Agile project management methods are a collection of techniques and approaches that focus on flexibility, continuous improvement, and collaboration in project work. These methods enable teams to quickly respond to changes and work together more effectively to complete a successful project. This glossary introduces the key agile methods and terms used in the field of agile project management.
Scrum
Scrum is one of the most well-known agile project management methods. It is based on the principle of iterative development and focuses on continuous improvement and collaboration within the team. Scrum consists of Sprints, which usually last two to four weeks, during which the team works on a specific project goal. At the end of each Sprint, the progress is reviewed and the next goal is set.
Kanban
Kanban is another agile method that originated from the Japanese manufacturing industry. In project management, Kanban is used to visualize the workflow and optimize the team's efficiency. Tasks are displayed on a Kanban board in various columns that represent the status of the task (e.g., "To Do," "In Progress," "Done"). Moving tasks between columns allows for easy tracking of work progress.
Lean
Lean Management is a philosophy that aims to eliminate waste in all aspects of business to increase efficiency. In agile project management, Lean refers to the application of these principles to optimize workflow and team collaboration. The focus here is on continuous improvement and the pursuit of perfection.
Extreme Programming (XP)
Extreme Programming is an agile software development method that is based on short development cycles and continuous releases. XP emphasizes technical excellence, simple designs, and close collaboration between developers and customers. Key practices of XP include Pair Programming, Test-Driven Development (TDD), and Continuous Integration.
Feature-Driven Development (FDD)
Feature-Driven Development is an agile method that focuses on software development in short iterations, with an emphasis on delivering individual features. FDD is based on five main activities: developing an overall model, building a feature list, planning by feature, designing by feature, and building by feature.
Crystal
Crystal is a family of agile methods that are based on the principles of communication, flexibility, and continuous improvement. Crystal values the adaptation of the method to the specific requirements of the project and the collaboration within the team. The different Crystal methods are named after colors, each color having different focuses and requirements.
Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM)
DSDM is an agile method that was originally developed for software development but can also be used in other project areas. DSDM is based on eight principles, including a focus on business needs, collaborative work, and iterative development. The method uses a combination of workshops, prototyping, and continuous integration to deliver project outcomes.
Agile Unified Process (AUP)
The Agile Unified Process is an agile version of the Rational Unified Process (RUP) and is based on the principles of Scrum, XP, and other agile methods. AUP includes four phases: Inception, Elaboration, Construction, and Transition. Within each phase, iterative development cycles are performed to determine requirements, create the design, and develop the software.
Agile Modeling (AM)
Agile Modeling is a method for creating software models that is based on the principles of agility. AM aims to simplify and make the modeling process more effective by creating only the most necessary models and continuously adapting them. Agile Modeling can be used in combination with other agile methods such as Scrum or XP.
Summary
In summary, agile project management methods are diverse and differ in their focuses and techniques. However, they all are based on the fundamental principles of flexibility, continuous improvement, and collaboration, which enable successful projects to be completed in a dynamic environment.
