Understanding Agile Methodology Definitions + 49 Associated Agile Buzzwords
By: Hajime Estanislao, PMP; Editor: Dr. Michael J. Shick, MSPM, PMP, CSM
Staying ahead requires more than just traditional
Agile methodologies provide the frameworks and principles to make this a reality. Understand and apply the concepts to promote a collaborative, flexible, high-performing team environment. Whether new to Agile or refining your skills, mastering these methodologies will revolutionize your
Wouldn’t having a toolkit that helps you manage your project and adapt to changes seamlessly would be great? Agile methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP) do just that. These techniques and frameworks break down complex projects into manageable sprints, continuously improve through feedback loops, and deliver high-quality results.
Ready to take your
What are Common Agile Methodology Definitions?
The Agile Methodology, intertwined with
This methodology emphasizes flexibility, customer collaboration, and the ability to respond to changing requirements and feedback. Agile and software development processes facilitate constant improvement and team collaboration to produce high-quality results efficiently. Remember that the techniques are also used for non-software development projects.
Agile Principles:
The Agile principles consist of 12 guidelines as outlined in the Agile Manifesto. These principles include:
- Satisfying customers through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.
- Welcoming changing requirements, even late in development.
- Delivering working software frequently, with a preference for shorter timescales.
- Collaborating daily with business stakeholders and developers.
- Building projects around motivated individuals and providing the support they need.
- Conveying information through face-to-face conversation is the most efficient and effective method.
- Measuring progress primarily through working software.
- Maintaining a sustainable working pace for all involved.
- Continuous attention to technical excellence and design.
- Simplicity, the art of maximizing the amount of work not done, is essential.
- Self-organizing teams generate the most effective architectures, requirements, and designs.
- Regular reflection and adjustment of behavior to become more effective.
Commonly Used Agile Frameworks
The following definitions provide a foundation for understanding Agile methodologies and the different frameworks implemented to achieve Agile principles in various
Scrum Framework
Scrum is an Agile framework that organizes work into sprints, the fixed-length iterations (usually 1-4 weeks) during which specific work is completed and ready for review. It includes the roles of:
- Scrum Master,
- Product Owner
- Development Team
Scrum Ceremonies include sprint planning, sprint goals, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and sprint retrospectives. In short, the focus is on regularly delivering functional product increments and adapting based on feedback.
Kanban
Kanban is a visual framework for managing work that emphasizes continuous delivery without overburdening the team. It uses a Kanban board to visualize the workflow, limit work in progress (WIP), and improve efficiency by identifying and addressing bottlenecks. The goal is to enhance the workflow and make process improvements based on empirical data.
Extreme Programming (XP)
Extreme Programming (XP) is an Agile software development practice that improves software quality and responsiveness to changing customer requirements. XP promotes high customer involvement, rapid iterations, continuous feedback, and shared code ownership. Practices include pair programming, test-driven development (TDD), and continuous integration. Below are key concepts related to (XP):
Pair Programming
Pair programming refers to two developers working together at one workstation. One writes the code (the driver), while the other reviews each line of code as it is typed (the observer or navigator); the roles are frequently switched to maintain standards and agility.
Test-Driven Development (TDD)
A software development process in which developers write automated test cases before the actual code. This ensures the codebase remains clean and bug-free, with all new code covered by tests.
Continuous Integration
Continuous integration is a practice in which all code changes are automatically tested and integrated into the main codebase multiple times daily. It helps detect integration issues early and maintains the software in a releasable state.
Refactoring
Refactoring is the process of restructuring existing code without changing its external behavior. The goal is to improve the internal structure of the code, making it more readable, maintainable, and efficient.
Collective Code Ownership
This practice promotes every team member’s ownership of code and their permission to change any part of the codebase at any time. It encourages collaboration, reduces bottlenecks, and ensures knowledge about the code is available across the team.
Sustainable Pace
Also known as the “40-hour week,” this principle ensures developers work sustainably without burnout. The focus is on maintaining a healthy work-life balance while delivering high-quality software.
Reasons You and Your Agile Team Need to Know and Understand Agile Methodology Definitions
These definitions provide a common language and framework for teams to communicate effectively, align their goals, and implement Agile practices successfully. Moreover, they provide a shared mental model, which helps individuals and teams acclimate to changes quickly and effectively, leading to the successful delivery of high-quality products that meet customer needs and expectations.
- Enhanced Communication: Understanding Agile terminology ensures clear and effective communication among team members and stakeholders.
- Improved Collaboration: An understanding of Agile concepts promotes better teamwork and collaboration.
