Higher Failure Rates for Agile Software Projects: A Comprehensive Analysis

Agile methodology, known for its flexibility and adaptability, is widely used across industries, but a study by Engprax reveals that Agile projects are significantly more prone to failure compared to those using Impact Engineering. Conducted in 2024 with 600 software engineers, the study indicates that Agile's emphasis on working software over documentation can lead to ambiguities, while psychological safety, clear requirements, and minimized late changes are crucial for project success. Impact Engineering, introduced by Dr. Junade Ali, addresses these issues by integrating engineering best practices, emphasizing thorough documentation, psychological safety, accurate requirement gathering, and controlled changes. The study suggests that a hybrid approach combining Agile's flexibility with the structured practices of Impact Engineering could improve project outcomes and deliver significant economic benefits. Tools like testRigor, with its AI-driven testing and natural language processing capabilities, can enhance these methodologies by improving documentation, collaboration, and handling late-stage changes efficiently.