Agile project management is an iterative and flexible approach to managing projects that emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement. It originated in the software development industry but has since been adopted in various fields and industries.
Traditional project management methodologies, such as the Waterfall model, follow a linear and sequential process where each phase is completed before moving on to the next. In contrast, agile project management recognizes that project requirements and priorities can change throughout the development process. It focuses on breaking down the project into smaller increments called iterations or sprints, allowing for regular feedback, adaptation, and delivery of value.
Key principles of agile project management include:
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- Iterative development: The project is divided into smaller, manageable iterations, with each iteration delivering a working product or component. Feedback is collected after each iteration, which helps refine and reprioritize the project’s requirements.
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- Collaboration and communication: Agile project management emphasizes effective communication and collaboration among team members, stakeholders, and customers. Frequent interactions, meetings, and transparent information sharing facilitate understanding, alignment, and the quick resolution of issues.
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- Customer involvement: Agile projects involve the customer or end-user throughout the development process. This ensures that the product being developed meets their expectations and delivers value. Customer feedback is actively sought and incorporated into subsequent iterations.
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- Adaptive planning: Agile projects embrace change and are open to adjusting project plans and priorities based on new information or evolving requirements. Instead of detailed upfront planning, agile teams focus on creating a flexible framework that allows for continuous improvement and adaptation.
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- Self-organizing teams: Agile project management empowers cross-functional teams to be self-organizing and self-managing. The team collaboratively determines how to best achieve project goals, promotes collective ownership, and shares responsibilities.
Common frameworks used in agile project management include:
Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP). Scrum, for example, utilizes time-boxed iterations (sprints) and specific roles, such as Scrum Master and Product Owner, to facilitate the development process.
Overall, agile project management encourages flexibility, responsiveness, and an iterative approach to project execution, enabling teams to deliver high-quality results while adapting to changing requirements and customer needs.
Learn more about Project Management Center of Excellence or our range of classroom or online Agile Training and PMP Certification courses.