- Efficient Implementation: Knowledge of Agile practices and principles allows for more efficient implementation and adoption of Agile frameworks.
- Adaptability: Familiarity with Agile terms and concepts helps teams adapt to changes and respond to new information.
- Quality Assurance: Understanding the Agile process aids in maintaining high standards of quality through continuous testing and feedback.
- Customer Satisfaction: Agile principles emphasize customer collaboration, leading to products that better meet customer needs and expectations.
- Project Visibility: Agile practices like Kanban boards and sprint reviews provide greater visibility into project progress and potential issues.
- Continuous Improvement: Agile methodologies encourage regular reflection and improvement, helping teams to enhance the processes and outcomes.
- Risk Management: Delivering work in small, manageable increments promotes early identification and mitigation of risks.
- Market Responsiveness: the iterative approach allows quicker adjustments to market changes, keeping the product relevant and competitive.
Defining Agile and Agility
Agile refers to various methodologies and practices designed to improve
Agility is the mindset and cultural shift that empowers teams and organizations to adapt quickly to changing environments, requirements, and feedback. Agility emphasizes the importance of being responsive and flexible, allowing teams to navigate uncertainties and deliver value consistently.
Agile versus Agility: Setting the Bar High
While Agile methodologies provide the tools and processes needed to manage work efficiently, true agility is about the culture that embraces change, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Definitions of Agile concepts and practices set a high standard for how teams operate, communicate, and deliver results. They provide a common language that enhances collaboration and ensures everyone’s strategic alignment with the project goals and methodologies.
Key Considerations for Successfully Performing Agile Techniques, Tools, and Frameworks
Successfully implementing Agile techniques, tools, and frameworks requires understanding each methodology’s characteristics and the ability to tailor them to your specific needs. The Scrum framework is one of the most popular Agile methodologies characterized by its iterative and incremental approach to development or progress and structured ceremonies such as sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives.
These elements help teams stay organized and focused and continuously improve their processes.
Roles within a Scrum Team, including the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team. The roles ensure the Scrum Framework is adopted and performed and the agile team’s sustained collaboration and accountability.
DSDM
The Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) offers a structured approach that emphasizes project delivery on time and within budget while accommodating changing requirements.
The focus on business needs, active end-user involvement, and empowered teams ensure that the delivered product meets stakeholder expectations. This framework also stresses the importance of regular and frequent increment delivery, comprehensive testing, and integrated
An aspect of successfully performing Agile techniques is the ability to tailor the methodologies to fit the unique context of your project and team. While Agile frameworks provide valuable guidelines and best practices, no two projects are alike.
Teams must adapt these frameworks to their specific workflows, team dynamics, and project requirements. This customization can involve adjusting the length of sprints, the composition of teams, or the tools used in Agile for collaboration and tracking progress.
SAFe
The Scaled Agile Framework enterprise implementation promotes Agile practices at scale. It integrates Lean, Agile, and DevOps principles to manage complex projects and product development across multiple teams.
SAFe provides structured guidance through its four configuration levels: Essential SAFe, Large Solution SAFe, Portfolio SAFe, and Full SAFe, each adding layers of capability and complexity. Components include Agile Release Trains (ARTs) that synchronize the efforts of multiple Agile teams, Lean-Agile leadership to drive and sustain the transformation, and a Continuous Delivery Pipeline to ensure the efficient flow of value through Continuous Exploration Integration, Deployment, and Release on Demand.
SAFe offers benefits, such as improved scalability, alignment, and collaboration of teams, leading to faster time-to-market and enhanced product quality. Through a culture of continuous improvement and incorporating DevOps practices, SAFe ensures that Agile practices are consistently applied across large enterprises, leading to predictable delivery and high-quality outputs.
However, the framework’s complexity requires significant training and a shift in organizational mindset. Emphasizing the proper support and adoption strategies to overcome these challenges and fully realize the benefits of SAFe is where both Agile and Agility come into play. It’s a crossroads between methods and mindset.
Taking Agile Teams to the Next Level: Agile is Half the Battle – Adaptive Project Management
Adaptive
One aspect of adaptive
This agile approach allows teams to make informed decisions, reallocate resources as needed, and stay aligned with the project’s goals and customer expectations. Tools such as rolling wave planning and continuous feedback loops are essential in maintaining this adaptive planning process.
Continuous improvement is a cornerstone in every Agile framework and adaptive project management. Encouraging team members to reflect on their processes, share insights, and implement incremental changes leads to significant enhancements in productivity and quality.
