The Agile Research Network (ARN) is at the forefront of investigating Agile methodologies. ARN is led by researchers at two UK universities who collaborate with academics and practitioners all over the world. The Open University (OU) has a strong research record in the use of Agile methods in practice. University of Glasgow has a well-regarded School of Computing Science and a tradition of research in software engineering.
As Agile methodologies mature and become mainstream it is important to understand what implications and influences they have on organisations and individuals, and to assess the scope and nature of their effectiveness. ARN seeks to work closely with practitioners in their place of work to gain such insights and then disseminate practical findings to a wider audience.
ARN is funded through a number of sources; currently it is funded by the two university members and the Agile Business Consortium. As the network grows the intention is to extend opportunities to other industry partners and funding bodies to contribute to this on-going industry-based research initiative.
Contact us: agile-research@open.ac.uk
Latest Publications:
Obode, E., Gregory, P., Somerville, D. and Deshpande, A. (2025) Agile Coaching Research: A Systematic Mapping Study., pp. 19–36.
Uwasomba, C., Deshpande, A., Sharp, H., Gregory, P., Willis, R., Barroca, L., Uwadi, M. and Taylor, K. (2025) Data-Driven Agility: Assessing Agile Culture Transformation in a Technology Organisation. Information and Software Technology, 183
Choma, J., Sharp, H., Machado, L., Barroca, L., DeSouza, C. R. B. and Zaina, L. (2025) UX-work related needs in software startups: Diagnosis and resolution. Journal of Systems and Software, 230.
Sharp, H. (2024) The Human Side of Software Engineering: The view from CHASE 2024.
Latest Activities:
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Assessing Agile Culture Transformation using Data-Driven Approaches
In this recently published paper in the Information and Software Technology journal, we present an analysis framework to support organisations using or seeking to use the Pulse survey instrument in their efforts to transform culture. The findings validate the use of statistical analysis and data-driven approaches to track shifts in various dimensions of organisational culture…
Work with us
We welcome collaborations with a wide range of academics and practitioners.
If you currently working on an Agile project, using Agile methods, researching Agile, or simply interested in adopting Agile practices, we can bring a research-based, evidence-led perspective to you, your team, and organisation.
Reach out to us at agile-research@open.ac.uk for a discussion.
