Earth is the limit: Agile project management as an enabler for sustainable transformation in the energy sector

Abstract

Scientific facts show that the energy sector needs to undergo a sustainable transformation. This transformation needs to result in an environment, where businesses in the energy sector operate within planetary boundaries. In this thesis, the focus is set on the agile project management approach Scrum due to its individual roles and theoretical adaptability of its scope, also in sustainable transformation projects. This leads to the research question “Can agile project management be a competitive advantage for a sustainable transformation within planetary boundaries in the energy sector?”. This was analyzed via a qualitative research method of expert interviews. Findings showed that under certain conditions agile project management can be a competitive advantage in context of the research question. Moreover, recommendations are presented on how these findings can be incorporated in energy projects. Finally, an outlook on potential future research topics which arose through this thesis is given.