Agile methods such as Scrum and eXtreme Programming are quickly gaining traction in mainstream software development. Benefits include flexibility, quality, innovation, predictability and efficiency. Moving to these methods requires changes in requirements gathering, planning, technical practices and team roles among others.

The role of the traditional project manager typically changes from managing a team with a sequential lifecycle to facilitating an empowered team working in an iterative and incremental manner. Traditional planning and estimating processes need to be adapted to handle this new environment. Different practices, tools, testing strategies, roles, etc. need to be defined/agreed to maximise the chances of success for agile projects. Agile methods such as Scrum typically need augmentation to work in specific contexts and roles such as ScrumMaster and Product Owner need interpretation to your environment. 

This course will provide those looking to work on Scrum teams with the competencies and skills required to effectively combine the processes, people and technologies for a successful Agile/Scrum delivery. Exercises are used to get hands on experience with the practices presented. It focuses on the Scrum method but references practices from other agile methods such as eXtreme Programming (XP) and also from Lean Software Development and Kanban. It also introduces ways to apply Agile practices successfully and ensure a sustainable transition, so that Agile becomes the standard approach for projects.

• Define the key agile values and principles

• Describe SCRUM and how variations or hybrid approaches (utilising elements of agile with more traditional approaches) are sometimes implemented in practice

• Map appropriate roles for Scrum teams from your current teams

• Define and use user stories

• Perform planning and estimation in an agile environment

• Perform key Scrum ceremonies such as standups, retrospectives, etc.

• Define appropriate testing strategies for agile projects, keeping control of quality in an Agile lifecycle and avoiding the common pitfalls

• Undertake steps needed to get started with Scrum on your project

• Use Scrum with distributed teams

• Avoid the common pitfalls with Agile/Scrum

Topics Covered:

• Review of Agile Values and Principles

• Key elements of Agile

• Requirements in Scrum

• Planning and estimation with Scrum

• Working as a Scrum team

• Agile Testing

• Pitfalls and Lessons Learnt

• Summary and next steps

Who Should Attend

This course is intended for Project Managers, Team Leaders as well as cross-functional team members such as Developers, Testers, DBAs, Business Analysts, etc. and project support personnel who will benefit from an understanding of Agile/Scrum.

Upcoming Agile & Project Management Training Dates

Next Dublin Course - March 5th & 6th 

For additional upcoming dates click here