Agile Methodologies

CSE4033 - IT Project Management | Module 4: Agile Project Management

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Overview of Agile Methodologies

While Agile is a mindset defined by values and principles, methodologies provide specific practices and processes for implementing Agile. Here are the most widely used Agile methodologies:

Scrum

Iterative framework with fixed-length sprints, defined roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Development Team), and specific ceremonies (Sprint Planning, Daily Standup, Sprint Review, Retrospective).

Best for: Projects with rapidly changing requirements

Kanban

Visual workflow management system focusing on limiting work in progress (WIP), continuous delivery, and optimizing flow. Uses a Kanban board to visualize work.

Best for: Maintenance projects and support teams

Extreme Programming (XP)

Engineering-focused methodology emphasizing technical excellence with practices like pair programming, test-driven development (TDD), continuous integration, and collective code ownership.

Best for: Software development with high quality requirements

Lean Software Development

Adapts manufacturing Lean principles to software, focusing on eliminating waste, amplifying learning, deciding as late as possible, delivering as fast as possible, and building integrity in.

Best for: Startups and innovation projects

Crystal

Family of methodologies (Clear, Yellow, Orange, etc.) that emphasize people over processes, with different variants based on project size and criticality.

Best for: Projects where team communication is paramount

Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM)

Framework that provides comprehensive coverage of project management alongside Agile delivery, with strong emphasis on business needs and frequent delivery.

Best for: Business-critical systems with fixed deadlines

Agile Methodologies in Practice

Choosing the Right Methodology

Selecting an Agile methodology depends on several factors:

Many teams use hybrid approaches like Scrumban (Scrum + Kanban) to tailor Agile to their needs.

Interactive Methodology Explorer

Compare Agile Methodologies

Select a methodology to see its key characteristics and workflow:

Scrum
Kanban
XP
Lean

Scrum Framework

Roles

Product Owner
Scrum Master
Development Team

Artifacts

Product Backlog
Sprint Backlog
Increment

Ceremonies

Sprint Planning: Plan work for the upcoming sprint

Daily Scrum: 15-minute daily coordination meeting

Sprint Review: Demonstrate work to stakeholders

Sprint Retrospective: Reflect on process improvements

Kanban Method

Core Practices

Visualize workflow
Limit Work in Progress (WIP)
Manage flow
Make policies explicit
Implement feedback loops
Improve collaboratively

Sample Board

Backlog
Ready
In Progress (WIP limit: 3)
Testing
Done

Extreme Programming (XP)

Values

Communication
Simplicity
Feedback
Courage
Respect

Practices

Pair Programming
Test-Driven Development
Continuous Integration
Collective Ownership
Small Releases

Lean Software Development

Principles

Eliminate Waste
Amplify Learning
Decide as Late as Possible
Deliver as Fast as Possible
Empower the Team
Build Integrity In
See the Whole

Waste Types

Partially Done Work
Extra Features
Relearning
Handoffs
Delays
Task Switching
Defects

Test Your Knowledge

Agile Methodologies Quiz

1. Which Agile methodology uses fixed-length iterations called sprints?

Scrum
Kanban
Lean
Crystal

2. What is the primary visual tool used in Kanban?

Burndown chart
Kanban board
User story map
Gantt chart

3. Which methodology emphasizes technical practices like pair programming and test-driven development?

Scrum
Lean
Extreme Programming (XP)
DSDM

4. What is the main purpose of limiting Work in Progress (WIP) in Kanban?

To make team members focus on one task
To reduce context switching
To improve flow and identify bottlenecks
To make estimation easier

Further Learning Resources