Agile Methodology has brought about a revolution in the software development world with its people-focused, results-focused ways which keeps the software development in pace with our changing world. It revolves around adaptive planning, self-organization, and short delivery times. What makes it stand out from others is its quality that It’s flexible, very effective when it comes to the speed and works with the goal for continuous improvements in quality. The tools which it uses for its high performance are Scrum and eXtreme Programming.
What is the Agile set of methodologies?
Agile Methodology has come out to be an innovative approach in the fields of project management and iPhone application development companies. This further assists the team to deliver quality work to their customers at a top notch speed on a faster rate with much less hassle.
When a team sets on to deliver a task, it puts all of the efforts to deliver the end result. On the other hand, Agile methodology invests in small increments that can deliver constant results instead of filling the well with everything in a single release. All of the requirements, future strategies and results are always up for a quick evaluation so that the team can look after the errors and amend it as soon as it becomes possible.
The Agile methodology is believed to be based upon a set of 4 core values which are as follows:
- The prime aim of this methodology is to focus on individuals and interactions,instead on looking upon processes and tools.
- Working software is given more emphasis when compared to comprehensive documentation
- Another prime factor in Agile methodology is Collaboration with the client. Contract negotiation can be compromised for once but Client collaboration is something you can not mess up with.
- Living upon its flexible nature, Agile methodology strictly sticks to the chances and responses rather than following a plan.
How does the Agile Methodology work?
The agile methodology is high spirits when it comes to iterative development. Every iteration that the methodology undergoes can be also called sprint. Furthermore, each sprint is crafted in such a way that is effectively feasible as a small packet which can be delivered in a short period of time. In general cases, a sprint usually consumes one or two weeks to be delivered.
Like previously mentioned, The agile methodology is not just a development process but a group of development processes. One of the most significant tasks that it performs is the elimination of activities that may not be necessary or are insignificant for the project. It removes/avoids any step which may be a waste of time and effort.
Talking more about Agile in detail
Agile project management has turned out to be a needful tool when the aspects of software projects were concerned. The all famous Agile Manifesto which was penned in the year of 2001 by a group of software developers. This manifesto promotes the methodologies of customer collaboration, individuals and interactions, and creating working software. On the other hand aspects of process, planning and comprehensive documentation are given less importance.
How does traditional project management work? In general cases, the teams develop a plan and then go through with it. Now this management turns out to be highly successful when one has to come up with a definable product. The venture of manufacturing a car or building a home. This statement was explained with deeper insights by Georgios Moschoglou, associate professor of practice and faculty director of Lean and Agile project management at Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies.
Further in his statements he added that Agile is highly suitable for working with complex products such as likelihood of change, including new designs, problems and exploratory work. One should not limit to believe that the Agile methodology is just limited to the software industry but also is utilized by doctors, engineers, lawyers and marketers.
When one ponders over the variety of customers for Agile processes, they should know that these customers could be internal and even external. The Agile Methodology lists down 12 principles which gives a follow up of guidelines explaining how Agile Methodology should be utilized to work.
When to Use (and Not Use) Agile
Without a second opinion Agile Methodology can be crowned with the title of best project management method in cases when you are developing something which has never been introduced before. It works wonders for projects which are complex in nature and deal with a lot of uncertainty.
In cases when you are working with hands-on customers Agile Methodology is again the ideal since it allows a team to involve customers as deeply as possible. The process of asking for feedback and then implementing the changes during the journey makes a product the best version of itself.
Agile is fashioned in such a way so it could deliver the high-end results in a shorter period of time and to bring about certain customizations as per needs in every step. It does not depend on a process to be followed strictly to deliver a result.
One approach to assess whether an undertaking is ideal for Agile is to utilize an evaluation apparatus. Sheep created one for her Purdue University classes that has nine measures and delivers an insect outline that shows the appropriateness for Agile. The rules incorporate the measure of progress required, group size, conveyance prerequisites and admittance to the client.
Benefits of the Agile Methodology
The major reason that teams opt to work with agile methodology is pretty simple- it enables them to be at their feet with the market changes or customer feedback. When a team plans and implements tools for shorter goals, they open themselves to meet the possibilities of the futuristic demand. In a world which is driven by changes, working with agile methodology which opens the door to adaptivity is definitely a smart move. Not only do you stay steps ahead from others, but do so at minimal costs.
However, one must not confuse it with a game of numbers. The most important tool with this methodology is the people. It was very clearly stated in the Agile manifesto that human interactions are more important than following processes to the letter.
When one has chosen to carve paths with the tool of agile methodology, they should be sure to focus least on the predefined rules and most on collaborating with clients and teammates. Also what comes down to it all is delivering a high quality and super functional solution to customer’s demand rather than handing out a mile of detailed documentation.
Here are some of the many benefits of using agile methodologies:
- Faster: Speed is one of most demanded elements in today’s world and it is not by chance that it is one of the greatest benefits of the Agile Model. Not only does it make the entire process as fast as light but if you think further it also decreases the time duration between paying and getting paid.
- Increased customer satisfaction: When customers are given the flexibility to put in inputs which can be actually made changes, they get closer to what they want with every passing second.
- Employee value: Following the agile methodology can help in creating a productive environment for the team. It is a common fact that employees thrive in an environment where their ideas are valued.