Credits: 2 PDUs / 2 Hours  

Course Level:
Advanced – Intended to for provide an overview for executives, team members and business executives

Description
Agile is an incremental, iterative framework for project management and software development – whereas requirements and solutions evolve incrementally through collaboration within self-organizing, cross-functional teams. This process involves:

• A business approach that aligns development with customer needs and organizational goals
• A leadership philosophy that encourages teamwork, self-organization and accountability
• A set of best practices intended to allow for rapid delivery of high-quality software

The use of Agile has been increasing dramatically over the last several years. PMI’s research has shown that the use of Agile has tripled from December 2008 to May 2012 and The Gartner Group indicates that Agile development methods are now being used on 80% of all software development projects.

This 2 hour executive overview introduces attendees to the core values, principles, practices, benefits and challenges associated with the adoption of an Agile methodology.

Many of today’s executives are finding themselves involved with Agile projects, but are learning that many of the tools and techniques traditionally used by project management no longer work as effectively, or at all.

To increase the success of Agile projects, today’s executives must employ additional management approaches to effectively lead their teams and deliver projects successfully.

Objectives

By the end of this briefing, participants will:

• Understand the approach of an Agile project
• Decide which projects are suitable for an Agile approach
• Discuss the benefits and challenges of adopting Agile
• Hear about an actual Agency’s Agile project
• Recognize the top-five challenges faced by State government s consideration of Agile
• Discuss what can be done to reduce the risks
• Learn how other government organizations are using Agile

Audience
This course is designed for IT and  Business Leadership

Prerequisites
No prerequisites – This course is suitable for both novice and experienced executives who are interested in adopting Agile

I.  Executive Overview of Agile (Estimate 90-120 minutes)

A.  What is Agile?

• The Agile lifecycle
• The Agile team roles
• The Agile deliverables
• Scrum of Scrums – for larger projects

B.  Why Agile (or not)?

• Purpose and benefits of using an Agile approach (focused specifically on State government)
• Types of projects that may not be appropriate for Agile
• Projects that work well with Agile

C.  Statistics regarding Agile adoption

• Waterfall Approach…relative metrics on average project (time, cost, etc.)
• Agile Approach… relative metrics on comparable project (time, cost, etc.)
• How other State Governments are using Agile? (Types of projects, success statistics, etc.)
• What benefits have they seen?

D.  The importance of a “committed” Product Owner (PO)

• Characteristics of a good PO
• Responsibilities of the PO throughout the Agile Lifecycle
• Common mistakes made by POs

E.  Case Study:

• Brief description
• Challenges
• Benefits

F.  Using a pilot project to successfully transition to Agile

• Characteristics of a successful pilot project
• Properly selecting the team
• Benefits of using a ScrumMaster as a coach/mentor
• Measuring the results of the project
• Lessons learned – taking corrective actions (if necessary) before widespread rollout
• How can Business Leaders help with the transition to Agile?

Download PDF:

BA15b-Executive Overview of Agile – 2 hours