Factors influencing the usage of agile methodologies amongst information technology personnel within the banking sector

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the factors that influence the usage of agile methodologies amongst Information Technology (IT) personnel within the banking sector. Agile methodologies have been acclaimed to have many benefits. Despite this, challenges have been found in the usage of agile methodologies. The study was conducted with 143 participants from two major banks in South Africa and with a professional institution of IT personnel. The research was positivist in nature and took a deductive form by testing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). A cross-sectional survey was used to collect the data. The study had 5 research questions and 5 hypotheses. The effect of 5 moderating variables was tested on the 5 hypotheses. The hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis. The Simple slope test was used to explore the moderating effects on the main hypotheses. The results of the study confirm that Performance Expectancy and Social Influence have a significant effect on Behavioural Intention. The study also confirmed that Facilitating Conditions were a significant predictor of Usage. Only the moderating effect of agile experience on Facilitating Conditions and Usage was found to be significant. The implication of the study is that usage of agile methodologies within the banking sector needs to cater for Performance Expectancy, Social Influence and Facilitating Conditions. Facilitating conditions however need to be varied depending on the level of agile experience. The study contributes from a theoretical perspective by testing the factors that influence usage of agile methodologies. The study also contributes from a methodological perspective by using a cross-sectional survey to collect data. There are limited survey studies done by academics on the usage of agile methodologies. The study will also assist in determining the factors that influence usage of agile methodologies. Understanding these factors will assist in ensuring successful introduction of agile methodologies in the banking sector.