Agile Flashcards
What are the 4 Values of Agile?
Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
Working software over comprehensive documentation
Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
Responding to change over following a plan
In an agile environment, what is the primary measure of progress?
Working software / Working product-to-date
What is agile defined by?
4 Values
What is agile guided by?
12 Principles
What is agile enabled by?
Multiple lean practices
How long are sprints commonly?
1-4 weeks long; 2 week average being very common
Is agile considered to be an approach, technique, framework, method, or practice?
Any or all of these terms could apply depending on the situation.
What is the end goal of agile?
To deliver a continuous flow of value to customers and achieve better business outcomes.
What is the Kanban Method known to be used for?
Specifically for knowledge work.
What is the difference between a Kanban Board and a Task Board?
Kanban Board limits the number of items that can be in the WIP columns to ensure flow. The team is NOT allowed to add (start an additional) user story or task if WIP columns are at maximum limit.
What columns do Kanban or Task Boards have?
- To Do\
- Work in Progress (in progress/peer review/in testing)
- Done
Common characteristics of iterative or incremental approaches.
Very short feedback loops
Frequent adaptation of process
Reprioritization
Regularly updated plans
Frequent delivery
What is the Stacey Complexity Model used for?
To determine the best approach for the project life cycle.
As project uncertainty increases, so too does the risk of rework and the need to use a different approach.
Which types of projects does agile work well with?
Projects that:
Require research and development
Have high rates of change
Have unclear or unknown requirements, uncertainty, or risk
Have a final goal that is hard to describe
Predictive Life Cycle
A more traditional approach, with the bulk of planning occurring upfront, then executing in a single pass; a sequential process.
Iterative Life Cycle
An approach that allows feedback for unfinished work to improve nd modify that work.
Repeated until correct; single delivery (ex: prototypes)
Main goal: Correctness of solution
Incremental Life Cycle
An approach that provides finished deliverables the the customer may be able to use immediately.
Performed once for a given increment; frequent smaller deliveries. (ex: a finished room or floor before they continue with the remainder of the building)
Main goal: Speed
Agile Life Cycle
An approach that is both iterative and incremental to refine work items and deliver frequently.
Repeated until correct, frequent small deliveries
Main goal: customer value via frequent deliveries and feedback
Iteration-Based Agile
EACH timebox is the same size.
Flow-Based Agile
In flow, the time it takes to complete a feature is not the same for each feature.
AKA On-Demand Agile OR Continuous Flow Agile
If new to agile or attempting to introduce agile to a company, what types of projects work best to transition?
Less risky project with a medium to low-degree of uncertainty.
How do servant leaders approach project work?
Purpose: Define the why with the team so they can engage around the goal.
People: Encourage the team to create an environment where everyone can succeed.
Process: Do not plan to follow ‘perfect agile’ plan, but look for results. It does not matter what the team calls its process.
Characteristics of servant leadership.
Promoting self-awareness
Listening
Serving those on the team
Helping people grow
Coaching vs. controlling
Promoting safety, respect, and trust
Promoting the energy and intelligence of others
Responsibilities of servant leadership.
Manage relationships
Build communication
Remove impediments
Facilitates the team to streamline its processes
Coordination across the organization
Educate Stakeholders around why and how to be agile.
Help the team with technical project management activities like quantitative risk analysis.
Can support team by providing training or undertaking activities.
Who manages the work in agile projects?
The team manages its work processes and its work product.
What is the role of the servant leader?
To focus on paving the way for the team to do its best work.
