Introduction to Agile Methodology: Principles and Values

The Agile Process has been a game changer in process management methodologies since its inception as the industry standard. In fact, the Agile Process is so successful that its derivatives like Scrum, Kanban and Scrumban, based on the strengths of Agile, have a niche positioning in the market.

Due to its game-changing capabilities, a professional with Agile Training always has an edge over their competitors and is an asset to their company. Thus, it is crucial to learn the basics of Agile methodology. Wait no more; read this blog to get a brief overview of Agile Methodology, its core Principles and Values.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Agile Process
• The four Values of Agile Manifesto
• The twelve Principles of Agile Process
• Conclusion

Introduction to Agile Process

By the late ’90s, the most widely used Project Management method, Waterfall, was not catering to the client’s and worker’s needs. Sensing the need for a more comprehensive system, 17 Software Developers got together to publish what is now known as the Manifesto to Agile Software Development.

The Agile Process is a framework that divides the task at hand into various parts, commonly known as sprints. It’s a continuously evolving process whereby each iteration is improved by constant collaboration between teams and customers.

By receiving feedback after each iteration, Agile teams can improve their product quality and ensure timely delivery. What sets the Agile process aside is its success rate and the high speed to market it enjoys.

The four Values of Agile Manifesto

1. Individuals and interactions over processes and tools: The distinguishing factor of the Agile Process over others is the importance given to conversations and communication with the clients so that any of their queries are answered.
2. Working product over comprehensive documentation: Agile places the deliverables as the topmost priority rather than extensive documentation.
3. Customer collaboration over contract negotiation: Unlike previous methodologies where the customer was only kept in the loop before or after the project, in Agile, the customer is part of the development process; thus, the team members ensure the product is as per the client’s requirement.
4. Responding to change over following a plan: The Agile Process places the customer at the top of the hierarchy because it stipulates to accommodate the customers’ demands at the cost of the project cost. Thus, it stresses the adaptability of a team to ensure complete customer satisfaction.

The twelve Principles of Agile Process

1. Customer satisfaction: Customers feel valued when they receive updates with their requested changes at regular intervals.
2. Adaptability: Agile has a unique feature where changes can be immediately incorporated without any delays or hassles.
3. Frequency of deliverables: The more frequently versions of a product are released the less chance of errors in the final product.
4. Collaboration: Collaboration is engrained in the Agile process through constant customer feedback, which ensures a project is delivered exactly as expected by the client.
5. Stay motivated: Using Agile by dividing the workload into smaller pieces, the team members can feel validated through positive client reports on the completion of these tasks.
6. Face-to-face interaction: For an effective team to function, face-to-face communication is a necessity that can easily be managed using the Agile Process.
7. Rewarding workplace: Through constant feedback from the client, people working on the project are always in the loop and can maximise their efforts to achieve the desired product.
8. Regular updates: By maintaining constant updates, efficiency in handling issues is attained through which many projects can be simultaneously handed in.
9. Technical details: Constant attention to technical details and skills helps the team arrive at the best possible outcome for the client.
10. Simplicity: The primary objective of Agile is not to overcomplicate things but to keep things simple and efficient.
11. Self-organizing teams: Motivated team members take ownership to communicate with other team members to arrive at quality products for the client.
12. Reflect: Constant reflection on the product will help identify shortcomings and improve the product.

Conclusion

The Agile methodology plays a key role in transforming a company’s approach towards its clients. By incorporating this method, the channels of communication between the company and the client become more transparent, ensuring a happy client. Within the organisation, the Agile Process aims for better organisation and motivates the team to strive for excellence. For more information visit: The Knowledge Academy.