Agile Project Management

Overview:

Introduction:

Agile project management, widely used for software development, is increasingly recognized as having much more general application. This training program will present the concepts and methods of Agile project management generically, and show how to apply them to a range of project and change management situations.

Program Objectives:

At the end of this program the participants will be able to:

• Review project and change management fundamentals and Agile integration.

• Present Agile manifesto values and principles, and various Agile methodologies.

• Demonstrate Agile methods' applicability across diverse project scenarios.

• Illustrate alternative Agile approaches and their adaptability.

• Introduce a range of tools and techniques for Agile project success.

• Define key roles and responsibilities for Agile team effectiveness.

• Discuss organizational challenges in adopting an Agile mindset for project management.

Targeted Audience:

• Managers.

• Project Managers.

• Members of Project Teams who currently use or plan to adopt agile techniques.

Program Outlines:

Unit 1:

Introduction to Agile Project Management:

• Overview of 'classical' project management and methodologies.

• The link between project success and management performance.

• Limitations of classical approaches and the need for Agile methods.

• The 4 values and 12 principles of the Agile manifesto explained.

• The cultural challenges of using Agile project management.

• Choosing when and how to adopt Agile project management.

Unit 2:

Initiating a Project Using Agile Project Management:

• Some key Agile methodologies explained: SCRUM, XP, Crystal.

• Identifying and engaging project stakeholders; defining roles and responsibilities.

• Setting the project vision and goals; defining project scope.

• The Agile approach to requirements capture and elicitation of needs.

• Tools and techniques for capturing and characterizing requirements.

• The role of documentation, reporting, and process management.

Unit 3:

The Agile Approach to Definition and Planning:

• Understanding Agile planning; the 'planning onion' concept.

• Developing the culture needed for collaborative involvement and iterative planning.

• Defining project deliverables; the 'product backlog' concept.

• Tools and techniques for defining and prioritizing requirements in Agile projects.

• Understanding and applying Agile estimating techniques.

• Dealing with uncertainty and managing risks.

Unit 4: 

The Agile Approach to Execution and Delivery:

• The results orientated, fast adapting culture of Agile teams.

• The monthly 'Sprint' process for project planning and review.

• The disciplines needed for effective daily SCRUM meetings.

• Reviewing progress, managing change and project reporting.

• Testing, completing and handing over of work packages

• Managing the interface between the project team and the business.

Unit 5:

Leadership and Teamwork in Agile Project Teams:

• Why Agile teams are different: the importance of individuals and interactions.

• The skills and attributes needed to lead an Agile project team.

• The challenges faced and skills needed by Agile team members.

• Recognizing team development needs; adopting the right leadership style.

• Making the transition from project manager to an Agile coach.

• Key coaching skills explored: mentoring, facilitating, managing conflict.