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In a nutshell, Agile is an incremental and iterative approach to project management that allows teams to keep pace with modern work demands.
Agile is a collection of methodologies based on concepts such as flexibility, transparency and quality.
Projects that use Agile methodologies have a 28% higher success rate. Almost 71% of companies also employ Agile at varying frequencies.
Why is Agile such a success? Do project managers rely on it exclusively or use other frameworks to achieve their goals? It's simple.
Agile helps managers to do their job more efficiently and gives them greater control of projects. Agile project management is unique because it emphasises delivering value and quality to customers and finishing the project within given constraints.
How It Works
The old waterfall method leaves much to be desired. Indeed, the "plan, design, build, test, deliver" process works well when building cars and buildings.
Still, it does not work as effectively for software development. Agile is a great way to work in a dynamic business environment where demand and hardware constantly change.
Agile Methodology Overview
The risk is avoided by spending many months or even years on a project that will ultimately fail because of a small error in the early stages.
Instead, it relies on employees and teams working directly with clients to understand their goals and to provide solutions quickly and incrementally.
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Faster, Smaller: Software development traditionally follows phases such as defining the requirements, designing, building, testing and delivering.
The Agile method, on the other hand, aims to release the first incremental in two weeks, and the complete piece of software within two months.
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Communication: Face-to-face meetings are held daily by agile teams in the company at each stage of the project.
The collaboration and communication between teams ensures that the project stays on course even when conditions change.
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Feedback: Agile teams track success and the speed of development regularly, rather than waiting for the final delivery to determine success.
The velocity is determined after each incremental delivery.
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Trust: Self-organization is a hallmark of agile teams and employees.
Instead of following rules set by management to achieve the intended result, these teams understand their goals and design their own paths to get there.
- Adjust: The participants will continue to tune the process and make adjustments, as long as they follow the KIS principle (Keep It Simple).
Agile: The Three Cs
Iterative Agile software development helps to create applications faster and more efficiently. The "three Cs" (card, conversation and confirmation) are the basis of the Agile methodology.
Card
A card is used in Agile to break down stories of users into smaller tasks, which can easily be monitored and identified.
For project management, each card can include extra information like priority or an estimated completion date. Developers can track progress and identify any issues or changes by breaking the stories down into cards.
Conversation
Conversation is the second C in Agile. It emphasizes communication among team members so that any changes or problems can be identified before they cause issues during development.
It involves communicating regularly with key stakeholders about progress and giving feedback on any bug reports or feature requests to make sure the product is meeting all the quality standards demanded by customers.
Confirmation
The third C in Agile, confirmation, allows users to test and review features prior to their release into production.
It helps ensure that applications are free of errors and gives developers insight into the preferences of customers so they can improve before release.
Example of Agile Methodology
Scrum is the most common and popular example. Other examples include eXtreme Programming, Feature Driven Development, Dynamic Systems Development Method, Crystal and Lean Software Development.
Most teams choose one or two methodologies. Scrum and XP are the most commonly used methods.
Scrum is an interactive system that consists of interlocking components and simple steps.
- The product owner creates a list of priorities, also known as the product backlog.
- The scrum team will take a small part of the list of wishes, called the sprint backlog, and plan to implement that piece.
- In a sprint, the team finishes its sprint backlog (usually 2-4 weeks).
The team assesses progress at a weekly scrum.
- The ScrumMaster helps the team stay focused on their goal.
- The work will be ready for shipping or displaying at the end of the sprint.
After a sprint review, the team starts another sprint.
Scrum is demonstrated by the following example: Bill talks with a client to determine her needs. These needs form the backlog of products.
Bill selects his top priorities for the next two-week period. In a scrum, Bill's team gathers daily to discuss the work that will be done for the next day and any roadblocks.
Bill reviews the backlog and assigns the goals for the following sprint at the end of each sprint. This cycle continues until all software has been completed.
eXtreme programming. XP, which is often used in conjunction with scrum to increase customer satisfaction, can be a good example of Agile.
It does not deliver all the features the client could want in the distant future. Instead, it delivers what the customer needs now. XP's focus is on short cycles and frequent releases. Code review, pairing programming, unit tests, and regular communication with customers are all part of XP.
This is an example of XP in action: Bill creates a list by asking the client to tell him "user stories", which outline features.
He then builds his software release schedule based on these stories. Software will be released in iterations.
One every two weeks. Daily meetings are used to resolve roadblocks by the team, which consists of programmer pairs.
Customer feedback is delivered in user stories. This cycle continues until the final software product is released.
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Benefits of Agile Methodology
Agile's benefits are directly tied to its lighter, faster and more engaging mindset. In a nutshell the process delivers exactly what customers want, at the time they request it.
The system responds to change much faster and there is less time wasted in developing the wrong way. This post contains a comprehensive list.
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Faster: Agile Methodology is known for its speed.
Faster software development means less waiting time before getting paid.
This, in turn, means that the business will be more profitable.
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Customer Satisfaction Is Increased: Agile means that customers won't have to wait months or even years for something they don't like.
They get very rapid iterations that are very close to the final product.
