Any software development project is bound to have many complex, moving parts with lots of different stakeholders involved. When it comes to tackling a project of this size and scope, many teams rely on Agile software development methodology to yield the best results.
Is Agile software methodology right for your next project? With a better understanding of the ins and outs of the Agile methodology, as well as the benefits of adopting agile in a software development project, you can move forward with a greater sense of confidence.
Understanding Agile: The Basics
If you've worked on software development projects in the past, there's a good chance you're already somewhat familiar with Agile as a project management strategy.
Defining Agile Project Management
Agile is a project management method that is centered around collaboration, with teams working closely together throughout the process. The Agile framework is also iterative, breaking down larger projects into smaller and more management tasks (sometimes referred to as sprints) to keep teams motivated and on-track. Finally, the Agile method is designed with flexibility in mind, empowering teams and individual team members to pivot as needed while keeping project timelines on track.
The Evolution of Agile: From Origins to Present
According to Atlassian, Agile methodology "emerged in the 1990s as a response to the limitations of the Waterfall model, which emphasized linear, sequential development phases that often hindered rapid iteration and adaptation."
However, the Agile Manifesto (more on that in the next section) was not formally published until 2001. Since then, Agile methodology has changed and adapted with the times. For example, as larger organizations began to implement Agile methodology for project management, they had to get creative in finding ways to scale the strategy beyond its initial application to small teams.
Likewise, as more organizations are now offering remote work, Agile practices have been translated to digital and virtual environments in recent years.
The Agile Manifesto Explained
The Agile Manifesto was published in 2001, outlining the four core values of this methodology It was penned by a group of 17 software developers and continues to be the primary body of knowledge governing the Agile methodology today.
Core Values of Agile Development
Per the Agile Manifesto itself, the four core values of this methodology are:
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools.
- Working software over comprehensive documentation.
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation.
- Responding to change over following a plan.
The 12 Key Principles Behind the Agile Manifesto
Meanwhile, the 12 key principles of the Agile Manifesto are as follows:
The highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.
Welcome changing requirements, even late in development. Agile processes harness change for the customer's competitive advantage.
Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference to the shorter timescale.
Businesspeople and developers must work together daily throughout the project.
Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need and trust them to get the job done.
The most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and within a development team is face-to-face conversation.
Working software is the primary measure of progress.
Agile processes promote sustainable development. The sponsors, developers, and users should be able to maintain a constant pace indefinitely.
Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design enhances agility.
Simplicity--the art of maximizing the amount of work not done--is essential.
The best architectures, requirements, and designs emerge from self-organizing teams.
At regular intervals, the team reflects on how to become more effective, then tunes and adjusts its behavior accordingly.
Agile Methodologies and Frameworks
Within the Agile methodology, there are a number of methodologies and frameworks often followed to keep teams and projects on track. Examples include Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP).
Scrum: A Pillar of Agile Methodology
Scrum is a project management framework that is used in Agile to help teams break larger projects down into smaller and more manageable "sprints." As part of the Scrum framework, every team has clearly defined roles, and teams meet regularly to discuss progress (often in the form of daily "stand-up" meetings).
Kanban: Visualizing the Workflow
Kanban is another framework that is often used in Agile to help teams visualize their projects and workflows. Precisely, Kanban involves the use of boards and cards that move through different columns as they are completed. For teams and projects of all sizes, Kanban can be useful in keeping team members on-task without being too rigid at the same time.
Extreme Programming (XP): Emphasizing Quality
Finally, the extreme programming methodology is often used in Agile as a means of improving efficiency through shorter-than-average product development cycles without sacrificing product quality in the process. This framework often fits in well within Agile teams because it allows for real-time adaptation, a high level of collaboration, and regular code reviews to detect and resolve errors efficiently.
Benefits of Adopting Agile
How can you determine whether the Agile methodology is right for your software development team? Ultimately, you will need to carefully assess the unique needs and priorities of your project. However, there are a number of potential advantages to adopting an Agile development process in your next software project.
Enhanced Flexibility and Adaptability
First, the Agile methodology is centered around the concepts of adaptability and flexibility, meaning that teams don't have to follow a rigid schedule or plan. Instead, they can pivot and make changes to the project as needs arise.
Improved Stakeholder Engagement and Satisfaction
At the end of the day, Agile software development aims to do one thing above all else, and that is to improve customer satisfaction and stakeholder engagement. In fact, studies have found that up to 93 percent of Agile companies reported better customer satisfaction than non-Agile companies.
