Antecedents of Preference for Agile Methods: A Project Manager Perspective

Abstract

Using a Grounded Theory approach, this research reveals a view from a project manager’s perspective on the factors influencing preference for agile methods. Fifteen managers were interviewed and theoretical constructs developed reflecting the factors influencing their preference. Positive, negative and contingent factors emerged from the data. The core category discovered is pragmatism. Project managers exercise pragmatic assessment when expressing their preference for agile methods. Seven factors that positively influence preference are identified and discussed, along with two negative factors and two contingent factors.