On the Impact of Kanban on Software Project Work: An Empirical Case Study Investigation

The pertinent mission of software project management is to continuously achieve more and more successful projects. In the field of software development, the Kanban method has gained momentum recently, mostly due to its linkages to Lean thinking. However, only a few empirical studies investigate the dynamics and impacts of Kanban on projects. The aim of this study is to improve the understanding on how Kanban impacts on software project work. For the purpose of the study, a framework is developed and empirically investigated in an experimental software R&D setting called Software Factory. The impact of Kanban is evaluated from nine theoretically derived perspectives. The results highlight new findings regarding the application of Kanban in the software context. This bears managerial implications, which is addressed. The key implications of the findings suggest that Kanban and its inherent simplicity motivate the workers and control the project activities.