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The Agile Upside in a Downturn
Article

The Agile Upside in a Downturn

Benjamin Rehberg and David Ritter
Boston Consulting Group, 2019
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Editorial Rating

8

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  • Analytical
  • Well Structured
  • Overview

Recommendation

This insightful article by Benjamin Rehberg and David Ritter of the Boston Consulting Group explains how adopting agile practices helps companies make the most of economic slowdowns and recessions. You can take steps now to begin implementing agile processes to ensure you’re ready for what the market brings. As the authors point out, every downswing yields winners and losers. If you have the right tools, you’re far more likely to win. Their overview will help senior leaders and executives get ready.

Summary

Companies must be agile enough to survive and thrive during inevitable market dips. 

When markets are due for a slowdown – if not a correction or even a crash – many firms don’t realize the opportunities surrounding them unless they are prepared for and positioned to take advantage of them. 

Agile software development can help companies become more responsive. Firms shouldn’t delay implementation and ideally should begin preparing by having one or more units adapt agile practices at scale now. Units most suitable for agile include those that are most vulnerable to crashes. 

Agile practices improve reactivity, keep expenses in check and increase employee engagement.

Uncertainty and fast-moving markets mean that companies need to...

About the Authors

Benjamin Rehberg is a managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group where David Ritter is a partner and director. 

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