Agile Methodology in Project Management: Ways to Implement it!

Agile Methodology in Project Management is one of the most widely used Project Management Methodologies. It is a versatile and adaptable approach to project management that has improved businesses all over the world. Hence, this will help to distribute tasks into smaller phases, commonly known as sprint. 

Therefore, in this article we will discuss what Agile Methodology is and how to implement it. So, keep an eye on this blog for more information!

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Agile Methodology in Project Management

Agile Methodology in Project Management is a technique that divides projects into phases and emphasizes continuous collaboration and continuous improvement that are essential principles for successful project execution and development.

It is one of the simplest and most popular methods of performing a work because it is flexible, has a lower risk of error, and is adaptable to changes. Hence, it practices continual improvement at all stages and maintains regular cooperation with stakeholders. Once the task begins, the teams go through the planning, evaluating, and executing stages.

Principles of Agile Methodology

Here are the four principles of Agile Methodology in Project Management:

1. Individuals and their interactions with tools and procedures

2. Working software over extensive documentation

3. Customer participation in contract discussions

4. Following a plan in responding to change

8 Common Agile Methodologies

8 Common Agile Methodologies include 

1. Scrum

2. Kanban

3. Extreme Programming (XP)

4. Adaptive Project Framework (APF)

5. Extreme Project Management (XPM)

6. Adaptive Software Development (ASD)

7. Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM)

8. Feature Driven Development (FDD). 

Scrum:

Scrum is one of the most used Agile techniques. It is a framework that breaks work into time-bound phases called “sprints” and manages the process with roles such as Scrum Master and Product Owner.

Kanban:

Kanban is a visual method of implementing Agile. Teams utilize online Kanban board applications to show where specific projects are in the development process. A board with cards on it is used to represent tasks, while columns are used to represent phases. As team members complete tasks, they transfer cards from the backlog column to the column representing the task’s stage.

This strategy is useful for teams to detect obstacles and visualize the quantity of work being completed. 

Extreme Programming (XP):

XP is a software development methodology that indicates close collaboration between developers and customers, frequent releases, and practices like test-driven development (TDD) and pair programming.

Adaptive Project Framework (APF):

The Adaptive Project Framework developed from the idea that unknown elements could appear at any time during a project. This technique is mostly utilized for IT projects where more typical project management techniques are unsuitable.

Extreme Project Management (XPM):

This project management method is commonly used for extremely complicated projects having lots of uncertainty. Hence, this method involves constantly modifying operations until they produce the desired outcome. 

Adaptive Software Development (ASD):

This methodology allows teams to respond to new requirements quickly. This process’s main focus is on constant adaptability. The steps of this project type are to speculate, collaborate, and learn to allow for continual learning as the project advances. 

Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM):

DSDM is an Agile framework that promotes user interaction, continuous improvement, and scheduling in order to provide high-quality software.

DSDM is divided into four phases:

1. Sustainability and business analysis
2. Iteration of a functional mode or a prototype
3. Iterative design and construction
4. Implementation

Feature Driven Development (FDD):

FDD is an Agile framework that focuses on breaking down software development into small, manageable parts while focusing on design and modeling.

Ways to Implement Agile Methodology in Project Management

Here are the steps that will help you to implement the Agile Methodology in Projects:

1. Select a suitable Agile Framework

There are various Agile frameworks to choose from, such as Scrum, Kanban, Extreme Programming (XP), and more. Select the one that best suits your project and team.

However, when choosing an Agile framework, keep in mind the size of your team, the specific project objectives, and your team’s level of experience with different approaches. 

2. Form your Agile Team

You need to create a team with defined tasks and responsibilities and a collaborative culture in order to succeed with any of the Agile approaches.

The responsibilities of Agile Team are:

• The Agile Team must be able to Self-organize. It is one of the pillars of an Agile team

• Agile teams must be able to communicate information across departments and collaborate collaboratively with a diverse range of peers

• They must be capable of Iteration planning, a unique feature of Agile project management, requiring team members to define the scope of each sprints in accordance with the product backlog

3. Make a Project Plan

Planning is a key component of successful Agile project management. Spend time precisely describing your project’s goals and scope. This will minimize unanticipated obstacles and allow you to divide the project into manageable sprints.

4. Manage the Expectations of Stakeholders

 Before you begin your project, make sure you consult with any relevant stakeholders to ensure you incorporate their feedback.

Depending on their level of involvement, your project stakeholders may like to be kept informed throughout the process or at the very least receive regular updates. Hence, creating feedback loops reduces stakeholder confusion and helps you to remain open to change at any step of the process.

5. Evaluate Success 

Evaluating project success is essential to make significant progress with your preferred Agile technique.

You can gain essential insights from the project management process by paying attention to what functioned and what didn’t during the project management process. 

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Frequently Asked Questions