Agile

Question 1

What are the 4 Values of Agile?

Answer 1

Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
Working software over comprehensive documentation
Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
Responding to change over following a plan

Question 2

In an agile environment, what is the primary measure of progress?

Answer 2

Working software / Working product-to-date

Question 3

What is agile defined by?

Answer 3

4 Values

Question 4

What is agile guided by?

Answer 4

12 Principles

Question 5

What is agile enabled by?

Answer 5

Multiple lean practices

Question 6

How long are sprints commonly?

Answer 6

1-4 weeks long; 2 week average being very common

Question 7

Is agile considered to be an approach, technique, framework, method, or practice?

Answer 7

Any or all of these terms could apply depending on the situation.

Question 8

What is the end goal of agile?

Answer 8

To deliver a continuous flow of value to customers and achieve better business outcomes.

Question 9

What is the Kanban Method known to be used for?

Answer 9

Specifically for knowledge work.

Question 10

What is the difference between a Kanban Board and a Task Board?

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

What columns do Kanban or Task Boards have?

Answer 11

1. To Do\
2. Work in Progress (in progress/peer review/in testing)
3. Done

Question 12

Common characteristics of iterative or incremental approaches.

Answer 12

Very short feedback loops
Frequent adaptation of process
Reprioritization
Regularly updated plans
Frequent delivery

Question 13

What is the Stacey Complexity Model used for?

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Which types of projects does agile work well with?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Predictive Life Cycle

Answer 15

A more traditional approach, with the bulk of planning occurring upfront, then executing in a single pass; a sequential process.

Question 16

Iterative Life Cycle

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Incremental Life Cycle

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Agile Life Cycle

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Iteration-Based Agile

Answer 19

EACH timebox is the same size.

Question 20

Flow-Based Agile

Answer 20

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

Question 21

If new to agile or attempting to introduce agile to a company, what types of projects work best to transition?

Answer 21

Less risky project with a medium to low-degree of uncertainty.

Question 22

How do servant leaders approach project work?

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Characteristics of servant leadership.

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Responsibilities of servant leadership.

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

Who manages the work in agile projects?

Answer 25

The team manages its work processes and its work product.

Question 26

What is the role of the servant leader?

Answer 26

To focus on paving the way for the team to do its best work.