanticipated difference • Change over time • Cannot change

Lessons Learned during Water. Fall Methodology • Common anticipated problem solved • Geographical dispersion, different time zones and problems with difference in languages • Except quality, why? • Specification was ambiguous • A culture difference in quality acceptance level • Information sharing was insufficient • Low motivation level in Chinese members

Adopting SCRUM • Roles • Process • Adapting Scrum • Result

Lessons Learned • Continuously adapt roles and processes bases on the current conditions. • Analyze and find factors concerning differences that cannot be changed rather than trying to find the reason for the differences. • Don’t try to force to solve all difference issues. • Try to resolve issues few at a time instead of trying to solve them all at once. • Don’t give up.

conclusion • increase the quality • more satisfied