Our previous newsletter provided a brief overview of the agile methodology. However, today we will delve into this methodology in detail, as it is currently experiencing rapid growth and is known for delivering effective outcomes. Many companies and project managers are switching to agile methodologies due to their flexibility and advantages over traditional systems.

By implementing the agile methodology, Sony was able to decrease planning time by 28% and minimise downtime, leading to a cost savings of $30 million within a year.

Let us dive in to gain a deeper understanding of the agile methodology.

 

What is agile methodology?

An “agile methodology” project management strategy emphasises continuous collaboration, improvement, and adaptability. Instead of planning upfront, teams plan, do the work, and then check how things are going. They collaborate a lot and make changes as needed. Agile is all about being fast, flexible, and delivering good results. It requires continuously incorporating user feedback into each iteration.

 

Software developers who desired a simpler and more efficient method of development founded Agile in 2001. Agile is widely used in the digital world because it helps teams adapt quickly to changes and deliver better products.

Did you know that 94% of businesses use agile methodology to measure project success?

Source: 15th State of Agile Report

 

How Does Agile Methodology Work?

Agile methodology works in a way that enables businesses to become more flexible and responsive to shifting market conditions, boost productivity, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Due to its ability to support flexibility, collaboration, and iterative development, the agile methodology has become increasingly popular in the software development sector.

However, numerous companies have also embraced agile methodologies with remarkable outcomes. Here are a few instances of these businesses and how agile has positively impacted their businesses:

• Cisco: achieved a 40% reduction in defects compared to traditional waterfall approaches.
• Barclays: experienced a remarkable 300% increase in throughput.
• PlayStation Network: successfully saved the company $30 million annually.

 

Although you may already understand the effectiveness of agile methodology, it’s important to note that the success of this approach depends on following the steps mentioned below to ensure its effectiveness.

 

Steps to Agile Methodology

Agile methodology comprises a series of steps that, when adhered to professionally, can contribute to the successful outcome of your project. Here are six steps:

Plan and objectives: Set measurable project goals based on client requirements. Adapt the project scope as needed.

Example: Define the goal of developing a user-friendly mobile app for a client within a specified timeline.

 

Assemble a skilled team: Select team members with the necessary skills and promote effective communication.

Example: Form a cross-functional team consisting of developers, designers, and testers who can collaborate seamlessly.

 

Divide into sprints: Break the project into short development cycles (sprints) for stable progress. Adjust based on client feedback.

Example: Allocate a two-week sprint to develop the app’s login functionality, incorporating client input.

 

Conduct daily stand-ups: hold brief meetings for progress updates, issue identification, and coordination.

Example: In a 15-minute stand-up, team members share their achievements, plans, and any obstacles encountered.

 

Hold post-sprint meetings: consult with clients and the project team for feedback and planning.

Example: Present the app’s prototype to the client, gather their input, and discuss upcoming sprints with the team.

 

Release and support: Deliver the completed product and, if necessary, offer ongoing assistance.

Example: Launch the app, address bugs, and implement feature enhancements based on user feedback.

 

4 values of Agile Methodology

The primary objective of the Agile Manifesto is to discover alternative approaches for implementing the conventional software development process. Each Agile methodology employs the four values in distinct ways, yet all depend on these values to steer the development and delivery of top-notch, functional software.

The four agile values are as follows.

• Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
• Working software over comprehensive documentation
• Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
• Responding to change following a plan

 

12 Principles of Agile Methodology

The agile manifesto provides clear guidelines for developers and professionals in various industries to navigate professional challenges. It consists of 12 principles that outline the approach to implementing an agile workflow.

Let’s explore these 12 principles to understand their significance and how they can assist in project management.

 

1. Deliver valuable software frequently and on time to satisfy the customer’s needs 
2. Adapt to changing conditions, even late in development.
3. Deliver working software frequently, preferably in shorter timeframes, a few weeks to a few months.
4. Developers and business people must collaborate.
5. Build projects around motivated individuals. Avoid micromanaging, as it takes away your focus.
6. Promote face-to-face conversations and trust your team to complete the project.
7. The primary source of progress is working software. Keeping your attention on what matters is what it is.
8. Support a constant development pace. It should be possible for sponsors, programmers, and users to continue operating at the same rate indefinitely.
9. Agility is improved by continuously focusing on technical perfection and sound design.
10. It’s essential to master the art of simplicity, which maximises the amount of work avoided.
11. Self-organizing Teams Produce the Best Requirements, Designs, and Architectures.
12. At regular intervals, the group evaluates ways to improve efficiency.

 

These 12 principles improve collaboration and transparency between clients and developers. This decision proved highly effective, providing developers with valuable feedback and allowing clients to be more involved.

The agile mindset prioritises flexibility and adaptability, making it popular for faster product delivery that meets customer and business needs.

 

Types of Agile Methodology

The following list features popular types of agile methodologies that one can choose from. However, implementing Agile does not have a single prescribed method, and various frameworks are available. Here are a few commonly used agile frameworks.

 

Scrum: Scrum is a flexible project management methodology that promotes teamwork, accountability, and delivering value to the customer. Here, work is divided into small deliverables based on feedback from each iteration, allowing for optimised release plans and collaborative priority updates with the customer.

Extreme programming (XP): Extreme programming (XP) is an Agile methodology that prioritises collaboration, communication, and feedback to foster a productive and efficient environment. It revolves around continuous development and customer satisfaction, utilising sprints similar to Scrum.

Kanban: Kanban is a visual project management approach that provides teams with a clear view of progress and upcoming tasks. It utilises a Kanban board, which categorises work into “To Do,” “Doing,” and “Done” columns.

 

Related article: Do you know the differences between Scrum and Kanban?

 

Closing Notes

Traditional project management methods served their purpose in the past, but today’s fast-paced business environment demands adaptability.

Agile methodology offers a flexible framework that allows businesses to respond quickly to evolving client needs. By involving product developers and customers throughout the process, agile programming leads to better outcomes and a more satisfying customer experience.

 

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