Contextualizing Agile Systems Engineering

Several agile methods were proposed that should provide more agility for Systems Engineering. But there was little discussion about the right context for Agile Systems Engineering. This paper shows under which conditions the main principle of agile development can be applied successfully. Therefore prior research about context of agile software development is reviewed. Additionally 20 system developing companies are being interviewed. A classification scheme that divides the context into feasibility and demand for agility is presented. Also contextual factors are listed to classify companies or projects within this scheme. Real company examples are demonstrated for the different situations in this scheme. And recommendations concerning agility are given.