subject: Agile Management: The Best Project Methodology [print this page] In a world that demands immediate results, the agile development methodology is king. This delivery method is able to produce results faster and cheaper than traditional methods. The agile methodology promotes development, teamwork and collaboration, while breaking down the project into small incremental tasks with minimal planning and does not focus directly on long-term planning.
Most projects fail because of rigid requirements, faulty design, and the inability of teams to adapt to change. Nearly every project will change through the course of development, but in a typical nuts and bolts method, there is little room for change and often the end result is completely different from what was initially planned. Agile methods allow a project to adapt to changes quickly by breaking down larger projects bit by bit to complete the whole vision faster and easier. Studies show that most successful projects were those that followed agile principles; but implementing agile into an existing company framework can be challenging.
The Bad News: In order to completely and successfully implement the agile methodology, a company must truly embrace agility from the inside out. All company hierarchies, existing processes and governance goes out the window. Without a true and honest implementation of agility, individuals focus only on their bit to complete, communication is eliminated and projects will go off course, require more time, more money and contain extreme risk.
The Good News: The effective and positive implementation of agile can be difficult because it required an inherent change in the way projects are delivered and approached. It challenges typical team structure and the traditional manager. However, in return it offers frequent, timely and quality delivery based on actual business need. A successful agile team is a community of highly enthusiastic, cross-functional and empowered individuals focused on achieving a common goal. At any given time, every team member may play the role of leader, user, or engineer. This truly cross-functional teamwork is essential to agile development.
So, what is the key to implementing a successful agile framework? How can you ensure that your team is successful?
Step by Step to Success:
1. Dont rush into agile as a response to business demands. Agile is not an immediate fix-all solution. You must examine the underlying structure, hierarchy and norms of your organization to determine if agile methods are right for you.
2. Become truly cross-functional so that each team member is equally capable of performing all of the tasks required in the project.
3. Dont skip the initial investment in the tools required to support agility. This may include software frameworks, automating testing, user story repository, video conferencing, etc. In order to do agile correctly, you must have the proper tools.
4. Plan for and embrace change and the costs that will come. Be sure to include the cost of any potential rework as part of your estimation process.
5. Be upfront and honest with your clients and your team. Typically, agile doesnt sit well with traditional agreements that include a fixed price, timeline, etc. This can often lead to frustration from the client when money is being exchanged. Be honest in explaining the entire process so everyone understands the underlying goal is to satisfy the ongoing needs of the customer.
