Agile methodologies are not a panacea for all project management woes. Agile methods can sometimes fail to deliver expected results, often due to a lack of understanding or misapplication. When Agile fails, it’s typically because the team hasn’t fully grasped the principles behind the methodology, treating it as a set of rules rather than a guiding philosophy.
Misunderstanding roles within Agile can lead to failure. A common pitfall is treating the Scrum Master role as a traditional project manager, which contradicts Agile’s self-organising team principle.
Another issue is the inability to embrace change. Agile requires a shift in mindset from traditional project management, where change is often seen as a threat.
Finally, Agile doesn’t absolve the need for planning. Some teams misinterpret Agile’s focus on adaptability as a rejection of planning, leading to chaos and failure.
To succeed with Agile, it’s crucial to understand its principles, adapt to its mindset, and apply it correctly. It’s not about following rules, but about embracing a new way of managing projects.
Go to source article: http://www.infoq.com/articles/agile-didnt-work