Study goals
Investigate how structured practices of supplier selection and evaluation influence client–supplier collaboration in agile software development projects within a large financial institution.
Relevance / originality
The study contributes by exploring the reality of a strategic financial institution in Brazil, offering an unprecedented perspective on governance in agile environments, marked by the complexity of integrating external suppliers collaboratively.
Methodology / approach
Qualitative, descriptive research based on a single case study. Data collection included semi-structured interviews with ten professionals, document analysis, and non-participant observation. Analysis followed the Gioia method, identifying 1st-order categories, 2nd-order dimensions, and aggregated macro-themes.
Main results
Lack of systematic criteria hinders expectation alignment, team integration, and agile collaboration. Formal mechanisms, however, foster resource orchestration, reduce contractual risks, and expand project success potential in highly complex agile contexts.
Theoretical / methodological contributions
The study advances literature by applying the Gioia method in agile governance, generating categories and macro-themes that highlight the role of structured supplier selection and evaluation practices in sustaining collaboration in complex projects.
Social / management contributions
Provides guidance for managers to improve governance and collaboration in agile environments, reinforcing structured supplier selection and evaluation as tools to reduce risks, align expectations, and enhance organizational success in strategic financial sectors.