Agile Project Management (APM) is an iterative method to planning and managing project processes that values human communication and opinion, adapting to change, and producing working results. Agile was first conferred in the 1970s by William Royce. Later in 2001, the Agile was published by 17 software developers.

    Agile Methodology

    The Agile Method and methodology is a specific approach to project management that is used in software development. Agile methodologies should go along with the software development cycle – planning, execution and final delivery – therefore permit software to be developed in stages; this makes it easier to recognise and fix bugs. There are many methodologies that follow this Agile mind-set.

    Here are the five main agile methodologies and their advantages in the software development universe. The most widely-used Agile methodologies include:

    1. Agile Scrum Methodology

    Scrum refers to a framework that makes for effective collaborations among teams that are working on complex products. Agile scrum methodology focuses on delivering several iterations of a product to provide stakeholders with the highest business value in the least amount of time.

    Here are some of the inclusively benefits of agile scrum methodology:

    • Flexibility and adaptability
    • Creativity and innovation
    • Lower costs
    • Quality improvement
    • Organizational synergy
    • Employee satisfaction
    • Customer satisfaction

    2. Lean Software Development

    Lean Software Development is an iterative Agile methodology that focuses the team on delivering value to the customer through essential value stream depict. It is a highly flexible, evolving methodology without rigid guidelines, rules, or methods. There are 7 principles to Lean software development, each aiming to fast delivery and bring higher value to end-user:

    • Eliminating Waste
    • Building Quality In
    • Amplifying Knowledge
    • Delaying Commitment
    • Delivering Fast
    • Respecting people
    • Optimizing the whole thing

    Advantages of Lean Software Development

    • The elimination of waste leads to the overall efficiency of the development process
    • Delivering the product early is a definite advantage. It means your development team can deliver more functionality in a shorter period of time.
    • Empowerment of the development team helps in developing the decision making ability of the team members which in turn, creates a more motivated team.

    3. Kanban

    Kanban is a highly visual workflow management method that is popular among Lean teams. Like Scrum, Kanban is a process designed to help teams work together more effectively. Kanban is based on 3 basic principles:

    1. Visualize what you’ll do today (workflow automation): Seeing all the items within the context of each other can be very informative
    2. Limit the amount of work in progress (WIP): This helps balance the flow-based approach so teams don‘t start and commit to too much work at once
    3. Enhance flow: When something is finished, the next highest priority item from the backlog is pulled into play.

    Here are some of the benefits of Kanban:

    • Better visibility
    • Improved efficiency
    • Increased productivity
    • Preventing team overburden
    • Increased team focus
    • Reduced waste

    4. Extreme Programming (XP)

    XP is a disciplined approach for high-quality agile software development, focused on speed and continuous delivery. It is intended to improve software quality and responsiveness in the face of changing customer requirements. It promotes high customer involvement, rapid feedback loops, continuous testing, continuous planning, and close teamwork to deliver working software at very frequent intervals, typically every 1-3 weeks. The original XP method is based on four simple values:

    1. Simplicity
    2. Communication
    3. Feedback
    4. Courage

    Advantage of Extreme Programming

    • Reduces the risks
    • Save costs and time
    • Process is visible and accountable
    • Constant feedback
    • Working software faster
    • Employee satisfaction and retention.
    • Teamwork

    5. Crystal

    The Crystal methodology is one of the most sheer, adaptable approaches to software development. Crystal actually embraces a family of Agile process models, including Crystal Clear, Crystal Yellow, Crystal Orange and others. Each has isolated characteristics driven by several factors, such as team size, system criticality, and project priorities. Crystal includes joint action, communication, and simplicity, as well as reflection to frequently adjust and boost the process. Like other Agile frameworks, Crystal assists early, frequent delivery of working software, high user involvement, adaptability, and the removal of authorities or distractions.

    Advantage of Crystal

    • It ensures frequent deliveries, in order to identify eventual problems in every stage
    • There is always space to improve characteristics, taking some time from software development and allowing for a discussion about how to perfect processes.
    • Allows for a closer communication and promotes interaction and sharing of knowledge between team members.
    • Requires a technical environment with automated tests, configuration management and frequent integration.

    Scope and the future of Agile Project

    New reports are showing that Agile is increasing in popularity and winning over waterfall users into the new incremental development in Agile. Agile Project Management is an interactive process that drives focus on consumer satisfaction first, team harmony over the tasks, and adapting to the current business requirements rather than just sticking to a textbook plan.

    Written by:

    Ankita Kashyap
    B.Tech - CSE
    UIET, Kanpur