Techniques such as retrospectives, after-action reviews, and iterative development cycles help teams identify areas for improvement and swiftly implement changes. Combining Agile methodologies with adaptive
A List of Definitions and Terminologies for Agile Project Management Teams
This section provides definitions of Agile frameworks and approaches, including the Scrum Framework, Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM), adaptive
Scrum Framework
Scrum Team
Scrum teams are cross-functional groups of individuals responsible for delivering product increments. They consist of a Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Developers.
Scrum Master
The Scrum Team facilitator is responsible for ensuring the team follows Scrum practices, removes impediments, and fosters a high-performance environment.
Product Owner
The Product Owner (PO) is responsible for maximizing the value of the work of the Scrum Team. They manage the Product Backlog and ensure the team understands the items in the backlog.
Developers
Team members who work on delivering potentially shippable product increments at the end of the Sprint.
Product Backlog
A product backlog is an ordered list of everything known to be needed and is maintained and owned by the Product Owner. It is dynamic and evolves as new information is discovered.
Sprint Backlog
This is the list of items selected for the Sprint. It also contains a plan for delivering the product Increment to achieve the Sprint Goal.
Sprint
A time-boxed period, usually of one to four weeks, during which a Scrum Team works to complete a set amount of work.
Increment
An increment is the sum of all the Product Backlog items completed during a Sprint and all previous Sprints. It must be usable and meet the Definition of Done.
Sprint Planning
Sprint planning is an event in Scrum where the team plans the work for the upcoming Sprint. The team defines the Sprint Goal and selects Product Backlog items to be developed during the Sprint.
Daily Scrum
A Daily Scrum is a short, daily meeting for the development team to synchronize activities and create a plan for the next 24 hours.
Sprint Review
The Sprint Review is an event at the end of the Sprint to inspect the Increment and adapt the Product Backlog if needed. The Scrum Team and stakeholders collaborate on what was done in the Sprint and what could be done next.
Sprint Retrospective
The Sprint Retrospective is an event during which the Scrum Team reflects on the previous Sprint and identifies improvements to implement in the next Sprint.
User Story
A simple description of a used software feature is defined from the perspective of the person who desires the new capability, usually formatted as “As a [type of user], I want [an action] so that [a benefit].” User stories provide details directly from the customers, which is a way to remove roadblocks and uncertainties.
Definition of Done (DoD)
DoD is the shared understanding among the Scrum Team of what it means for work to be complete. It ensures that the Increment is potentially releasable.
Dynamic Systems Development Method
Feasibility Study
The initial phase of DSDM involves understanding the business problem, determining if a solution is feasible, and identifying potential risks.
Business Study
A detailed analysis phase follows the feasibility study. This phase focuses on the business processes and identifies the requirements for the new system. It involves creating a detailed functional model.
Functional Model Iteration
A phase in which the requirements identified during the business study are transformed into functional prototypes.
These prototypes are iteratively developed and refined based on stakeholder feedback.
Design and Build Iteration
This is the phase when prototypes are developed into the functional model iteration and then turned into a fully functional system. It involves detailed design, coding, and testing.
Implementation
The deployment phase includes implementing the system in the live environment, user training, and the transfer of ownership to the business.
Timeboxing
A core practice in DSDM involves setting fixed periods (timeboxes) for project phases or activities to ensure timely delivery and to control project scope.
MOSCOW Prioritization
A prioritization technique used in DSDM categorizes requirements into must-have, should-have, could-have, and Won’t-have. It helps manage scope and ensures critical features are delivered first.
Iterative Development
Iterative development is an approach where the project is developed in small, incremental steps, allowing for frequent reassessment and adaptation based on feedback and changing requirements.
Incremental Delivery
The practice of delivering the project in small, usable increments rather than a single final product enables early benefits realization and continuous improvement.
Facilitated Workshops
Structured workshops involving key stakeholders to elicit requirements, gain consensus, and make decisions. These workshops are essential for collaboration and ensuring all perspectives are considered.
Prototyping
Preliminary versions of parts of the system are created early in the development process to explore ideas, demonstrate functionality, and gather user feedback.
Configuration Management
Configuration management handles changes to a system systematically that maintains consistency and traceability throughout the project lifecycle.
Adaptive Project Management
Adaptive Planning
Adaptive planning is a flexible planning approach that allows for adjustments based on real-time feedback and changing project requirements. It ensures that the project plan evolves as new information and circumstances arise.
Incremental Delivery
Deliver project components in small, manageable increments rather than all at once; this approach allows the early delivery of value, ongoing feedback, and the ability to make adjustments before the final product is complete.
