Bringing Agile to Health – An Agile Coaching Case Study

Client Background

Novartis is a multinational pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland. It is consistently ranked within the top five largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.

The Project

We undertook an Agile Transformation program at Novartis. For this, our Agile Coaching team sought to facilitate the seamless integration of Agile methodologies within the complex landscape of the pharmaceutical industry. Characterised by a commitment to empowerment and adaptability, the process aimed to navigate the complex challenges posed by the heavily regulated environment.

Project Goals

• Our mission was clear—to instil a culture of agility at Novartis while still managing to adhere to the regulatory framework inherent in the pharmaceutical sector.

Project Execution

Leveraging a robust blend of Agile methodologies and Systems Thinking, our team embarked on a methodical journey to align Agile principles with the regulatory requirements unique to Novartis and the pharma industry.

Systems Thinking Mastery

A comprehensive analysis of the regulatory landscape paved the way for an Agile framework tailored to Novartis’ specific needs. This approach ensured that compliance and agility were not mutually exclusive but could co-exist.

Structured Training Modules

The implementation of immersive training modules, characterised by a blend of theory and practical application, facilitated the embedding of Agile principles throughout the organisation.

Feedback-Driven Refinement

Instituting a continuous feedback loop mechanism allowed for real-time adjustments. Regular assessments ensured that the Agile transformation remained aligned with both strategic objectives and regulatory demands.

Benefit realisation

Harmonious Coexistence with Regulations

The integration of Agile principles did not compromise regulatory adherence; instead, it found synergy, illustrating that regulatory compliance and Agile methodologies can co-exist and even complement each other.

Cultural Evolution

Witnessing a positive shift in organisational culture, teams embraced Agile principles as a methodology, fostering a motivation for continuous improvement.

Enhanced Cross-Functional Synergy

The dissolution of silos resulted in a collaborative ecosystem, with Agile frameworks serving as catalysts for efficient and effective communication and streamlined, delivery-focused operations. 

In summary, the Novartis Agile transformation project exemplifies the successful fusion of Agile methodologies and Systems Thinking within the complicated landscape of a heavily regulated industry.