The Application of the New Agile Framework Maturity Lifecycle Model (AFML) to Scrum

Organizations are becoming increasingly Agile due to technology projects are 29% more likely to succeed if Agile is implemented compared to the traditional waterfall method of project management. (Mersino, 2021) Additionally, Scrum continues to be the top Agile methodology implemented by teams at 66%. (“15th State of Agile Report,” 2021) Despite the positive records of Agile and Scrum, teams struggle with the unpredictability of the approach and, as a result, are not able to plan, work, manage or continuously improve their outcomes. (Verwijs et al., 2020) To counter the unpredictability of the approach, the thesis purposes a new model named Agile Framework Maturity Lifecycle (AFML). The conceptualization of the model has been done through primary and secondary research in the field of Agile, Scrum, and maturity. For the purpose of the research, the application of the model was limited to Scrum. Through the research, four existing maturity models, CMMI, AMM, Tuckman's Model of Group Development, and the "Shu Ha Ri" model, were analyzed for their application and limitation to Scrum. The model demonstrates that there are multiple aspects to consider when defining the maturity of a team and provides the team with a snapshot into where they are currently in their journey and what should they do next to develop further.