Agile vs. Plan-driven in safety-critical development cases - A clash of principles

Abstract: This study focuses on the topic of the values of agile development in safety-critical cases. It is argued that a discussion exists regarding the applicability of agile methods in safety-critical development projects where researchers and developers have divergent opinions. Furthermore, another perspective called plan-driven development is shown to have connection to safety-critical development. Thus it is posited if this discussion between two abstract methodologies, plan-driven and agile development can be empirically found in a case study. Analysis of interviews and documents was done by categorizing data into clashing, compatible or neutral categories derived from and based on agile values. Results showed that indeed the discussion was found, and reflected strong characteristics of being of a clashing nature.