Abstract
The research was inspired by Shameem et al.'s findings on prioritizing challenges of
the agile process in a distributed software development environment (2018). With Agile
methodology being popular lately in other industry sectors as well besides software
development the researcher further developed the topic. The research aim was to identify
the challenges in effectively implementing Agile methods in different industry sectors of
Ireland and to investigate similarities in the challenge categories across industries from the
perspective of project professionals. A mixed-method approach was selected to answer the
research questions including a combination of semi-structured interviews and online
questioners. The result shows the main challenges in implementing Agile methods in Ireland
are the lack of understanding of Agile method values and principles, followed by lack of
leadership commitment, management struggle with shifting to Agile mindset, organizational
culture too traditional, and resistance to change from individuals or groups. The research also
conducted that People related challenges are similar across all industry sectors in Ireland and
there the significant challenges across different industry sectors related to Organization,
Process, and Technology challenges.
