It is a manifesto on which important Agile values and principles stand for Agile software development. The actual title is Manifesto for Agile Software Development. However, the guide intends to assist teams in adopting Agile project management and in the transformation of their own work process using an effective model.
Introduction
The Agile Manifesto was constructed as a lightweight framework to counter those heavy and intricate software development processes that had been in the making for a long time, full of documentation. The founders wanted to streamline these cumbersome systems into an efficient working model for teams.
Specific benefits of Agile project management may differ from case to case because different teams implement and adapt best practices in their style. Still, generally, it is perceived that the following main benefits can be interpreted with the Agile software development lifecycle:
Enhanced Communication
Agile teams emphasize communication as face-to-face and continuous interactions with daily meetings to keep each member abreast of happenings in his surroundings and aligned with upcoming objectives. Regular interaction gets rid of possible miscommunications which may make achieving objectives difficult.
Lowered Risk
This means that developers inspect progress during sprints, they are better in sight of the project and can quickly discover potential blockers. These small blockers can be resolved before turning into major problems, thus creating a very effective risk mitigation method and ultimately positioning the project much more favorably for success.
Predictability
Agile teams can thus work within short periods, often referred to as sprints, toward the completion of their development efforts. The fixed length (say, two weeks) makes it easy for project management to compare actual performance against what the team was expected to deliver through resource assignments. Or, shorter periods shorten the project window and make it quite easy to predict costs, simplifying estimation for them.
Flexibility
Actually, flexibility is the main theme in Agile. Agile teams comply to change even at the last minute and do not let that create a major problem for them. Project deliverables are not set in stone and therefore, easy to reassess by teams to adjust priorities for updated goals. Adapting means that teams can keep delivering and managing clients’ changing requirements efficiently.
Enhanced Quality
The Agile methods imply iteration in the management of projects; thus processes improve every time an iteration occurs. Improvement and quality assurance have been rather consistent in spiraling origin, one of the principles of agile methodology, therefore a good mechanism for striking new levels of improved products.
Satisfied customers
Involving customers during development is a means Agile teams keep customers informed of the project and show respect for their opinions. Stakeholders desire engagement throughout the project life cycle so that they can provide their input and be assured that the final product will fit their needs. Such tailored outcomes will likely improve the user experience and enhance customer retention even more.
Conclusion
As per McKinsey & Company, “agility is catching fire” as organizations see the value of the Agile methodology during this new work era. The 21st Century has witnessed rapid technological developments overpowering the whole working landscape with direct consequences for all industries.
Initially, Agile’s benefits were considered by software development teams as a means to power projects, reduce time, and shorten the gap between product launches. Today, companies across different regions are picking Agile to ensure quicker workflow and an accelerated adaptation to a fast-moving workspace. A recent study conducted by Organize Agile involving professionals from 19 countries shows that almost 50% of organizations have been using Agile for three years or more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the agile software development lifecycle?
It is a manifesto on which important Agile values and principles stand for Agile software development. The actual title is Manifesto for Agile Software Development. However, the guide intends to assist teams in adopting Agile project management and in the transformation of their work process using an effective model.
What are the 7 phases of the agile software development lifecycle?
- Planning
- Requirements Analysis
- Design
- Coding
- Testing
- Deployment
- Maintenance
