Agile Framework Options – What You Need to Know

Project management frameworks, including Agile framework options, are sets of processes and tools that can help you complete a project more efficiently and effectively. As an outline that you and your team can turn to throughout the course of a project, your framework will be there to guide you from start to finish, keeping you on track to meet your goals.

There are several frameworks that you can try, so you can find the one that will work best for you. The traditional framework that you might already be familiar with is often called waterfall. the most well-known waterfall sets of processes include initiation, planning, execution, control, and closure.

Another framework you can use to stay organized is based on Agile practices.

Agile Framework Options

1. What Is An Agile Project Management Framework?
2. What Are Agile Project Management Methodologies?
3. Popular Agile Methodologies

What Is An Agile Project Management Framework?

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a project? Using the Agile methodology, you can break it down into manageable activities. The Agile approach uses an iterative approach, which increases your flexibility in planning and building the product. You’ll find it relatively easy to make changes at regular intervals throughout the project.

Because you move through a project in incremental stages, Agile gives you even frequent opportunities to recognize problems, make changes quickly, and stay on course toward hitting targets. 

Different types of projects call for different approaches. With the traditional approach, you define your objectives, plan thoroughly and then control carefully for change as you build your product. With Agile, early planning takes a broader approach. Typically, you can more easily adapt to change as you meet your objectives.

What Are Agile Project Management Methodologies?

Agile is essentially a blanket term that describes a philosophy for managing projects. Within it, there are several methodologies that you can use on their own or in combination.

They all take an iterative approach and follow the main concepts of Agile, which are to iteratively plan, build, test, and make changes based on feedback, until viable increments of the product are completed.

Popular Options in Agile Framework Options

• Scrum

Scrum is the most well-known Agile methodology. It’s best used when you’re delivering a product rather than a service. You’ll need to designate a product owner, a Scrum Master, and a development team.

Put simply, Scrum involves breaking down a project into “sprints.” These short iterations last between one and four weeks. At the end of each sprint, you have a version of what your final deliverable will look like that can be approved or revised.

• XP

XP stands for Extreme Programming. It’s similar to Scrum in that it uses sprints and frequent releases that are planned in advance. But this methodology was designed for software development projects, so it’s centered around engineering principles. 

The goal is to work in a collaborative manner within short cycles. Along the way, as with all Agile approaches, every member of the team remains and adapts to necessary changes.

• SAFe

SAFe stands for Scaled Agile Framework. It’s system for implementing Agile, Lean and DevOps practices at scale.  

This is another good choice when you’re leading a complex project, as SAFe can help you navigate various challenges, such as changes in the needs of customers, changes in market conditions, and digital disruption. Read more about how to choose the best project management methodology for your project.

• Kanban

Kanban is another popular set of practices to help implement Agile. Related to Lean, is main goal is to limit work in progress. This goal carried out through the use of Kanban boards, an example being one that shows work in columns such as “To Do”, “In Progress”, and “Done”. This system also provides a visual representation what needs to be completed.  

With Kanban, every team member knows what they need to do, what’s been completed, and what’s coming up. It also helps to easily recognize bottlenecks are.

• Crystal

The Crystal family of methodologies are software development approaches that you select from based on priority and criticality of products and projects.

There is a great emphasis on the people working on a project and how they interact, rather than on the tools and processes that they’re using. Teams are allowed to figure out the best ways to optimize the way they operate, so they can more easily and quickly change when necessary. 

Want to Learn More About Agile?

Although you might feel a bit overwhelmed at first when selecting an Agile development framework, if you have the right training, you can rest assured that you’ll make the right choice. That’s why RMC offers a wide range of courses in Agile Fundamentals and Hybrid Agile, including those that will prepare you for the PMI-ACP® certification. If you prefer to learn at your own pace, check out our latest Agile Fundamentals Guide to using an agile approach or our Agile eLearning courses.

Contact us today to learn more about how you can become an Agile pro!

Sources:

https://www.apm.org.uk/resources/find-a-resource/agile-project-management/

https://www.mendix.com/agile-framework/

https://www.workfront.com/project-management/methodologies/agile

https://www.cio.com/article/3434530/what-is-safe-the-scaled-agile-framework-explained.html

https://kissflow.com/project/agile/agile-project-management-methodology/