Four Keys to Managing an Agile Project Successfully

Four Keys to Managing an Agile Project Successfully

Agile projects are touted as reducing costs and risks, providing more functionality sooner, and increasing the quality of the functionality delivered. The management techniques for agile projects, however, are foreign to many of us who grew up in the waterfall project management world. How does one successfully manage an agile project?
 

#1 Openness to New Framework

Many managers find it challenging to adhere to a framework that is at odds with what we have learned as basic project management techniques.  In agile project management, documentation is not king, interactions with individuals are more important than processes, and plans need to be flexible. The topsy-turvy world of agile projects requires a willingness to think differently about projects and how to make them successful.

#2: Clear Roles and Responsibilities

Agile project management is a team effort. Agile project teams must have:

  • Product Owner: the person who sets project goals, balances the scope versus the schedule, and prioritizes product functionality
  • Scrum Master: the day-to-day manager of team tasks and priorities, who removes obstacles and guides the team towards the short-term due date
  • Team Members: the individuals responsible for completing their task assignments, reporting progress, and controlling quality

#3: Focus on Functionality Over All Else

Agile project management focuses on delivering value to the client on a regular, short-term basis, rather than waiting months or even potentially years to deliver functionality. Agile project management seeks to limit risk by increasing responsiveness to change and shortening the development horizon.

#4: Training

Agile project management requires specific training. The Project Management Institute, in fact, has established a certification for agile project managers, the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner.

Meeting these challenges promises faster-to-market, higher quality systems that can adapt more quickly to changing requirements.

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Arc Aspicio enhances the future of our nation by creating bold ideas and bringing them to life. A consulting and solutions company, Arc Aspicio solves problems by applying our integrated capabilities in strategy, design, data, human capital, behavioral science, and technology. The company passionately pursues our vision to be the hub of creativity where people take action to change the world. To do this, employees collaborate with clients and partners to create solutions using a human-centered approach. Innovation is not possible without action. The company focuses on strategy first, then takes a hands-on approach implementing ideas to achieve results. Join Arc Aspicio and our Strategy Innovation Lab (SILab) by creating and sharing ideas to inspire people to change the world. Follow us on Twitter @ArcAspicio @SILabDC and, #welovedogs!

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