Applying Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to Global Software Development with Scrum Project Planning

Distributed Software Development (DSD) projects have become a common reality for many organizations. Scrum is a consolidated Agile methodology and has been increasingly used in a distributed fashion. As distance makes difficult to interact and to cooperate effectively, it is paramount to use methodologies like Scrum that emphasizes communication, reduces coordination and control overhead. Successfully planning and managing the combined use of DSD and Scrum is a complex task and requires carefully planning. Despite the importance and complexity of this type of problem, there seems to be a lack of reports, in the literature, of models that could support managers dealing with such decision context. This paper applies a multi-criteria, decision model on the choice of DSD Scrum project plans that have a better chance of success. The model, presented in [1], was developed using cognitive mapping and MACBETH[2]. The application of the model is demonstrated, followed by conclusion and future work.