Perfil das startups brasileiras quanto à adoção de metodologias ágeis no desenvolvimento de software: um estudo sobre Lean Startup e Scrum

Abstract

Startup software are companies in the beginning of their market trajectory that develop their products in conditions of high uncertainty, with exploratory nature, without clear requirements, customers or even business models. Thus, it is essential to be efficient to minimize efforts and the use of resources, while maximizing the value gained. In this context, and connected to a scenario of high failure rates of startups, agile methodologies have been used, and considered more viable practices, in these companies. In Brazil, the Scrum methodology is highlighted due to its high use. Recently, the Lean Startup methodology is the most widely used in the world. However, the adoption of such methodologies still face difficulties, considering that studies in relation to Lean Startup are scarce. Thus, studies that contribute to the higher adoption these methodologies by the startups can contribute to improve the performance of these companies and generate positive impacts. The objective of this study was to identify the profile of startups regarding the adoption of agile methodologies - Scrum and Lean Startup – for software development. Therefore, aimed to understand which factors influence the agile adoption and how this adoption occurs, in addition to understanding the behavior of startups in relation to these factors. The research has a qualitative and descriptive nature. Specifically, it is a multi-case study, in which the data were collected by bibliographic and documentary research and semi-structured interviews with six startup companies. The results revealed the need for startups to consider several factors in order to effectively implement agile methodologies, and to obtain the benefits from this use. There are company profiles that show several shortcomings, however, most startups have good knowledge of methodologies, and seek, from different experts and qualification forms, to adopt good practices for a better performance in the market. Finally, the details obtained from the behavior analysis of startups in relation to each factor, added to the generation of profiles, enables managers to identify the attitudes seen as ideal or more appropriate for implementation in their companies by using agile methodologies. The results also enable us to understand the barriers and measures or strategies taken by the companies in order to improve the use of these methodologies.