| Course Code: |
MQ 606 |
| Course Abstract: |
Too often teams will send one or two individuals to be trained, expecting them to return and impact team performance. That expectation could be compared to a sports team sending one or two individuals to practice, expecting them to communicate appropriately to the team how to win during the upcoming game. Like a training camp for teams before each season, the Agile Training Camp is designed to be that opportunity for the team to practice together and lay the foundation for success. All aspects of planning, from vision down to daily planning are outlined. Prioritization and estimating techniques are taught, practiced and understood by the team together. The entire team shares in learning the importance and best methods of communication, cadence and transparency. By engaging in this practice and learning together, the team is prepared to execute together and achieve success much more quickly.
|
| Audience: |
This course is designed for teams at varying stages of Agile adoption who need an immersion session in the full framework of Agile practice (primarily based in Scrum with influence from other Agile methodologies). Bringing their actual work to the course, teams will gain understanding through practice from establishing a product vision down to managing the daily Scrum. Effective metrics and communication approaches are discussed and engaged. Particular attention is given to developing a team roadmap, enabling the team to undertake a successful approach to continuous improvement.
|
| Duration: |
3 days |
| Learning Outcomes: |
Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
> Know the importance of Agile principles and the benefits driving Agile adoption
> Experience engaging Scrum processes – with best practices from other Agile methodologies
> Map the appropriate Agile processes to what will fit best within their organization
> Build a model for team success based on shared learning within common context
> Create transparency in their tools and techniques for communication
> Empower and inspire their team to deliver outstanding results for their customers |
| Course Topics: |
Establishing a Foundation
Software Development Best Practices – Over many years, teams have uncovered through their experience the underlying factors that contribute to successful software development projects. Agile principles and practices intend to build around what we have learned will be successful.
Agile Manifesto and Principles – In 2001 a group of influencers gathered together to establish what was common about how they were trying to positively change the way software development was being done. The result of their effort was called the Agile Manifesto along with some underlying principles. We will explore the Manifesto and Agile Principles in detail to ensure the team has a common understanding of their importance.
Agile Best Practices – We will pull back the curtain based on data and experience to reveal the best of each of the methodologies including continuous integration, refactoring, TDD, team orientation, backlog best practices, test-automation, iteration planning tips, etc.
Agile Value – We will uncover the key values that Agile brings and all teams should look for as they successfully implement their Agile methods.
Building and Maintaining High-Performing Agile Teams – Along with very happy customers, this is the best part of Agile success! We will explore the power of dividing the work, not the people.
Agile Process
In this section we will guide teams through the process and practices engaged by successful Agile teams. While many teams attempt to adopt specific good Agile practices, they struggle with impacting the overall effectiveness of their Agile practice without understanding the context of all of the processes together.
Understanding Your Customer –In order for teams to effectively deliver solutions that delight their customers, they need to understand who there customer is, what is important to them and how they will utilize the solution that is delivered.
Product/Project Vision – Having a common understanding amongst the team provides focus and motivation. We will explore some effective methods for establishing and communicating the Product Vision and allow teams the opportunity to practice these methods.
Product/Team Roadmap – This will provide a connection from the Product Vision to a teams approach to achieving that vision. Organizational, Portfolio and Project Roadmap application will also be addressed
Agile Product Backlog – The set of work the team may deliver…if it is what is most important to their customer. Teams will learn to write effective User Stories and Acceptance Criteria
Prioritizing the Product Backlog – Always evaluating what is most important, knowing it will change
Estimating – Estimates drive expectations. We will teach teams to estimate in a fast and efficient manner to communicate exactly what customers want to know.
Release Planning – We will explore how Agile supports both Feature-based planning as well as Schedule-based planning. This is a critical part of the Agile process that many teams do not fully understand and appreciate and therefore ignore
Story Review – Think of just-in-time detailed requirements. We will teach the team how to create a regular cadence without creating inefficiencies in developing, testing and delivering working software
Iteration Planning – Because iteration planning is at the heart of Agile, it is important to do it right. Many teams do not and therefore they do not like it. We intend to change that for teams in this course!
Iteration Execution – Keeping the collaboration, communication and cadence active throughout.
Iteration Review – Teams will learn how to properly evaluate what was finished and apply learning to what is next from a product perspective
Demos – Demonstrating our results and listening to our customers to adapt what is next
Retrospectives – This is all about developing our team into a high performing team. This is a critical factor for ongoing success and will be discussed and practiced.
Achieving High-Performance
Measure what is needed, nothing more – Metrics drive behavior, so Agile metrics should focus on building positive team oriented results that deliver value for customers
Continuous Improvement – Ensure your team is a learning team and even teams across the organization are learning from each other. We will explore ways that teams and managers can inspire teams toward high-performance and recognize patterns for success.
Creating Transparency – Transparent communication within the team and throughout the organization
Bringing it all together
Big Picture – How does it all work together in a repeatable and sustainable fashion?
Agile in Your Team and Organization – Successful Agile teams can be found in companies large and small. In simple and complex software development projects
Agile Adoption – Factors for Success and Pitfalls to avoid
Next Steps – Together we will determine the most appropriate next steps toward your success |
| Prerequisites: |
Determine what product or project work will be used during the training. |