Ensuring software quality management in a start-up environment

Abstract

Start-ups adopting Agile frameworks like Scrum often prioritize speed and adaptability over formal quality assurance processes, leading to quality inconsistencies and technical debt. This thesis investigates the software quality management (SQM) practices of a real-world start-up operating within the Scrum methodology, identifying both strengths and critical gaps. Through qualitative exploratory research including interviews, observations, and artefact analysis, the study highlights the absence of dedicated QA roles, inconsistent testing, incomplete Definitions of Done (DoD), and limited automation as recurring issues. Despite these challenges, benefits such as iterative delivery, early customer feedback, and improved collaboration were evident. To bridge the quality gap without sacrificing agility, the thesis proposes lightweight, scalable solutions tailored for start-up constraints, including clear QA responsibilities, embedded quality discussions in Scrum ceremonies, test automation using CI tools, and strategic management of technical debt. These recommendations provide a roadmap for start-ups to elevate product reliability and maintainability, turning Scrum into a vehicle not only for speed, but for sustainable software quality.