Agile Software Development and Agent-Based Social Simulation : A Review

Agile software development is having a profound impact on the software industry. However, the Agent-Based Social Simulation (ABSS) community has not kept the same pace with the growing interest in agile methods. A review of the evidence available on the relation between agile and ABSS was conducted, with 649 studies identified through a search strategy, of which 11 were considered relevant references. The studies were grouped into three themes: conceptual applications, surveys/literature reviews, and case studies. The review investigates what is currently known about agile adoption by ABSS and the benefits and limitations that can be derived from the relationship. Implications for researchers and practitioners are presented. The main implication for researchers is the need to implement agile methods in a greater number of ABSS projects, on which to support further research and experimentation. For practitioners, the review raises awareness on the topic and reveals that there is a long road ahead of challenges and opportunities for those willing to unlock value from ABSS. For both, it would be highly beneficial if they joined forces and agreed on a common research agenda