Page 147 - Straight Talk On Project Management IV

incremental chunks, new versions of the software may be delivered continuously over a certain time
frame, for example, once a week. With each delivery customers may be given a list that details the
various features that have been added during the latest phase of the project.

More effective Short to Mid Term Planning - One of the main attributes of Agile is momentum, it
allows a project to run fluidly through the various short-term phases of development. Issues may
arise towards the end of a phase, rather than allowing this issue to delay completion developers can
plan to resolve the issue in the following phase of the project, this, therefore, reduces the chance of
delays whilst ensuring issues are resolved.

Ongoing Testing- Agile allows for modular testing to be carried out throughout a project. The Agile
Manifesto states, “Working software is the primary measure of progress,” therefore ensuring any
issues that arise throughout a project are addressed is vital. The agile methodology allows for testing
to be carried out throughout the project and can, therefore, be rectified. This reduces the risk of
issues de-railing a project towards the end.

Rapid Evaluation and Delivery - Agile can also allow your team to quickly produce a fully functioning
piece of software in a shorter timescale. Evaluation is fast and actionable increasing the
effectiveness of software development teams.
Flexibility And Better Change Management - Change can occur at many stages during a project,
whether during planning or during a certain phase of the project and while some consider change as
a problem, Agile allows change to happen in small manageable chunks. Smaller changes can also be
easily reversed (in comparison with larger changes or when using other methodologies). If the
change is not suitable to the project, Agile facilitates quick restoration of previous iterations or for a
new, more acceptable change to be made. Overall, these factors ensure that individuals start to see
change as a positive rather than a negative.

What Do Its Detractors Say?

Need For Cultural Change - The demands in which Agile teams are placed under are in stark contrast
to various other methodologies, this can be an issue for those used to alternative approaches. Agile
requires teams to work closely aside one another in a disciplined manner. Teams that are not used
to these demands can struggle with this and often a cultural re-frame is needed. In order to counter
this, in-experienced teams could be mentored, enabling them to cope with the demands of Agile,
whilst also learning the necessary skills.

Need For New Skills - In order for Agile to be successful teams need to possess a set of advanced
skills. This is again a key issue for inexperienced teams who may not yet have developed those skills.
Teams need to be able to work quickly in a pressurised environment whilst having the capacity to
solve complex issues. In order to work effectively within these environments, teamwork led skills,
such as communication, are vital to ensure the team works as a collaborative unit. Again,
inexperienced teams can be mentored.
Need For Extra Training - Ensuring teams are adequately trained is vital for Agile project success,
many detractors point to the fact that insufficient training can lead to an increased risk of failure
compared with other methodologies. This is true but could be said of anything, lack of driver training
could result in more car accidents but that doesn’t mean you should abandon the car – you stick on
the ‘L’ plates and learn. Those that are used to other methodologies often assume that the rules are
more relaxed on an agile programme due to the decreased reliance on other development