Chapter 2: An overview of Agile Flashcards
What is agile and why is there no single definition?
Agile is a broad term covering values, principles, behaviours, frameworks (e.g. Scrum, Kanban), and techniques. The Agile Manifesto (2001) is the closest thing to a definition.
Why was agile created and why did it grow in popularity?
Created in 2001 as a faster, flexible alternative to document-heavy methods like waterfall—popular for enabling quicker delivery in the digital era.
What is the Agile Manifesto?
A set of values and principles for flexible, collaborative software development—now adapted across industries.
How does agile differ from the waterfall method?
Agile: iterative, flexible, frequent delivery.
Waterfall: linear, rigid, sequential phases.
Does the Agile Manifesto apply only to software?
No—it began in software but now applies across industries, including both project and BAU work.
What are common agile elements and techniques?
Timeboxing, sprints, user stories, daily stand-ups, retrospectives, burn charts, measuring flow.
What are typical agile behaviours and concepts?
Behaviours: collaborative, empowered, customer-focused.
Concepts: ‘inspect and adapt’, Kaizen, limit work in progress.
What is a product backlog and a sprint backlog?
Product backlog: prioritised list of features/tasks (user stories).
Sprint backlog: selected items to complete in a sprint (2–4 weeks).
What is a release in PRINCE2 Agile?
A handover of completed products (often from several sprints), though features may be released more frequently.
What happens at the end of a sprint?
Features are reviewed, possibly delivered, and team performance is assessed.
What additional factors create a comprehensive view of agile?
Agile applies to IT and non-IT situations
Can be used for projects and BAU tasks
Supports both timeboxing and flow-based working
What is flow-based working and Kanban?
Flow-based: continuous pull of work items (not timeboxed).
Kanban: visual board that limits WIP and improves flow.
What are Lean, Lean Startup, Scrum, SAFe, and DevOps?
Lean: reduce waste, maximise value.
Lean Startup: test ideas quickly using customer feedback.
Scrum: sprints, planning, team roles.
SAFe: scaling agile across large organisations.
DevOps: integrates development and operations for fast, reliable delivery.
What does ‘agile agnostic’ mean in PRINCE2 Agile?
It means PRINCE2 Agile does not favour one agile approach over another and can adapt to various agile methods.
