12.0 Learning Objectives and Overview

Overview

In the previous chapters, we discussed all the project management concepts and methods by mostly referring to the waterfall (predictive, traditional) project management approach implicitly or explicitly. Although all these concepts and methods are applicable to agile (adaptive) projects, these projects are developed on evolving requirements accompanied by an upfront planning which is not as comprehensive as it is in waterfall approach. Rather, the planning in agile approach is spread throughout the projects over separate iterations, sprints, or timeboxes. Each short iteration allows the project team to refine the requirements in accordance with the uncertainties, risks, technological changes, and stakeholder expectations and concerns. This chapter will first discuss the historical background of agile project frameworks and methods, and their key principles. Then, it will describe the factors to consider when adopting an agile approach, identify the elements of an agile environment, and elaborate on the most common agile methods and scaling frameworks. Finally, this chapter will address the recent trends in agile project management according to the 15th State of Agile Report^[1].