Why has agile methodology become popular?
What exactly is agile methodology?
To understand the meaning of agile, we first need to look at traditional methods . They are mostly based on a very simple principle : first define where we want to go , then break the project down into tasks and execute them. There is no doubt that a skyscraper or a car can be developed very well with this approach.
However, this type of project management is very inflexible , which is why it doesn't work in IT. In this sector, you often have to adapt to new circumstances on the fly and rethink the entire development process. This is only possible if you break the project into smaller pieces and constantly review them - this is exactly what agile methodologies enable.
The essence of the agile project management method
The essence of the agile method is to break the entire development process into small units , called sprints. A sprint typically consists of two to four weeks , during which developers implement small improvements . This allows them to constantly monitor whether they are on the right track or if something needs to be changed. If so, you don't have to start the entire project from scratch, you just need to rethink the sprints.
There are several branches and frameworks of agile project management , of which Scrum is the most widespread today. Scrum prefers smaller teams, typically seven to nine people , led by a Scrum Master. His task is to ensure the efficient operation of the team and to ensure that the development is carried out taking into account agile aspects .
Meetings also play an important role in Scrum . At the Daily Scrum, team members report on the tasks they completed the previous day and what they plan to do for the day. They also report on any issues or problems they encounter. Each sprint ends with a Sprint Review , where the team reviews whether the planned improvements and tasks have actually been implemented.
Where can the agile method be used?
Although agile development originated in IT , it is now used in all areas of industry, both in manufacturing and services . It is quite common for a bank to develop its next loan product using agile methods, or for a marketing agency to work on Scrum . Overall, we can say that agile can be used anywhere where there is an explicit goal of making the product or service better and better.
This is how development happens in an agile environment
Every company is different and they all swear by different solutions. In general, however, it can be said that most places use the five-level agile project management . This simple process provides a very high degree of flexibility and, if necessary, re-designability.
The first level in this framework is Product Vision . Before we even start any development, we need to clarify why the finished product is useful in a business sense and how it will bring profit to our company. During the product vision, we also compete with each other's designs , and the one with the greatest potential gets the green light .
The second level is the Product Roadmap , the road itself. We define the steps we need to take to implement the selected product in relation to its development. In agile project management, the Roadmap is not very detailed , but rather provides broad guidelines. This allows us to easily change it later.
The third level is called Release , and here we thoroughly work out what technical and business solutions we will use during development. Release is much more detailed than the Roadmap, and also includes the tasks that each team has to do . We have already mentioned the fourth and fifth levels. The fourth is iteration , which covers sprints in a Scrum environment , while the fifth level is daily coordination , or Daily Scrum.
Advantages of the agile method
To understand the main advantage of agile project management , it is worth examining what happens to a development when changes need to be implemented on the fly. Well, according to classic methods , in such cases you have to go back to basics, redesigning the entire project from scratch . Of course, this also means that all the work done so far is wasted.
In agile development, on the other hand, there is no need for such a thing . If the customer comes up with a new requirement or the market conditions change, it is enough to modify the Roadmap or perhaps the Release. Flexibility and quick response are a huge advantage in themselves , and all this also attracts better use of the company's resources . The risk is also lower , since our company can confidently embark on the development of a product, knowing that the invested work and time will not turn out to be a waste.
With the agile environment, we can also provide a greater guarantee to the client regarding quality. Since we are able to change the direction of development on the fly and incorporate new ideas into the work, the client is guaranteed to receive a product that they are fully satisfied with. Of course, this also means greater transparency : both the client and the company managers can get an accurate picture of the status of the project.
Finally, let's also mention that agile development has an incentive effect on teams and increases employee loyalty. They can work in a predictable environment, where work is not done ad-hoc . Sprints are easy to plan and execute, so colleagues do not feel like they are in an endless squirrel wheel. As a direct result of this, they are more committed and do not look to other companies or other job opportunities.
Why is it worth taking agile project management training?
If you are a company manager and want to switch to agile operations in your business , it is definitely worth upgrading your knowledge with comprehensive, theoretical and practical training. This way, you will be able to control the change and achieve good results faster with the help of agile project management. The agile approach is often useful even if you do not work in an agile environment. More effective time management , a clearer overview of tasks, or even greater motivation will be to your advantage in every area and position .
Who should participate in the training?
Participation in agile training is usually recommended primarily for project managers and leaders , but there are many other positions and areas where the knowledge can be put to great use . Not only within the IT field , but in any industry where developments are continuous and the work of multiple disciplines needs to be coordinated.
Agile training is specifically recommended for those working in the following positions:
- Company manager
- Team and project leader
- Lead developer, operations or line manager
- Product manager working with an IT software development team
- IT software project manager and IT project portfolio manager
- Manager who will participate in agile transformation or will participate in agile IT
- Manager who will work with an agile IT development team
This is why it is beneficial to choose Training360's agile training courses
At Training360, we offer a variety of agile training courses . For example, Agile Methodologies , Agile Project Management , or Product Owner and Scrum Master training. You can even choose them as a package , so you can gain complex knowledge in the field of agile project management. And if you feel that you need customized solutions , you can learn in a unique training course tailored to your needs.
In all our courses, we place great emphasis on practical examples in addition to theory . With us, you can learn through examples that you would encounter in a real agile environment. Our trainers have spent several years in companies operating in an agile work order, so they have outstanding experience .
Whether you study with us in a traditional way or online , we will help you prepare for the exam. As part of our special program, you can prepare for the Project Management Institute (PMI) Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) exam , which is an internationally recognized document. Become a true agile master with our help if you would like to renew your company or are thirsty for new knowledge!