Agile Project Management Methodologies
Luiz Felippe do Lago Machado
Project Management/ BPM/ Business Administration/ KPIs
It is crucial for project managers to discern the most suitable methodology for each unique project, be it the traditional waterfall methodology or the more flexible agile approach. For instance, while the waterfall methodology has long been the gold standard in various fields, adopting the agile methodology in some software development scenarios often yields superior outcomes. This article presents an overview of Agile methodologies, their history, core values, the most common frameworks (1), the professionals' roles, and their benefits.
P.S.: in our fifth article, “Agile vs. Waterfall Methodology: Choosing the Right Approach for Efficient Project Management,” we compared traditional and Agile methodologies. However,? in this one, our focus is to present Agile.
How it started
In 2001, a group of experienced software developers realized they were collectively practicing software development differently from the classic waterfall methodology. In the 90s, methodologies like XP, Scrum, Crystal, and Lean were practiced, but only in the 00s that it was formally debated and launched in a document called Agile Manifesto (2).
They wrote four major values for agile project management, intended to guide teams in developing better software:
Besides their values, The Manifesto Agile has 12 principles (3):
The definition of agile is (4): able to move your body quickly and easily. It matches these methodologies because they are designed for today’s operating conditions. Agile development also encourages ongoing improvement. Imagine if Microsoft ended Windows development after version 3.1 or Google stopped improving its search algorithms in 2002. Software constantly needs to be updated, supported, and enhanced; agile methodology establishes both a mindset and process for that continuous improvement. In addition, organizations need high software competency to deliver exceptional digital experiences in a hypercompetitive world. And they need to attract and keep great talent to build great software. Agile development helps them do both.
In a fast-evolving business landscape, leveraging effective project management methodologies can be a game-changer. With its customer-centric approach and flexible dynamics, the Agile methodology stands tall as a favored choice for many organizations. Here are the comprehensive benefits that Agile brings to the table:
Types of Agile Methodologies
Agile methodologies are flexible and iterative approaches to software development that prioritize collaboration, customer feedback, and adaptability. Here are some key types of Agile methodologies:
Scrum: Scrum is one of the most widely used Agile frameworks. It divides work into time-boxed iterations, called sprints, typically lasting 2-4 weeks. Scrum teams hold daily stand-up meetings and prioritize and plan work using a product backlog.
Kanban: Kanban focuses on visualizing work on a board with columns representing different process stages. Work items move from one column to the next as capacity allows, promoting a steady and continuous workflow.
Extreme Programming (XP): XP emphasizes engineering practices like continuous integration, test-driven development (TDD), and pair programming. It aims to deliver high-quality software through short development cycles.
Lean Software Development: Inspired by lean manufacturing, Lean principles seek to eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and enhance customer value. It emphasizes small batches, feedback loops, and value stream mapping.
Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM): DSDM is particularly suitable for projects with fixed deadlines and budgets. It provides a framework for delivering functionality incrementally while maintaining a focus on business needs.
Crystal: Crystal methodologies come in various flavors (Clear, Yellow, Orange, etc.) and are tailored to project size, criticality, and team dynamics. They prioritize people and communication to adapt to the unique needs of each project.
Feature-Driven Development (FDD): FDD is centered around breaking down a project into discrete features or components. It emphasizes design and modeling techniques to guide development.
Agile Unified Process (AUP): AUP combines Agile principles with the Unified Process. It provides a more comprehensive and flexible approach to software development, incorporating iterative and incremental practices.
Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe): SAFe extends Agile principles to large organizations. It offers a framework for coordinating Agile practices across multiple teams, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD): DAD is a process decision framework that offers guidance on selecting and tailoring Agile and lean practices to fit the unique needs of a project.
These Agile methodologies cater to different project sizes, team structures, and organizational contexts, allowing teams to choose the one that best suits their specific needs and goals.
When to use
The specific needs and characteristics of your project, team, and organization should drive the choice of Agile methodology. Here's a guideline on when to use different Agile methodologies based on various project situations:
Scrum:
When to Use: Scrum is a good choice when your project has a stable scope but requires frequent feedback and adaptation. It's suitable for small to medium-sized teams.
Key Features: Time-boxed iterations (sprints), daily stand-up meetings, and a focus on product backlog prioritization.
Kanban:
When to Use: Kanban is ideal for projects with continuously changing priorities or workflows. It suits both small and large teams and can be easily integrated into existing processes.
Key Features: Visualizing work on a Kanban board, limiting work in progress, and optimizing flow.
Extreme Programming (XP):
When to Use: Choose XP when your project requires high software engineering discipline, quality, and close collaboration with stakeholders. It's well-suited for small to medium-sized teams.
Key Features: Test-driven development (TDD), pair programming, continuous integration, and frequent releases.
Lean Software Development:
When to Use: Lean is suitable to eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and deliver value quickly. It can be applied to projects of various sizes.
Key Features: Identifying and reducing waste, optimizing the value stream, and focusing on customer value.
Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM):
When to Use: DSDM is useful for projects with fixed timeframes and budgets. It's best for medium-sized projects and emphasizes incremental delivery.
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Key Features: Timeboxing, frequent review and adjustment, and a focus on business needs.
Crystal:
When to Use: Crystal is adaptable to team size and criticality. Choose the Crystal flavor that aligns with your project's characteristics and prioritize people and communication.
Key Features: People-centric approach, adaptability, and flexible practices.
Feature-Driven Development (FDD):
When to Use: FDD works well for projects that can be broken down into discrete features. It's suitable for medium-sized projects with clear feature sets.
Key Features: Feature decomposition, domain object modeling, and iterative development.
