Dafolo A/S - IT Development

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+45 9620 6666 dafolo@dafolo.dk

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Successful IT development with Scrum and Prince2

At Dafolo we use the agile development method Scrum in the implementation of IT projects. This method does away with capsized IT projects, where schedule and budgets are exceeded, and the final solution is a failure! The advantages are that the development tasks of the project are continually adjusted to changing demands and conditions, while taking into account the learning that takes place as a natural part of the project process.

Working with agile development means that the specific development tasks are defined and re-defined as the solution takes shape. Work is conducted in short intervals of 2-4 weeks (in Scrum terminology, called a 'sprint'), where project progress is presented to customers and other stakeholders. Full transparency of the work in the project provides an optimal basis to make any adjustments in the development groundwork, so the final solution meets the customer's wishes and needs. A continuous evaluation of priorities in project requirements is based on parameters such as business value and risk profile, and thus requires a degree of involvement from the customer throughout the process. The Scrum method therefore supports an ongoing and open dialogue, directly between customers and developers, facilitated by a so-called 'Scrum Master'. It has proved to be very motivating for system developers, system consultants and system architects to work with Scrum, because the premise is that every step should be meaningful and add solution value.

Dafolo has had a very positive experience with the use of Scrum in connection with IT development:

Clear and distinct progress
Increased reliability that all development phases of the project create value
Good basis for cooperation with customers and external partners
Structuring tasks in the project motivates developers
Open and direct dialogue with customers and partners throughout the process
Experiences from the project are actively used for continuous improvement

Scrum in practice
At Dafolo the agile development method is used both in the development of customized solutions and in the development of our own industry solutions, where we largely involve users through network groups (Creative Circles). The latest solution developed from Scrum is the GIS solution for citizen self-services and Borgeronline® version 1.1. In all cases, Dafolo has had a project manager role, but it is our ambition that customers will eventually have the role of 'product owner'.

Cooperation with Aalborg University
A number of employees in our development team are trained in the Scrum method, and more Scrum masters are continually being certified. We also work with Aalborg University in the area of Scrum, including adapting the method to Dafolo’s type of projects. As a complement to Scrum, we also use the control aspects of project management of the Prince2 method, relating to IT development. Part of our collaboration with the university also focuses on connecting the two methods.

Recommendation from the National IT and Telecom Agency
The many failed government IT projects that do not meet schedule, budget or quality, are the reason for the National IT and Telecom Agency's recommendation of the agile development method. The prerequisite is that public authorities are prepared to do away with traditional ways of developing IT projects. You do not start with a detailed requirement specification, and typically there is not a traditional agreement on fixed-price, time frame and services. In the development phase it is essential that you have a close dialogue with the supplier, you continually prioritize tasks and to develop the project in steps. As a helping hand to the public authority, which is facing new and major IT projects, the National IT and Telecom Agency has prepared a guide in cooperation with selected stakeholders, including Dafolo.

Dafolo A/S, Denmark · Frederikshavn | Copenhagen K | Fredericia | Telephone +45 9620 6666