AGILE: Is Agile the Right Choice for you?
It’s time to look at where Agile makes the most sense now that we know what Agile is, what kind of environment it’s best suited for, and which projects are better served by a more traditional methodology. There are a slew of them as learned in the Agile and PMP Certification course, but here are a few:
· When the requirements are ambiguous the Agile iterative planning method allows development to start sooner and includes the product owner in the process. There’s no reason to waste six months documenting criteria that may or may not result in the customer’s desired outcome. When building a new product feature, the product owner can see the feature sooner, allowing his or her feedback to be included into the development process and allowing the product to be delivered sooner.
· Agile is ideal for software development projects. Software development projects allow for the development, testing, and delivery of components of larger systems. As a result, certain features can be released sooner. Sprints allow these features to be scheduled for testing and deployment independently, allowing for the most efficient development schedule possible.
· Co-located teams benefit from an Agile methodology (daily scrums) The daily scrum meetings are an important part of the Agile strategy. The daily scrums allow the team to review progress, barriers, and product owner input. It is ideal to have these meetings in person to update the scrum board. Co-located team members can approach and update the scrum board at any moment. This aids in group teamwork.
· Product Owners who are proactive In Agile, real-time feedback is critical to success. This eliminates the need for lengthy paperwork that may or may not accurately express the product owner’s exact expectations. A product owner who is involved and provides continuous feedback to the development team assists the team to produce the correct product faster. Product owners should participate in daily huddles and express their desires, preferences, and dislikes. As a result, the development team will be able to create a product that the product owner desires.
· Teamwork and collaboration — initiative-taking teammates In the Agile model, social accountability is a key driver. Agile aims to create a working environment in which teams may manage themselves to some extent. Scrum Masters want to build a team that is proactive and self-starting. Scrum masters expect their peers to aid, encourage, and motivate each other if a team member does not step up to produce or get engaged. As learned in the Agile and PMP Certification course, the Scrum Master sets the tone for the team to inspire and hold each other accountable by leading by example.
· Willingness to make mistakes and learn from them Fail quickly and learn even more quickly. In Agile, prototyping and feedback are critical tools. Traditional development strives to plan out all requirements before beginning development, which may not be the most efficient use of time, especially when building a new product. Create something right now! Even if it isn’t what the product owner wants, it is necessary to obtain input as you grow.
· The Agile framework and its culture of empowerment are supported by management. Agile can cause a shift in an organization’s culture and expectations since it empowers teams to make decisions and take risks. A Project Manager in a traditional development organisation might provide clear direction, whereas an Agile Scrum master focuses on allowing teams to provide direction and advocate what is best for the product’s development and the product owner. Management must give the team the freedom to succeed by providing guidance and direction rather than trying to control every decision.
Agile’s acceptance is exciting. It adds another tool to the project manager’s toolbox for tracking the progress of a project. Like any tool, it has jobs for which it is better suited and others for which it is not. However, we’re all better project managers when we have more options.
Want to learn more insights on the same? Enrol in an Agile, PMP, CAPM, or PfMP Certification course today!