Agile Unified Process (AUP):
When to Use: AUP provides a comprehensive approach for medium to large projects. It's best when you need a balance between Agile principles and disciplined processes.
Key Features: Iterative development, use-case-driven approach, and flexibility.
Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe):
When to Use: SAFe is designed for large organizations and complex projects that require alignment across multiple teams. It's beneficial when you need to scale Agile practices.
Key Features: Hierarchical structure, program and portfolio levels, and synchronization.
Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD):
When to Use: DAD is a process decision framework that lets you tailor Agile and lean practices. It's beneficial when you need flexibility in process selection.
Key Features: Process goal diagrams, lifecycles, and process selection based on context.
Ultimately, the choice of Agile methodology should be based on a careful assessment of your project's size, complexity, goals, and the preferences and capabilities of your team. You can also consider hybrid approaches that combine elements from different methodologies to create a custom-fit Agile process for your specific situation.
Bonus 1: Tips to hone your skills as an Agile Leader (9)
1 - Learn and lead: instead of pushing your team to learn advanced skills, it would be better to first acquaint yourself with them. This way, you will be leading and teaching by your example.
2 - Inculcate visibility and transparency:? be clear about the project objectives. An Agile leader's responsibility is to guide the team and focus their attention on the right target. Regarding transparency, honest and upfront communication is a two-way street. Give upfront feedback and ask the team to do the same.
3 - Empower teams with decisions: foster the decision-making skills with your team and bring them to this collaboration. Empowered teams can solve minute problems by themselves, giving the leader more freedom.
4 - Be flexible: listen to your team, filter the opinions and suggestions, and consider during the project walkthrough. It enhances collaboration and motivation for all.
5 - Do not micromanage your team: Employees detest and sometimes hate their seniors because they keep their eyes fixed on employees’ work. Agile leaders should monitor employees’ progress but not micromanage their activities. The monitoring should be for their benefit, not mindless nitpicking.?
6 - Communicate with team members: Organize team meetings to discuss the team’s goals and objectives. Assign them their tasks and explain their roles and responsibilities so that they have clarity. Also, make sure they know they can come to you to seek guidance whenever needed. Use an “open-door” policy to listen to your team's opinions and feedback.
7 - Learn from your mistakes: You are human. You make mistakes. The right way to deal with mistakes is not to take stress but to learn from the mistakes and make changes to improve your performance for the future.??
8 - Encourage growth: Motivate team members to experiment and try new things. Repeated experimentation will add to their experience and make them more skilled.?
9 - Take advantage of technology: Use the latest tools and techniques to optimize your team’s performance. Systems platforms, paid and for free, are available for planning activities, project management, team communication, note-taking, time management, and data and information storage.
10 - Stay updated with the latest industry trends: This means knowledge of the preexisting and familiarity with up-and-coming industry trends. Go the extra mile to learn everything about the emerging trends in the market. This information will add to your abilities and help you better guide your team. The more knowledge you have, the better solutions you can develop to resolve issues.?
Bonus 2: 5 steps to transition an organization from Waterfall to Agile (10)
Whether it is time to implement Agile methodology in your organization, you can follow these five steps:
1 - Identify a willing and committed Agile leader within the company to lead the transformation. The ideal one must be committed to the change and knowledgeable about Agile.
2 - Establish the vision for Agile in your company, the goals to achieve this vision, and a roadmap to achieve these goals and vision. Define tools and metrics to operate this Agile model.
3 - Qualify leaders, managers, and team members on Agile mindset, methods, and tools.
4 - Implement the Agile model with methods and tools that best fit the team. Identify Agile leaders for each team to sustain the new way of working. Start collecting, analyzing, and reporting metrics to confirm the success or not of the implementation.
5 - Support Agile leaders to solve problems related to the new way of working. Practice continuous improvements.
References
(1) Agile Methodologies Explained - A Comprehensive Guide. Retrieved from https://productivityland.com/category/agile/ on September 17th, 2023
(2) A brief story of Agile Methodology. (Isaac Sacolick, Apr 2022).Retrieved from https://www.infoworld.com/article/3655646/a-brief-history-of-the-agile-methodology.html on September 17th, 2023
(3) The 12 Principles Behind the Agile Manifesto. Retrieved from https://www.agilealliance.org/agile101/12-principles-behind-the-agile-manifesto/ on September 17th, 2023
(4) Meaning of agile in English. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/agile on September 17th, 2023
(5) Brief Summary of AgileMethodology. Retrieved from https://medium.com/@anirbanmukherjee1311/brief-summary-of-agile-methodology-fe9c66fadce4 on September 17th, 2023
(6) Agile and Performance Testing– A Winning Combination. Retrieved from https://www.radview.com/blog/agile-and-performance-testing-a-winning-combination// on September 18th, 2023
(7)? The Kanban method in IT development projects. Retrieved from https://www.bocasay.com/kanban-method-it-development-projects/ on September 18th, 2023
(8) How to Refine Product Backlog? Retrieved from https://www.visual-paradigm.com/scrum/how-to-define-product-backlog/ on September 18th, 2023
(9) 10 Tips to Hone Your Skills as An Agile Leader In 2023. Retrieved from https://productivityland.com/agile-leader/ on September 17th, 2023
(10) Transition an Organization from Waterfall to Agile (NK Shrivastava, Sep 2023). Retrieved from a presentation of PMI on September 18th, 2023.
(11) Kanbanize. (n.d.). Different Agile Methodologies. Kanbanize. Retrieved from https://kanbanize.com/agile/different-agile-methodologies on September 18th, 2023