Why Agile Project Management is Important
The word “agile” has become a buzzword in any project management system. Even though there are a lot of project management models like Waterfall, Kanban, and Six Sigma, Agile project management is very efficient and popular, even though each model has its own pros and cons.
Agile means something quick and flexible. Software developers have always been keen on finding out the possibilities of designing a light and easily adaptable method for project development. In the Agile Project Management technique, the project is divided into smaller phases, and each phase is reviewed, and opinions are collected after completion.
Hence, it is easy to adapt to changes and is found efficient when compared to other traditional methodologies. Recently, there have been various agile project management tools available in the market to make the job easier.
The major core values of Agile Project Management are:
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
- Working software over comprehensive documentation
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
- Responding to change by following a plan
Agile Project Management Process
Agile Project Management steps that are followed in a traditional Agile-based project are listed below:
- Planning
Before starting a project, the team must make a proper plan of the expected end result, despite the adaptable changes that might happen in every sprint. The team must discuss the scope, end-user value, and client value.
- Break down the Features
Sprints come into the picture while breaking down the project and planning a roadmap to achieve it. A product backlog with a list of features and deliverables is created, and during the sprint, it is pulled for the backlog.
- Sprint and Release Planning
Transparency is maintained by documenting the complete workflow. Each and every person, including the stakeholders, are intimated with the accomplishments planned for each sprint, the workload given to the team, role and responsibilities of each member. Release dates on each sprint and revisiting them to assess are all planned.
- Standup Meeting
Daily updates on the project status are updated and discussed. The stakeholders, developers, testers, and a scrum master are kept in the loop. A brief 15-minute talk happens here.
- Sprint Review and Retrospective Meetings
A meeting to explain the sprint and features developed so far are discussed in the former. A meeting on reviewing a sprint meeting is called a sprint retrospective meeting.
Adapting Agile Project Management Systems
Changing priorities and improving team productivity are key features that are attractive in an agile environment. A project developed in an agile environment is faster in reaching the market than a non-agile project. There is improved visibility on the project and morale among members of the team. Teamwork is also better while working with Agile.
Other benefits of being agile in a project management system include the following:
- The team is able to quickly adapt to the changes based on customer feedback. Customer satisfaction-based changes are reviewed in every sprint. Traditional communication chains are eliminated here.
- This is a direct product owner-to-customer service interaction. This can help the product perform better and help to win the competition.
- The project scope is easily developed and can be modified since the development cycles are shorter. This makes the team members understand and collaborate well. Teamwork is also improved due to transparency in the process.
- Increased project success rate, less overhead, less wastage on time and quick turnaround time are notable advantages of following agile models.
