Comparison of Agile Maturity Models: Reflecting the Real Needs

Agile software development is considered as a game changer by some [1]. There are others who approach the domain more skeptical [2]. Clearly, there is a gap in terms of how Agile is perceived. This gap could be reduced, if proper measures would have been timely employed. Agile maturity assessment models have been helpful in providing means and guidance for reducing this gap. Yet, a detailed look into existing models, comparative studies and literature reviews in the domain suggests that the agile maturity assessment models themselves are far from being mature. Further, the gap between what the proposed models offer and what industry really needs is frequently discussed by those comparative studies. In this study, we reflect on the existing agile maturity assessment models, compare them against a comprehensive set of criteria derived from the literature and from our background in assessing the capabilities of software development organizations. We conclude that none of the analyzed agile maturity assessment models are sound enough to be used in a practical context. Nevertheless, some of the models have interesting elements that can be reused for the development of a new agile assessment model.