Antecedents and Consequences of Time Pressure in Scrum Projects: Insights from a Qualitative Study

Abstract

Time pressure represents one of the most critical factors associated with software development project failure. However, its role in previous research is limited to traditional development approaches and is also inconclusive, suggesting both negative and positive effects, while others argue for dependence on the level of time pressure. In the context of agile software development projects, particularly Scrum, we seek to analyze the role of time pressure in software development projects and aim to develop a better understanding of its antecedents and consequences. We apply an exploratory, interview-based research approach grounded in data and complemented by thematic analysis. Our findings support a differentiated picture of time pressure, revealing that not all antecedents equally lead to negative consequences and that effects are dependent not only on intensity but also on temporality of time pressure. Understanding antecedents and consequences serves organizations to advantageously manage time pressure.