BUSINESS

A Detailed Guide to Agile Project Management

As far as project management is concerned, there are many frameworks that you may use to manage projects. Traditionally, projects used to follow a linear manner where every task precedes the next. This is referred to as the waterfall model.

In 2001, this changed as software development became more popular. The waterfall model is not that effective for software team members since things are constantly evolving, and customers’ needs are changing. Because of this, the Agile methodology for project management emerged.

So, what is Agile Project Management?

Basically, Agile Project Management refers to a collaborative and interactive process to manage projects. It concentrates on releasing new iterations continuously. During the life cycle of a project, developers respond to change and introduce customer feedback.

Simply put, Agile is a method that depends on continuous short work cycles referred to as sprints. On every sprint, team members handle essential issues concerning the project.

It also enables them to shape products according to customers’ requirements, and can change during the process.

Becoming Agile

More satisfied users, improved team morale, and high-quality output can all sound too good to be real. But here is the thing. Agile project management is basically not a magical cure, guaranteeing to solve every project management ailment.

Unlike doing Agile, being Agile is a journey. For this journey to have a transformative impact, you have to:

  • Buy-in
  • Support it
  • Work with exceptional team members

Agile Planning

Agile project plans are innovative ways of breaking down tasks into small chunks for efficient and quick delivery. The planning depends on sprints or iterations so as to estimate work.

It also uses an iterative method where you will need to repeat sprints in order to improve the team’s productivity.

With an Agile plan, team members will be able to identify projects to achieve in every sprint. On the other hand, the iterative process makes it simple for team members to complete tasks on time and stay on track.

Agile Characteristics

There is a difference between the Agile and standard methods. Agile project management is normally more effective than standard methods. Some of the characteristics that set Agile apart include:

  • Drive development cycles
  • Open towards clients
  • Time dependability

Principles of Agile

The philosophy of Agile focuses on empowered individuals, plus their constant and early delivery of value in a business. Agile project management concentrates on delivering value against the priorities of a business in the budget and time allowed, particularly when the urge to deliver is more than risks.

Although agile project management is different from the traditional method, it shouldn’t be strenuous to switch. Especially with agile work breakdown structure as a principle, agile project management may help your team members move faster together.

Agile Frameworks

Agile methodologies are usually set of work principles and philosophies. This means you can apply them in various ways, based on the nature of every project.

For instance, developers and business stakeholders work together to create products, which align with both the company’s goals and customers’ needs. Agile combines every working piece of projects to make effective and comprehensive products.

Basically, there are four frameworks, which make up agile methodologies. However, these stages are not set on a stone.

More often, they evolve as products overlap each other – meaning these phases can be more than four frameworks, including:

  • Scrum
  • Kanban
  • Lean
  • Deployment
  • Testing

Who Can Use Agile Project Management?

Originally developed for software developers, more than just IT experts use Agile methodologies. The military, automotive industry, marketers, and universities also use Agile frameworks and methodologies to deliver products in an uncertain environment.

When it comes to the software arena when the decisions to further develop or build existing technological advancements are made, end products can be difficult to define.

Although you may use Agile coaches, software, or books, every team is unique, and knowing the basics may enable you to put together methodologies working for you and your business.

Agile Methodologies and Technology

An Agile and Lean delivery solution may help team members achieve a continuous flow of value. Among the goals, many companies have for implementing Agile approaches is the capability to coordinate and connect the efforts of different team members.

Certain tools may bridge communication gaps existing between the technological advancements used across organizations to offer visibility.

Advantages of Agile Approaches

Professionals from various fields need to work together every day on projects. Agile team members are interdisciplinary all the time – meaning that the necessary functions for creating products work together to create solutions.

To achieve this, they require a perfect environment, which can offer the right frameworks. In this case, Agile team members only need product vision, which consequently results in:

  • Increased productivity
  • Improved flexibility
  • Reduced risks of missed objectives
  • Increased transparency

In Conclusion!

Agile project management provides companies with unparalleled change to address cost-effectively changing demands of customers.

Great products will always evolve, and Agile project development can help team members direct their efforts to tasks and areas, which bring more value.