In the mid-nineties, software development companies realized that the traditional business model was too rigid to handle unexpected changes and stifled creativity. Agile Software developers began experimenting with old and new ideas until they found a combination that worked.
In the 1990s, programmers recognized traditional methods’ limitations. Therefore, they combined old and new ideas, creating a flexible approach that emphasized collaboration and adaptability. Accordingly, this approach spread naturally, prompting different structures. In any case, irregularities emerged, provoking a gathering in 2001 where seventeen specialists recognized shared traits. At last, this prompted the making of the Nimble Programming Advancement Proclamation and its 12 Standards, directing groups to work with deftness.
What Is the Agile Model?
Agile embodies the Agile Manifesto’s principles, centered on collaboration, adaptability, and self-organization, enabling flexible and responsive teams. It is a recognition that the same methods will not apply to every situation, and an ability to respond agilely to both uncertainty and change. Agile, according to the Agile Alliance, at its core is a guiding mindset for how to deal with unpredictability:
- Face uncertainty unflinchingly.
- Determine a possible solution and give it a go.
- Get feedback.
- Adjust accordingly.
Agile methodology, therefore, is the framework of conventions, techniques, and procedures a team agrees to follow for a given project and situation. There will be variations in what these methods are from team to team and even project to project, but all will adhere to Agile principles and values.
Types of Agile Methodology
These methodologies become frameworks when other teams generalize, adopt, and adapt them for their purposes. Various organizations now commonly use different types of Agile methodologies, both in and out of the software development world.
Agile Scrum Methodology
Scrum is one of the most straightforward and widely used Agile methods. According to the Digital Project Manager, the main goal of Scrum Methodology “is to improve communication, teamwork and speed of development.” Scrum is less a project management method than a framework for the maintenance and ongoing development of projects. Like other Agile Methodologies, developers created Scrum with software development in mind. When teams adapt it to other industries, they make adjustments, especially for projects with a fixed budget and timeline. Because of these complications, project managers often leverage specific concepts within the Scrum framework and apply them in a way that suits their situation—such as forming small, self-organizing teams.
Lean
As articulated in the Digital Project Manager, the focus of the Lean Method is efficiency. Unlike some other Agile methods, this program management methodology is a set of principles, rather than processes, to follow. It begins by identifying what is adding value in each situation and then continuously working to emphasize the good while eliminating the bad. You can apply this method in project management by examining how your team processes projects and reducing it to just the essentials. According to the Lean Way, Japan first developed the three principles of Lean: Muda (無駄, waste), Mura (斑, unevenness), and Muri (無理, overburden), commonly referred to as the 3Ms.
- Muda: Eradicate waste. Remove anything that is not adding value to the customer.
- Mura: Eliminate variations. Remove overhead variances and standardize processes.
- Muri: Remove overload. Anything above 60%–70% capacity slows work down.
eXtreme Programming.
This software development methodology shares many similarities to Scrum, particularly with its emphasis on communication and responsiveness. Where it differs, however, is in the prescriptive set of rules it offers for the technical aspects of designing and testing coding. Because it has a more specific set of principles, other types of project management teams do not easily apply the eXtreme Programming method. Some of the software development-specific rules include making mandatory the following:
- Including user stories – descriptions of small features
- Test-driven development (TDD) – software requirements are converted to test cases before software is developed
- Pair programming – a technique where two programmers work together at a single workstation
- Continuous integration – code is uploaded regularly to test throughout the project to detect problems early
Kanban
Kanban shares similarities with both Lean and Scrum. This project management methodology emphasizes efficiency (like Lean) and collaboration (like Scrum). Kanban is much less prescriptive in its approach, allowing for greater flexibility and rate of return on deliverables. The drive behind the Kanban Methodology is to continually release work both faster and of a better quality. The core practices of Kanban are:
- Visualize the workflow.
- Limit work in progress.
- Measure the lead time.
- Make process policies explicit.
- Continually evaluate improvement opportunities.
Contrast with Waterfall Methodology
The Cascade Technique is a conventional undertaking of the board approach, while Dexterous is more adaptable. Portrayed by a hierarchical methodology, Cascade turns out best for unmistakable finished results like development, requiring intensive forthright examination for progress. Notwithstanding, its inflexibility makes it hard to adjust to change, featuring the allure of Spry’s adaptability.