Iterative Development
A development process involving repeating cycles (iterations) of planning, executing, and evaluating; each iteration builds upon the previous one, allowing for continuous refinement and improvement of the project.
Rolling Wave Planning
Rolling wave planning is a technique where the work expected in the near term is planned in detail while the work in the future is defined at a higher level.
As the project progresses, more detailed planning for upcoming phases is expected.
Backlog Management
Backlog management maintains and prioritizes a backlog of tasks, features, or requirements to be addressed; it ensures that the team focuses on the most valuable work first.
Feedback Loops
Mechanisms for collecting and incorporating feedback from stakeholders, users, and team members through regular feedback loops help ensure the project is on track and meets user needs.
Risk Management
The process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks, followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events.
Adaptive
Continuous Improvement
The effort to improve products, services, or processes by making incremental improvements over time or through breakthrough improvements; this principle ensures that the team and processes evolve to meet changing needs.
Agile Mindset
A set of attitudes supporting an Agile working environment, including respect for each other, collaboration, improvement, learning cycles, pride in ownership, focus on delivering value, and the ability to adapt to change.
Stakeholder Engagement
Involving stakeholders in project decision-making and maintaining open lines of communication forms an effective stakeholder engagement. It ensures the needs and expectations and that they are actively involved in the project’s success.
Kanban
Kanban Board
A Kanban Board is a visual tool that represents the various workflow stages of a project. The board consists of columns that signify different stages of the process (e.g., To Do, In Progress, Done). Tasks or work items move through these columns from left to right.
Kanban Cards
Individual cards on a Kanban board represent work items or tasks; each card provides details and description, assignee, due dates, and relevant notes.
Columns
The vertical sections on a Kanban board represent different stages in the workflow process. Columns include “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done.”
Work In Progress (WIP) Limits
The number of tasks in a particular column or stage includes constraints. WIP limits help identify bottlenecks and ensure a smooth flow of work.
Swimlanes
Horizontal rows on a Kanban board that group tasks by category or project. Swimlanes help organize work items and can be used to distinguish between different tasks and teams.
Backlog
A backlog is a collection of tasks or work items that have yet to be started. It is a repository for future work that will eventually move into the active or different workflow stages.
Cycle Time
The total time is taken from when a task enters the “In Progress” stage until it is completed and moved to “Done.” Cycle time is a metric for measuring the efficiency of the workflow.
Lead Time
The total time is taken from when a task is created and entered into the backlog until completion. Lead time includes both the waiting time in the backlog and the active working time.
Continuous Delivery
Continuous delivery is when code changes are automatically built, tested, and prepared for production release. Kanban supports continuous delivery by ensuring the completion of work items incrementally and frequently.
Throughput
Throughput is defined as the number of tasks or work items completed in a given period. It measures the team’s productivity and the efficiency of the workflow.
Kaizen
A philosophy of continuous improvement that emphasizes small, incremental changes. In Kanban, Kaizen focuses on enhancing the process, resulting in efficiency and effectiveness.
Bottleneck
A bottleneck is a stage in the workflow where work items accumulate, causing delays. Identifying and addressing bottlenecks is crucial for maintaining a smooth flow of work.
Gemba
A Japanese term meaning “the real place.” In Kanban, it refers to the practice of observing the actual process and work environment to identify improvement opportunities.
Final Thoughts: Define Agile and Practice Agility
Understanding Agile methodologies and their definitions is fundamental for any project manager or agile development team striving for success. Agile Methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming provide structured frameworks that facilitate effective
These methodologies, supported by the Agile principles, emphasize collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement, enabling agile development teams to deliver high-quality products that meet customer needs.
Key considerations, such as the importance of tailor-fitting Agile frameworks to suit specific project requirements and team dynamics, play a role in these methodologies. Additionally, the Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) and adaptive
Taking Agile to the next level involves embracing adaptive
References
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VanZandt, P. (2022, January). What is Agile methodology? Definition, types, steps, advantages and applications. IdeaScale. https://ideascale.com/blog/agile-methodology-definition/
Scaled Agile Inc. (2023, September). Continuous delivery pipeline. Scaled Agile Framework. https://scaledagileframework.com/continuous-delivery-pipeline/
Agile Business Consortium. (2014). DSDM project framework. Agile Business Consortium. https://www.agilebusiness.org/dsdm-project-framework.html
Agile Alliance. (2024, July). Agile glossary. Agile Alliance. https://www.agilealliance.org/agile101/agile-glossary/
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