Agile project management is a term you’ve most likely come across during your PM journey.
What exactly is it?
Some people think of agile methodology as being specific to software development, and while agile’s roots are certainly embedded in the software dev world, its uses have grown far and wide since its inception.
In this post, we will explore the agile methodology in detail and answer some of the most common questions about it. We will also discuss when agile project management is and isn’t appropriate, and provide tips on how to learn agile if you are interested in using it for your own projects.
What is Agile Methodology in Project Management?
Agile is a project management methodology that focuses on delivering value to the customer through short iterations or sprints.
This means that instead of working on a project for months or years at a time, agile teams work in shorter cycles and release new features or products incrementally.
This allows customers to get early feedback and helps agile teams to course-correct if they are heading in the wrong direction.
There are many different types of agile methodology, but some of the most common ones include scrum, Kanban, and lean.
When to Use Agile Methodology in Project Management
Agile methodology can be used for both software development projects and other types of projects, such as marketing campaigns or product launches.
When deciding whether or not to use agile for your project, it is important to consider the type of project you are working on and whether agile will be a good fit.
How to Learn Agile Methodology for Project Management
If you are interested in learning agile methodology, there are a few different options available to you.
There are many online courses and certifications that can teach you the basics of agile.
Alternatively, some companies offer agile training for their employees.
If you want to learn more about agile without taking a course or getting certified, there are plenty of resources available online, such as blog posts, articles, and videos.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) has a lot of great agile resources, as well as agile certifications that are worth exploring. One such certification is the PMI-ACP (PMI Agile-Certified Practicitioner); another is the Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM) Certification.
Alternatives to Agile Methodology for Project Management
There are other options besides using agile for project management.
If you are working on a large project that needs to be completed quickly, then waterfall might be a better option.
However, if you are working on a smaller project or one that can be completed in phases, then agile might be the ideal choice.
Scrum is another concept worth considering, and is often used in conjunction with agile methodology in many projects, particularly software development.
Ultimately, the decision of which method to use should be based on the specific needs of your project; always tailor your project plan to the individual project’s needs.