Agile Metrics in IT Projects: A Balanced and Context-Aware Framework for Selection and Application

Abstract

Agile metrics support empirical management in modern Information Technology (IT) projects. However, their interpretation and practical use depend strongly on project context, organizational maturity, and the selected development approach. This paper provides a structured analysis of agile metrics and develops an integrated approach to their contextual selection in IT projects. Using a design-oriented synthesis of relevant literature and official framework documentation, the study classifies agile metrics by measurement domain, including product, process, quality, project, and resource metrics, and by managerial purpose. Their application is analyzed across widely used agile approaches and frameworks, including Scrum, Kanban, Lean, the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), and the Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM). Based on this analysis, the paper proposes a structured CPV (Context-Purpose-Value) matrix that supports decisions about which metric groups and key performance indicators (KPIs) to prioritize by jointly considering project context, measurement purpose, and dominant value dimensions. A scenario-based application illustrates how the matrix can be used to derive and interpret a context-specific metric set without implying universal applicability. The synthesis indicates that no single metric can adequately represent overall IT project success. Instead, project performance should be evaluated through a combination of metrics addressing project efficiency, user impact, business success, and future readiness. The proposed framework supports a more balanced and context-aware use of agile metrics but requires external empirical validation.