The Benefits of Agile
The benefits of Agile project management will vary from case to case, as different teams implement best practices in their way. However, it is generally understood that Agile offers the following core benefits:
1. Satisfied customers
By involving customers in the development process, Agile teams keep them in the loop and show that they value their opinions. Stakeholders want to be engaged throughout the project life cycle so they can offer feedback and ensure that the final product will be suited to their needs. These tailor-made deliverables will likely improve the overall user experience and boost customer retention.
2. Improved quality
Agile methodologies use an iterative approach, enabling continuous improvement with each cycle. Thus, quality control is enhanced, leading to superior products.
3. Adaptability
The central theme of Agile is flexibility. Agile teams are responsive to change, even at the last minute, and can adapt to it without much disruption. Project deliverables are not set in stone, so teams can easily reassess their plans and adjust their priorities to align with updated goals. Being adaptable means teams can deliver consistently and manage clients’ changing requirements effectively.
4. Predictability
Agile teams work in short periods, sometimes referred to as sprints. These fixed durations (e.g., two weeks) make it easier for project managers to measure team performance and assign resources accordingly. It is also easier to predict costs for shorter periods than for a long-term project, simplifying the estimation process.
5. Reduced risk
Developers regularly assess progress during sprints, meaning they have better visibility into the project and can spot potential obstacles quickly. These minor issues can be tackled before they escalate, creating an effective risk mitigation process and giving the project a greater chance of success.
6. Better communication
Agile teams prioritize face-to-face communication, leading to daily meetings that promote alignment and drive successful outcomes.
Advantages of Agile Methodology
The advantages of Agile Methodology are inherent in its 12 Principles, as outlined by the Agile Alliance:
- Our top priority is customer satisfaction through early and continuous delivery of high-quality software.
- Welcome changing requirements, even late in development. Agile processes harness change for the customer’s competitive advantage. Don’t fight change, instead learn to take advantage of it.
- Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference for a shorter timescale. Continually provide results throughout a project, not just at its culmination.
- Business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project. Collaboration is key.
- Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done. Bring talented and hardworking members to the team and get out of their way.
- The most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and within a development team is face-to-face conversation. Eliminate as many opportunities for miscommunication as possible.
- Working software is the primary measure of progress. It doesn’t need to be perfect, it needs to work.
- Agile processes promote sustainable development. The sponsors, developers, and users should be able to maintain a constant pace indefinitely. Slow and steady wins the race.
- Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design enhances agility. Don’t forget to pay attention to the small stuff.
- Simplicity—the art of maximizing the amount of work not done—is essential. Trim the fat.
- The best architectures, requirements, and designs emerge from self-organizing teams. Related to Principle 5, you’ll get the best work from your team if you let them figure out their roles.
- At regular intervals, the team reflects on how to become more effective, then tunes and adjusts its behavior accordingly. Elicit and provide feedback, absorb the feedback, and adjust where needed.
Disadvantages of Agile Methodology
As with every project management methodology, Agile is not perfect. If Agile is not used effectively, its inherent strengths can also be a team’s downfall. Inc. Magazine outlines some of the most common drawbacks to Agile Methodology:
- Less predictable. The flexibility at the core of the Agile method also means a much lower degree of predictability. It can be much more difficult to accurately estimate the time necessary or quantify the resources and efforts required to complete a project. Many teams fear this uncertainty, and that fear can lead to frustration and poor decision-making.
- More time and commitment. Communication and collaboration is great, but that constant interaction takes more time and energy for everyone involved.
- Greater demands on developers and clients. Commitment from everyone involved is required for Agile Methodology to be effective. Anyone who isn’t on board can negatively impact the quality of a project
- Lack of necessary documentation. Because tasks are often completed just in time for development under the Agile Method, documentation tends to be less thorough, which can lead to misunderstanding and difficulties down the road.
- Projects easily fall off track. The less-structured nature of Agile Methodology means projects can easily go astray or run beyond the original scope of the project.
Conclusion
The Agile Method is an increasingly attractive project management methodology in the software development world and beyond. Its flexibility and adaptiveness to change make it the ideal project management methodology for the 21st century. Despite its possible drawbacks, if used correctly by a team willing to commit to its principles, the advantages of Agile Methodology are numerous. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the need for adaptability in the face of uncertainty abundantly clear, and the future appears no more certain. While Agile methodology may not be the perfect fit for every project and situation, its principles can be selectively adapted to any type of project to help keep a team light on its feet and ready to face anything.