Using Logical Architecture Models for Inter-Team Management of Distributed Agile Teams

Projects at large scale have been adopting agile practices in order to optimize how a group of teams deliver software. However, facing issues when dealing with work items that are dependent on each other, there is a need for well-defined interfaces and shared understanding of the existing knowledge. Systems thinking and modeling can have important contributions in managing a process with this nature. This article proposes a design framework called logical architecture-based distributed agile team management (LADATM) that uses logical architecture models to serve as the basis for the delivery of work items to distributed agile teams; support the identification of boundaries, dependencies, and coordination needs; and derive an agile team product backlog. By performing design science research (DSR) cycles, this article introduces the constructs of the LADATM framework. Afterwards, it demonstrates-using a research project-how it provided a systematized approach for process management decision support for agile teams based in requirements models and through shared understanding.