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Understanding the Interactions between the Scrum Master and the Development Team: A Game-Theoretic Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Tugba Karabiyik

    (Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Purdue University, 401 N. Grant St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

  • Aparajita Jaiswal

    (Department of Computer and Information Technology, Purdue University, 401 N. Grant St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

  • Paul Thomas

    (Department of Computer and Information Technology, Purdue University, 401 N. Grant St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

  • Alejandra J. Magana

    (Department of Computer and Information Technology, Purdue University, 401 N. Grant St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

Abstract

Scrum methodology is widely used in the information technology (IT) industry for the purposes of team-based iterative software development. However, limited studies have been conducted to explore the nature of interactions between a Scrum Master and other team members and the effect of these interactions on team effectiveness. The aim of this study is to understand the interactions between the Scrum Master and other team members in an educational setting and propose and demonstrate an application of cooperative game theory for the same. Cooperative game theory can model scenarios where other team members can benefit from cooperating. Through the lens of the cooperative game-theoretic model, we investigated the strategies employed by the Scrum Master and other team members when involved in a semi-capstone IT project. Specifically, the study explored the team interaction between a Scrum Master and other team members at three different levels of team effectiveness: least effective, partially effective, and most effective. Our results indicate that a Scrum Master should be active to maximize their payoff as well as the teams’ overall payoff. Contrary to this, other team members should be active in the most and partially effective teams, while being passive in the least effective teams at higher costs of interpersonal relations and the processes. The results of the study represent a novel application of game-theoretic modeling for understanding the Scrum Master and other team member interactions. These results are applicable not just in an educational setting but also to the wider area of software development by identifying the right set of strategies by the Scrum Master, and other team members in order to help IT professionals to maximize their payoff.

Suggested Citation

  • Tugba Karabiyik & Aparajita Jaiswal & Paul Thomas & Alejandra J. Magana, 2020. "Understanding the Interactions between the Scrum Master and the Development Team: A Game-Theoretic Approach," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-21, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jmathe:v:8:y:2020:i:9:p:1553-:d:411485
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rodica Branzei & Dinko Dimitrov & Stef Tijs, 2008. "Models in Cooperative Game Theory," Springer Books, Springer, edition 0, number 978-3-540-77954-4, July.
    2. Roger A McCain, 2014. "Game Theory:A Nontechnical Introduction to the Analysis of Strategy," World Scientific Books, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., number 9044, February.
    3. Menike Atapattu & Gayani Ranawake, 2017. "Transformational and Transactional Leadership Behaviours and their Effect on Knowledge Workers' Propensity for Knowledge Management Processes," Journal of Information & Knowledge Management (JIKM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 16(03), pages 1-23, September.
    4. Frederik M. Fowler, 2019. "Navigating Hybrid Scrum Environments," Springer Books, Springer, number 978-1-4842-4164-6, October.
    5. Büyükboyacı, Mürüvvet & Robbett, Andrea, 2017. "Collaboration and free-riding in team contests," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 162-178.
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