The system adapts to the changing environment quickly, allowing it to fine-tune the customer's solution.
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Values Employees: The employees whose opinions are valued will be far more productive than the ones who have to adhere to a strict set of rules.
Agile Methodology shows respect to employees by letting them know the end goal and then trusting that they will reach it.
Employees are the most qualified to meet goals and respond to obstacles because they have the control and see them every day.
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Rework Is Eliminated: The project will remain on task and responsive to customer requirements at all stages by involving them at multiple phases, not just at the phase of delivery and requirement.
It means that there is less time spent on "out-on-a limb", and more time to get the job done before the client suggests changes.
The Best Practices
There are dozens of different tools and best practices to choose from. Below we've listed a few of the most important benefits.
This article contains a comprehensive guide to best practices.
- Set Prioritize: Product backlogs are lists of tasks that have been prioritized by the product owner.
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Keep Release Cycles Short: Release the product in small increments, every 2 to 4 weeks.
Stakeholders should provide feedback on each release.
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Use Pair Programming: Use pair programming.
The productivity is the same as separate programming, but it's of higher quality.
- Refactor: Code should be reworked regularly in order to get the same results with more efficiency and clarity.
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Use Test-Driven Development: Coding the unit tests first will keep your project focused.
As an Agile best-practice, test-driven development also increases employee engagement because it turns testing into a challenging coding task.
Agile Methodology Tools
This list shows you some of the most useful tools available. See this article for a full list.
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ActiveCollab: ActiveCollab, a small business tool that is affordable and easy to use, can be used by anyone.
The software is easy to use and requires minimal training.
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Agilo Scrum: Agilo Scrum keeps stakeholders informed of the progress of the project.
Data mining is improved with sprint reports and charts.
- Atlassian Jira + Agile: This powerful tool for project management facilitates the development of custom software by integrating Scrum, Kanban and custom workflows.
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Pivotal Tracker: This tool was designed specifically for mobile project management.
It's a little jargon heavy, but it becomes user-friendly with a short orientation.
- Prefix: Prefix offers a quick feedback loop for finding and correcting issues before they are released.
- Retrace: Retrace is a robust app-performance solution that includes monitoring, error logs and other features.
Other Resources
Use the resources and tools below to help you succeed, such as the Agile manifesto or a few templates that can be downloaded for use.
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Agile Manifesto: The original Agile manifesto.
This document contains the 12 core tenets that make up Agile.
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Burn Down Charts: These charts show the remaining time and how much work is left.
This is a visual representation of the remaining work versus the time left.
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Agile Project Plan: It is used to track the progress of an Agile project.
Ambysoft's article outlines the project planning process.
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Agile Product Backlog: It helps owners of products track and prioritize customer requirements.
Download an Excel Template here.
Agile is widely adopted by teams of developers who want to deliver apps quickly. Agile requires Agile support. Dev leaders need to equip their teams with all the resources and tools they require in order for them to be successful.
This post contains some great tips on how to make Agile more resilient. Check out also our list of great scrum boards.
Agile is used by many top companies to manage their projects. Here are the top benefits and reasons why.
1. High Quality Products
Agile project management integrates testing into the execution phase of the project, which increases the quality of the end product.
Clients are still involved and have the ability to request changes based on market conditions. Agile, as an iterative approach, allows self-organizing groups to learn and grow over time.
2. Customer Satisfaction
Agile involves the client in all decision making processes, which results in a higher customer retention rate. The traditional approach involves the customer only in the planning stage and doesn't allow them to influence the execution phase, which can affect flexibility and adaptability.
You can deliver more value by keeping your customer informed and making adjustments based on their feedback.
Agile Project Management also reduces the time to market. In some cases the owner of the product can take advantage of the First-Mover Advantage.
When customers enjoy the benefits of your work, it's natural for them to come to you again to complete other projects.
3. Improved Control
Agile gives managers better control of the project because it integrates feedback, transparency and features for quality-control.
All stakeholders will be involved with the daily reporting of progress and quality throughout the entire implementation phase.
4. Predictability of Project Outcomes is Improved
It is easier to predict risks and create effective mitigation plans with increased visibility. In the Agile framework there are more ways to predict and identify risks, and to plan for a smooth project.
The Scrum method, for instance, makes use of sprint backlogs, burndown charts, and other tools to make the project more visible.
This allows the manager to plan and predict performance.
5. Risks are Reduced
Theoretically, Agile projects will always succeed. Agile is based on small sprints with a focus on continual delivery.
Even if an approach fails, there is usually a piece that can be used again in the future.
6. Flexibility Increased
Agile gives project teams unprecedented flexibility. The teams work in shorter bursts, and the feedback from the product owner and his involvement is constant.
Changes are usually costly and time-consuming in other project management methods.
Agile, on the other hand, breaks the project into manageable, yet flexible, sprints that allow the team to make adjustments at the last minute.
Agile is popular among dynamic companies because of its unrivaled flexibility.
7. Continuous Improvement
Agile's 12 core principles include the need to reflect on oneself and strive for improvement. Iterations are used in the methodology, which ensures that mistakes and errors will never be repeated.
