Track: Information Technology and Information Systems

Abstract

Product Configuration Systems (PCS) are considered types of IT systems that enable companies to develop product alternatives to facilitate the sales and production processes automation. Based on literature, there are various challenges reported on managing different phases of PCS projects. Different tools and solutions have been suggested and applied for solving these challenges especially at the level of the project management process. Moreover, various software project management methods are used, in order to get high quality PCS, such as Rational Unified Process (RUP). The changes from Plan-driven methodologies towards a pure agile way of working is a challenge that comes with both benefits and risks. In this paper, first we will investigate about the PCS projects using the RUP method and then we will discuss PCS projects cases managed and launch using Agile principles. We use a comparative qualitative explanatory case study method on multiple data sources: documentation, workshops and participant observation. We find that changing from RUP to Scrum brings both positive effects and challenges to the organization.