Set a Goal, Allocate Resources, Don’t Get in the Way – On the Implementation of Agile methods in the Reception and Integration of IT Systems within the Swedish Armed Forces
Publish date: 2025-09-23
Report number: FOI-R--5774--SE
Pages: 119
Written in: Swedish
Keywords:
- acquisition
- adoption
- integration
- command and control systems
- IT systems
- effectiveness
- agile methods
Abstract
This report constitutes a continuation of a previous project aimed at improving the acquisition and integration of command and control systems. It evaluates the implementation of so-called modern working methods within the Swedish Armed Forces. The study is based on interviews and surveys conducted with two workgroups that had adopted modern working methods, alongside a control group. These data were supplemented by interviews with various stakeholders. The findings suggest that modern working methods-drawing on agile practices, trustbased leadership, and previously established principles for more effective system acquisition and integration-have contributed to increased efficiency, enhanced job satisfaction, improved collaboration, and higher quality outcomes. The conducted studies further demonstrated that, while the originally formulated approaches to more effective acquisition and integration are likely to result in increased effectiveness and efficiency, there was some room for improvement. The revised final seven guiding principles are as follows: (1) treat acquisition as a complex issue; (2) foster a supportive organisational culture; (3) focus follow-ups on relevant factors; (4) have clear goals, holistic perspectives, and adapted processes; (5) ensure access to necessary competencies; (6) engage closely with stakeholders; and (7) address uncertainties and adopt an adaptive, incremental approach.