Agile methodologies encourage an environment of openness and collaboration, which allows for team members to benefit from each other's experiences.
8. Team Morale can be Improved
Agile teams have more autonomy in their decision-making because they are organized and managed themselves. Project managers shield the team against interference by sponsors or management.
Cross-functional teams help members develop new skills in project management and to grow within their roles. Team members meet frequently to share their challenges and current statuses, allowing them to collaborate more effectively.
Agile allows for a close-knit environment with flexible structures, as the size of teams is restricted.
Find out more about the challenges of project management and learn how to deal with them.
9. Relevant Metrics
Agile methodologies use metrics that are much more relevant and accurate than traditional methods. Agile focuses on achieving results and improving performance, while metrics used in Waterfall show the progress of the project against its estimated time and cost.
Agile provides important metrics such as lead time, throughput, and cycle time that help measure team performance.
They also identify bottlenecks, and then make informed decisions about how to fix them.
Agile is an effective tool for managers, teams, and clients. Agile has many benefits, from improving product quality to helping team members develop professionally.
Agile helps overcome problems like scope creep and excessive costs.
Read More: Agile Methodology & its Importance in Software Development?
Agile Software Development For Product Development
Read the Highlights
Software development is generally classified into Agile and Waterfall methodologies. The development method is how an engineering team builds a product.
Agile is a method of product development where it is done in an environment that encourages collaboration by teams who self-organize.
This methodology is a fast and cost-effective way to produce high-quality software that meets the changing requirements of stakeholders.
Backlog - A list of Prioritized Requirements
Each product launch begins with "a backlog" which is a prioritized list of requirements. It isn't a "backlog" in the negative sense; it's a list with work that needs to be completed.
When using the triangle to determine the release of a product, as discussed in Determining the Product Release, you have to choose between cost, schedule and scope.
The team, using the Agile method will adjust scope to make sure that most important tasks are done first. The list is sorted by importance and used to guide software developers.
This is a list of dynamic requirements which can be updated weekly, depending on how long your iterations are.
The scope of the requirements that will be met will change if you decide to release your product at a certain date and with your existing team.
If you choose to complete all requirements, your process may require more iterations.
Software Development is Iterative (or sprint-based)
You can break the requirements into smaller chunks, called "iterations" (also known by the name sprints), and deliver them in order of priority.
To understand how to break requirements into iterations, review the example at the end of the article.
The duration of an iteration can range from one week to four weeks depending on how experienced the team is. It is best to work with teams that have not been in an Agile environment.
Use one to two week iterations. This allows you to change your priorities quickly at the end.
Iterations are characterized by the fact that they do not allow the list of requirements to change (for instance, over the course of a two-week period).
This should only be changed from iteration one to iteration.
The team will work through the entire development cycle during an iteration (from analysis to test). They then show a functioning product to the stakeholders.
It is important to note that one release may not be marketable; it could take multiple iterations for the release, and also to finish all items in your backlog.
The team must be able demonstrate the agreed upon functions by the end of each iteration.
Risk Management
Agile accepts the fact that changes to a project are inevitable. Small iterations allow for changes to be made quickly and without causing significant risk.
Backlog orders can be adjusted as priorities change. With the next iteration the team will adapt.
Agile vs. Waterfall Methodology
The most difficult items (i.e. those that carry the greatest risk) are usually done early in the process to minimize the risks.
The Waterfall method is distinguished by this approach. Waterfall involves researching and planning each task before the process begins, rather than adjusting it during development.
If items are changed after this initial work is done, the team will resist the change and it can be costly.
Teams that Work Across Disciplines
A team of 5-9 people (Agile) will include the various functions that are part of an organization. These may be testers, product managers, developers and documenters.
The team members self-organize; they choose how to deliver the requirements in an iteration. Access to the product manager is helpful when there are any questions.
Role of the Product Manager
Agile integrates the role of product managers. The product manager creates, maintains the backlog of requirements and releases them.
The product manager is involved in the entire process, answering any questions that arise.
Agile methodologies place a strong emphasis on in-person interactions and test cases to promote teamwork and maintain focus..
Demonstrable features are also used as a primary way to track progress. Agile product development produces significantly less documentation due to these factors.
Stand-Ups Every Day
The team holds a daily stand-up (also known as a scrum) meeting during each iteration. Each developer will report on their daily progress and any problems encountered during this meeting.
It is important to solve problems and increase developer productivity.
Scrum masters (the head of the project) are responsible for removing obstacles. For example, scrum masters will make sure that all the necessary people come together to address a certain business problem or fix a particular computer issue.
These meetings should be attended by product managers to discuss business issues or other difficulties.
Customer Input
The process for obtaining customer feedback becomes easier as the team can show features to the customers at any time, rather than waiting until the release of the final product.
Testing During Development
Agile's testing team is integral to the methodology. They test the new features as they arrive. Even though regression testing may occur towards the end, the test cases must be executed at every stage of the project.
This is because problems can arise at any point during the project and not only at the completion phase.
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Conclusion
Agile is an iterative and collaborative approach that results in high-quality software, delivered on time and at a reasonable cost.
