Integrating Development and Operations in Cross-Functional Teams - Toward a DevOps Competency Model

Abstract

The integration of cross-functional teams for new product development is still an elusive aim. Cross-functional information technology (IT) teams are used to provide new initiatives in fast-changing and challenging environments. Moreover, concepts such as Development and Operations (DevOps) appear in practice and bring software development and operations tasks in one team. Organizations are currently searching for necessary, suitable competencies for setting up high collaborative cross-functional teams that manage the tasks of the software delivery lifecycle. Therefore, in this paper, employing a multi-perspective research approach, we conducted a workshop and a multiple-case study. Hence, this paper presents a competency model for enabling a high level of collaboration within a team and explains how these competencies are implemented in IT functions. Additionally, we identified six competencies and two major challenges associated with DevOps team setups.