PRINCE2 Agile - Managing Product Delivery process

Question 1

How does MDP work in PRINCE2 Agile?

Answer 1

Largest input of Agile into PRINCE2 is in MDP

Agile methodologies like Scrum manages product delivery.

Question 2

What considerations must a PM make when using PRINCE2 Agile in the MDP stage?

Answer 2

One must use work packages appropriately.

One must define tolerances clearly to allow teams to self-organise and practise manage by exception

Ensure the PB has the knowledge and infrastructure to keep themselves informed.

Question 3

How should work be estimated in PRINCE2 Agile?

Answer 3

Wide project context is understood across the team.

People who are doing the work should be the people to estimate the work. PM then plans the team. Work packages are collaborative defined.

Question 4

How should the team report to the PM in PRINCE2 Agile?

Answer 4

Reporting arrangements have the appropriate level of formality and transparency, focusing on information radiators more.

Question 5

How can Agile be integrated into MDP?

Answer 5

A lot of Agile practises handle product delivery and fit into MDP very nicely. However, it is important to recognise what each technique or concept does and it’s balance between technical implementation and project delivery. Some techniques (XP) lean more towards the implementation, whereas others (scrum) lean more towards delivery. It is important to recognise the strength and use of each technique and use them in conjunction with other techniques to plug the gaps.

Question 6

What is the importance of MDP in PRINCE2 Agile?

Answer 6

MDP is the link between the PRINCE2-focused Project Management and the Agile-focused Delivery team. Communication, particularly via work packages and tolerances, are key to this.

In PRINCE2 Agile, MDP is more about linking up PM and Delivery, rather than actually delivering the product. Delivery is typically managed by a Scrum Master or Team Manager

Question 7

What does MDP allow in PRINCE2 Agile?

Answer 7

MDP allows the PM to remain in overall control of the project, particularly related to scope, quality, and risk, which allow Agile behaviours such as self-organisation and PRINCE2 principles such as Manage By Exceptio

Question 8

What is a work package

Answer 8

It is important to carefully define what a work package is which may change according to the project environment.

The work package should be:

1. Be collaboratively defined by the PM, TM, and the team. The project and stage plans should also be readily available so the team is aware of what is going on in the wider project.
2. Clearly show the frequency and method of reporting
3. Clearly show tolerances, particularly those related to scope and quality
4. A description of the product with a level of detail that is appropriate for the contents of the work package
5. Guidance from the PM of possible appropriate Agile techniques, concepts, and behaviours
6. A baseline level of uncertainty surrounding the work package so the team can manage risk accordingly
7. Guidance on appropriate quality-checking techniques