What is Agile methodology?
Agile methodology is a project management technique that involves splitting a project into smaller phases to better organise tasks and deadlines and complete the work efficiently. The definition of the word ‘agile’ is to move quickly and easily, which is what the methodology aims to achieve in project management.
However, Agile methodology goes a step further to incorporate continuous improvement measures, ensuring the project remains efficient. Another key feature is collaboration, whether that occurs in cross-functional collaboration among employees or externally with clients and customers. As tasks for completion and review are smaller, it means less time and money is lost on actions that are no longer worthwhile. These actions can be discarded or changes implemented to increase the chance of success.
Traditionally, a project may have involved the following processes – determining requirements, designing the project, building, testing and then delivering it. For example, offering a new product for sale may involve analysing the need for it, and determining what will be involved to bring the product to sale. Then comes undertaking that work, testing the product with customers and, if it meets sales targets, adding it to the permanent range. One phase is completed before the next can be started.
With an Agile methodology, however, each process is broken down into smaller tasks. For example, analysing the need for a new product involves researching what the customer wants. Instead of this being one task, there may be three tasks allocated to researching the product’s uses, cost and appearance. It may turn out that the cost to customers may outweigh their desire to use the product, and knowing this piece of information early can help the team add a new task to their list: to determine the best price point. This task can also be ongoing through all processes, rather than one that must be achieved before moving to the next stage.
Planning at a more in-depth level than usual is at the heart of the Agile methodology, but it also needs to be flexible and responsive. Appointing a project manager can help ensure this. Depending on the size of your business and the size of the project, this may be an employee hired specifically for this role or it may be a role undertaken by an existing employee, such as a head of department.
How to use Agile techniques
Various techniques can be used to implement Agile methodologies in your workplace. Many apps and other software programs as well as artificial intelligence tools are available that can provide workflow templates, scheduling reminders and progress prompts to make it easy for you to implement in your business.
You may find that one methodology works better than another at meeting your business needs. Therefore, if you experience poor results with one, try another to see if it works better.
Scrum technique
A scrum is a type of meeting that enables employees to communicate with each other regularly, such as daily or weekly. The meeting reflects on what has been achieved since the last scrum and then casts forward to the next tasks or goals that need to be met. The meeting may also raise or outline problems or delays that need to be addressed.
Kanban technique
Kanban is a way to visualise a project’s tasks and progress. It can help employees as well as managers clearly understand whether tasks are underway, completed or yet to begin; who may be responsible for each task; and deadlines. It can also highlight bottlenecks in the workload that may require more resources.
Crystal Method
The Crystal Method focuses on individuals rather than tasks. The idea behind it is that each project is unique and ever-changing, and the team responsible for it is best placed and experienced to determine how the work will be tackled. It may be considered a less formal approach, as employees in the team are less likely to attend scheduled meetings or follow a pre-determined plan. It is best for employees in small teams who can collaborate ad hoc.
Adaptive Project Framework (APF)
The Adaptive Project Framework focuses on cycles, with tasks that are not completed within a given cycle moved forward to the next one. A work schedule is determined for each cycle and then reassessed at the end of it. This method also involves a formal client checkpoint at key stages during the project to ensure it is meeting their needs, while a final report is compiled to outline learnings and outcomes.
The benefits of using an Agile approach
A few key benefits are common to any Agile methodology technique.
Keep up with the pace of business
In the modern business world, change occurs regularly. Whether it is new technologies, consumer spending habits or geopolitical factors, businesses need to keep up with change to remain successful and ultimately, profitable.
Using an Agile methodology can help by ensuring small stages of work are completed before the project is reviewed, improvements included or input encouraged from project employees and partners. That way, a project can be updated along the way, rather than being finished before you discover it is out of date.
Achieve faster progress
Traditionally, a task may need to be completed in a designated period before the next task is completed. Using Agile methodology, tasks can be fluid. One does not have to be completed before the next is undertaken. If delays occur, other tasks can be started. Feedback also can occur in real time, meaning processes can be tweaked while they are underway. This may help a project be completed more quickly.
For example, if a business is expanding, it may traditionally have rented a new location, fitted it out and then advertised to its customers. Using an Agile methodology, the business may scope the new location while advertising its expansion to customers. Customer feedback may indicate a preferred location, which can help the business find the best place to meet needs and, ultimately, increase profits.
Achieve satisfactory results
When employees and clients are involved in the process, they are more likely to be satisfied with the results. Employees who feel they can raise ideas and suggest feedback will take more ownership and pride in the project and likely improve their efforts. Clients and customers, meanwhile, are more likely to purchase products or services that meet their needs, particularly if they have been tailored to their requirements.
An Agile methodology may already be something that you naturally use in your business for project management, so honing your processes with an Agile tool such as Kanban may help you to improve efficiency. If you are not already using Agile methodology, it may be the management technique that can take your projects to the next level and increase your chances of them being implemented successfully.
Read more: How to Build and Manage a Strong Agile Team
