Chapter 2: An overview of Agile Flashcards
Why is there no single definition of agile?
Agile is broad and includes various frameworks, behaviours, concepts, and techniques. The Agile Manifesto comes closest to defining it.
When and why was the term ‘agile’ created?
Agile was created in 2001 by software developers looking for an alternative to heavyweight, document-driven processes like the waterfall method.
What is the Agile Manifesto?
A set of values and principles for agile software development, created in 2001, that emphasises flexibility, collaboration, and responsiveness to change.
Why did agile become so popular?
It enabled faster software delivery while maintaining quality, meeting the demands of new technologies, the internet, and the digital era.
How does agile differ from the waterfall method?
Agile uses smaller, iterative, and incremental phases, whereas waterfall follows a rigid sequence of technical phases.
Does the Agile Manifesto apply only to software?
Originally, yes, but its principles have been adapted for product and solution development in various industries.
Why is it important to have a consistent view of agile when combining it with PRINCE2?
Inconsistent views on agile’s application (e.g. only for IT vs. the whole project) can create difficulties in effectively integrating PRINCE2 with agile.
What are some basic elements of agile?
Timeboxed and iterative delivery
Techniques like daily stand-ups, sprints, and user stories
Frameworks such as Scrum
What is a release in PRINCE2 Agile?
A set of products in a handover, typically containing multiple timeboxes (e.g. sprints), though features may be released more frequently.
What is a product backlog in agile?
A prioritised list of new features or tasks, often written as user stories, that the development team selects from during sprints.
What is a sprint backlog?
A list of tasks the team commits to completing within a sprint (typically 2–4 weeks).
What happens at the end of a sprint?
New features should be completed, reviewed, and possibly put into operational use, along with a review of team performance.
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 in agile?
Instead of using fixed timeboxes, work is managed in a queue and continuously pulled through various stages until completed.
What is Kanban in agile?
A visual workflow management approach that improves process flow and limits work in progress to enhance efficiency.
What is Lean in agile?
A methodology that eliminates waste and maximises value by improving processes, reducing inefficiencies, and increasing customer focus.
What is Lean Startup?
A business-focused approach designed to help companies rapidly develop and test products based on real customer feedback.
What is Scrum in agile?
A lightweight iterative framework for product delivery using timeboxed sprints, adaptive planning, and regular team collaboration.
What is SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework)?
A framework for applying agile at an enterprise level, which can incorporate PRINCE2 Agile for complex or large projects.
What is DevOps in agile?
A collaborative approach between development and operations that merges teams and workflows to improve product or service delivery efficiency.
What are some typical agile behaviours?
Being collaborative, self-organizing, customer-focused, empowered, trusting not blaming.
What are some typical agile concepts?
Prioritizing delivery, working iteratively, time-focused, ‘inspect and adapt’, Kaizen, limiting work in progress (WIP).
What are some typical agile techniques?
Burn charts, user stories, retrospectives, timeboxing, measuring flow.
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.
