Business Agility in the Context of Digitalization and COVID-19
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2022
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AI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract Various analyses have confirmed that the concept of "being agile" has grown considerably with increasing digitalization. During times of rapid and uncertain events like the COVID-19 pandemic, agility is an efficient methodology that helps keep a company "flexible", and, at the same time, resilient. Companies, therefore, are more prepared for possible spontaneous changes that come their way, both internally and externally. Moreover, "New Work"-the approach and concept-enables growth in organizational agility by offering flexible choices for a workforce with elements of self-organization and greater autonomy. Not every company that calls itself "agile" is alike in its approach to agility. Multiple factors, such as the techniques in individual teams or individuals, play a role. Different frameworks-like "Scrum" or "Kanban"-need to be implemented so that the company is ready to become adaptable. Furthermore, some companies appear to be "agile", but this is a myth and not really true; it is propagated simply because it is better for the companies' reputation. The aim of this research is to uncover meanings and detect the importance of agility in companies, which anticipates, in particular, flexibility, adaptability, and speed. Agility is also described as a contributor to better development and success along with increasing digitalization, even as a necessity when changes occur, viz. unexpected events like the coronavirus crisis. Advanced technology in terms of, for instance, Artificial Intelligence (AI), contributes to problem-solving and the assistance of teams. Related to this topic, "New Work" has been an important and essential development for years, but has acquired even more significance on account of the coronavirus pandemic. This is associated, among other things, with the leadership of the top management and the corporate culture, values, and work practices of the employees, and, hence, offers more "freedom" and opportunities. To provide a practical case study, the focus in the relevant section in this thesis is on the digital data-driven company ImmoScout24, an online marketplace that is run as an operating online platform. Agility in the company is thereby measured and identified with the help of self-observation, interviews, and a company survey that is distributed among all its employees. Keywords: Business agility, Digital Transformation, COVID-19, New Work, Scrum, Kanban, Project Management