A Successful Application of the Agile Manifesto to Resource Constrained Projects with Open Specifications

Abstract

In this paper we describe how agile manifesto can be applied when a specific software solution is needed in a resource, i.e., time- and manpower- constrained environment, while the specifications are not detailed, and are prone to changes. The case study, to which this method was put on test, was an online application framework for the EU-funded EURECA project, which deals with academic mobility at all levels (e.g., students, researchers, and staff) between 16 different universities from countries in Asia and Europe. The organization of this project turned out to be a herculean task during the first call for applications. Subsequently, we developed an on-line application management framework with limited resources within a short span of time following the principles and practices of the agile manifesto. The stages and processes that were used during development are discussed in this paper, both in general and for the actual application in the EURECA framework development.