Unlocking the Agile Product Operating Model (APOM): Addressing the Core Barriers to Value Delivery
Traditional operating models are no longer enough in an era of constant change and rising complexity. By combining the ideas of modern product management, agile delivery and Evidence-Based Management (EBM), organizations can build an operating model that aligns clearly with their digital goals. This is where the Agile Product Operating Model comes into play. By extending Professional Scrum with the Agile Product Operating Model, modern organizations can create a holistic environment for agility to thrive. The Agile Product Operating Model is designed to help organizations deliver value continuously, adapt faster and thrive in uncertainty.
This report synthesizes the findings of the Agile Product Operating Model Survey conducted by Scrum.org, which assessed the alignment of organizational practices with modern agile and product-centric principles. The analysis reveals that while a strong desire for value-driven development exists, organizations consistently struggle with core challenges.
Key areas for improvement include:
- The conflict between prioritizing value versus features and deadlines
- A lack of universal consensus on whether product development is a strategic enabler or a cost center
- Significant inconsistencies in applying evidence-based decision-making
Furthermore, a substantial portion of organizations face structural impediments, such as persistent silos and hierarchical structures, that limit genuine team autonomy, transparency and end-to-end ownership. The recommendations outlined in this report focus on a deliberate cultural shift, strengthened leadership behaviors, and structural realignment to an Agile Product Operating Model.