Faster Delivery to Market
A reduced time to market is yet another potential benefit that comes along with adopting the Agile software methodology. Because this framework focuses on a faster development lifecycle, this means that completed software projects often hit the market sooner with more predictable delivery dates.
Beginner's Guide to Implementing Agile
For project managers interested in making the switch to Agile, there are a few things to keep in mind.
What You Need to Get Started
Before you can get started, you'll need to have your teams on board. This means taking the time to speak with teams about the upcoming transition, what the Agile framework entails, and what the transition period might look like. This is also a good time to explain the benefits of the Agile method in software development, which can help minimize resistance to change that is so common.
Step 1: Building Your Agile Team
Next, project managers should take time to assemble their Agile teams. This may require some restructuring of existing teams to ensure that everybody can collaborate, communicate, and work together as effectively as possible.
Step 2: Adopting an Agile Framework
Adopting an Agile framework is another important step in the process. Take some time to familiarize yourself with different frameworks described above, such as:
- Scrum
- Kanban
- Extreme Programming
Step 3: Planning Your First Sprint
Taking the time to plan your first sprint will likely be one of the most time-consuming parts of the process as you get started. However, your first sprint will really set the tone for your entire project moving forward, so it's important to put in the time and effort to make this successful.
Step 4: Conducting Daily Stand-ups
Daily meetings are a must for keeping teams on-track and informed on the status and overall progress of a project. These meetings should be quick and to-the-point while still providing team members with a space to ask questions or address concerns.
Step 5: Review and Retrospectives
Once the first sprint is completed, project managers should take some time to review its success. This is a good time to consider what your team's strengths and weaknesses were, along with some potential methods that could improve the next sprint. At the end of the day, it's important to remember that the Agile methodology is not perfected overnight. However, with the right reflection and retrospectives, your teams can gradually improve their work as time goes on.
Common Challenges and Solutions in Agile Adoption
Although the Agile methodology is a beneficial choice for many software development teams, project managers should be prepared to encounter some obstacles when implementing any new development framework.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
Most often, project managers encounter a general resistance to change anytime they attempt to implement a new methodology. All too often, team members grow accustomed to old ways of doing things and may have trouble seeing the point in making any kind of change. This is where it can be so useful for project managers and other leaders to explain the reasoning behind Agile adoption, along with the many benefits that all team members can enjoy from its integration.
Managing Distributed Teams
In organizations with larger and more distributed teams (such as teams across different locations), Agile adoption can be especially difficult because the "collaboration" aspect of the methodology isn't always easy to achieve. Project managers can overcome this challenge by using virtual collaboration tools that foster communication between teams remotely.
Ensuring Continuous Improvement
Finally, some project managers may have initial success adopting Agile, only to find that the framework feels less sustainable over time. Without a commitment to ongoing Agile training and education, teams could hit roadblocks.
FAQs
What is the best way to transition to Agile?
The best way to transition to Agile is to first ensure that you and your team understands the ins and outs of this methodology, and that you have a specific plan for adopting it within your organization. Many organizations actually benefit from gradual/incremental adoption of Agile principles, so this is a strategy to consider as well.
Can Agile be applied outside of software development?
In addition to software development, the Agile methodology can also be applicable in a wide range of fields and industries. Some examples of industries where Agile frameworks are used include recruiting, marketing, and data management.
How does Agile address project changes?
Agile is designed with flexibility and versatility as critical components, making it possible for team members to handle changes to projects at any time without drastically affecting timelines for deliverables.
What are the costs associated with moving to Agile?
The cost of switching to Agile can vary from one organization to the next. Costs will also depend on Agile tools and software being used, as prices here can range drastically. Regardless, it's important for organizations to think of money spent on adopting Agile to be an investment with an ROI that will pay off many times over down the road.
Pursue an Advanced Degree With Champlain
Although Agile has other potential applications outside of software development, it is a methodology that all software development managers and aspiring leaders should be familiar with. By implementing an Agile development process as part of your next big software project, you can empower your teams to improve flexibility, boost stakeholder satisfaction, and expedite the development process to yield a polished product.
Looking to further your knowledge of software development and project management techniques? Champlain College Online is proud to offer an online master's degree in software engineering and project management that can be completed in as little as seven terms for a total of 36 credit hours. This program covers project management skills (including Agile development), communication, team-building, and more to help you prepare for the demands of project management work.
Get in touch today to learn more about this program or get started by completing your online application for enrollment.
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