Catalyzing Agile Transformation at Sri Lanka’s Leading Telecom Provider
Achieved a 40% Reduction in Time-to-Market and Enhanced Cross-Functional Collaboration
In 2019, Sri Lanka’s foremost mobile telecommunications company embarked on a comprehensive Agile transformation to enhance adaptability, foster innovation, and improve customer responsiveness. Business Agility Tune Up (BAT) was engaged from the outset to guide this enterprise-wide initiative.​
Strategic Initiation and Leadership Alignment
The transformation commenced with executive workshops aimed at aligning leadership on Agile principles, defining clear objectives, and establishing a strategic roadmap. This foundational phase ensured organizational buy-in and set the stage for a cohesive transformation journey.​
Extensive Training and Capacity Building
Over the course of the transformation, BAT conducted more than 500 interactive training sessions, both in-person and online, covering Agile methodologies, Scrum, and Kanban. These sessions engaged a diverse range of departments, including IT, Sales, Marketing, Data, Procurement, Finance, HR, Legal, and Corporate Communications. The training was particularly pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating a smooth transition to remote Agile practices.​
Implementation of Agile Practices and Tools
Collaborating closely with in-house Agile coaches and transformation leads, BAT facilitated the adoption of information radiators, initially through manual boards and subsequently transitioning to digital platforms like JIRA. Value stream mapping exercises were conducted across various divisions to identify bottlenecks and streamline processes. Additionally, elements of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), such as Program Increment (PI) planning, were introduced to enhance coordination across teams.​
Continuous Support and Maturity Assessment
BAT provided ongoing support through observations, coaching, and Agile maturity assessments, ensuring that teams not only adopted Agile practices but also internalized the underlying mindset. This continuous engagement was instrumental in embedding Agile principles into the organizational culture.​
Quantifiable Outcomes
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- The transformation yielded significant improvements:​
- A 40% reduction in time-to-market for new products and services.
- Enhanced cross-functional collaboration, leading to increased efficiency and innovation.
- Improved employee engagement and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment.​
This case exemplifies how a structured, inclusive, and well-supported Agile transformation can drive substantial organizational benefits, positioning the company for sustained success in a dynamic industry.
