Devops como ferramenta de apoio no gerenciamento de projetos ágeis

Abstract

In a complex organizational scenario, IT project management and software development seek agility and innovation. Effective adoption of DevOps is challenging due to a gap in understanding how its practices and tools can optimize agile projects and overcome cultural, standardization, communication, and resource allocation obstacles, especially with emerging technologies. Such challenges compromise collaboration and value delivery. The objective of this thesis was to propose how DevOps tools can contribute to agile project management, improving automation, agility, and innovation in IT products and services. Thus, we seek to propose how the use of DevOps tools can significantly contribute to agile project management practices in organizations, aiming to improve process automation, increase agility, and drive innovation in IT products and services. The research followed a thesis format structure with complementary studies. The first study conducted a Systematic Literature Review with the objective of understanding the intrinsic relationship between DevOps and agile project management, investigating concepts, adoption practices, and best applications. The second study employed a Multivocal Literature Review, including a strategic combination of scientific articles and gray literature. This phase sought to explore and understand the strategic use and effective contribution of DevOps tools in organizations. The third study, empirical in nature, applied and validated the previous theoretical results. Using data triangulation (Survey, three LinkedIn polls, and three Focus Groups with experienced professionals), it sought to expand understanding in various organizational contexts. The results showed that the first investigation organized the findings into four main categories and identified three influencing factors, revealing both positive and negative relationships in projects that adopt DevOps and agile methods. The second study, in turn, identified seven main types of DevOps tools, which allowed the construction of a detailed conceptual map that demonstrates how these tools can be strategic for improving the life cycle, promoting innovation, and the continuous evolution of projects in organizations. Finally, the third study validated and refined the proposed model, confirming the practical applicability of strategies for using DevOps practices and tools. This empirical validation resulted in the delivery of a non-patentable technical product model, called PM-ADAM, designed for IT professionals and agile project management. Limitations in the research include cultural resistance to the use of DevOps tools, lack of standardization in agile projects, and the need for large-scale empirical validation. The thesis contributes to agile project management by providing strategies and the practical PM-ADAM model. This model aims to support the implementation of DevOps in agile teams, optimizing processes, unifying teams, streamlining communication, and automating essential tasks. The thesis, with its innovative technological product, aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the UN, specifically promoting SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals. This research is aligned with research line 2, “Advanced Management of Projects, Programs, and Portfolios,” linked to the Graduate Program in Project Management – PPGP UNINOVE. This thesis is also aligned with other research by its advisor linked to the core project “Agile and Hybrid Projects.”