Risk Management in Agile Software Development: A Survey

Abstract

In agile software development, some of the formal project management activities are neglected due to heavy documentation and planning. Agile methodologies usually focus on rapid development over hefty documentation which is contrary to the nature of the risk management process. Literature studies show agile methods are used for the development safety critical systems as well. For that ignoring risk management process is inevitable. This intrigued us to explore more on the risk management practices followed in agile methods following industry. To further the investigations on industrial practices regarding risk management, in this paper we explore on (i) the risks faced by the agile practitioners, and (ii) the mitigation strategies used. For this, we conducted an online survey with 54 agile practitioners. The results showed that the project deadlines and varying requirements are the two most commonly faced risks by the practitioners. Furthermore, the results also revealed that risk management strategies are being followed to some extent, but usually in a non-systematic way.