Agile was created as a response to ineffective traditional project management. The problem with the latter was that companies used to focus on careful planning and thoroughly documenting each stage of the process, which wasn't necessary.

Not only that: it was making the work more difficult, as it's impossible to plan everything perfectly. It's worth remembering that conditions are subject to change during the implementation of the project. Agile is different in a way it focuses on satisfying customers through continuous delivery of valuable software.

Agile methodologies – most frequently chosen methodologies

There are many IT project management methods, but Agile methodologies are definitely most frequently chosen. That's because in Agile project management methods, all team members (Scrum Master, the project owner, stakeholders, project managers and the rest of the team) are involved in all the project stages, which significantly speeds up delivering working software. What's more, Agile reacts to a rapidly changing environment. You can learn much more about the key components of Agile from the website silicon-cities.com/agile-project-management/.

In 2021, Agile Manifesto was founded by seventeen software engineers, who had a different view on how their workplace should operate and how their projects should be implemented. Agile was based on methodologies and frameworks that already existed. In fact, the founders of Agile decided to create something on a basis of previously gained experience that has proved to bring the best results.

The Agile Manifesto – the main rules of the Agile methodology

There are a few principles of the Agile Manifesto. First of all, Agile focuses on people and interpersonal interactions instead of paying attention to processes and tools only. In Agile, the working software is much more important than detailed and comprehensive documentation.

Customer collaboration over contract negotiation

Cooperation with the customers is highly appreciated in Agile, unlike contract negotiation. To be more precise, negotiating contracts is reasonable, but there's a rule saying "customer collaboration over contract negotiation".

Responding to change over following a plan

Finally, the issue of flexibility. The companies and teams using Agile project management rely on responding to changes. Team members cannot act completely spontaneously, however, following the plan strictly without taking into account unexpected situations doesn't sound like an Agile approach at all.

One primary purpose – to find a golden mean

The action plan and systematisation of the work and documentation matter, but openness to change is crucial in the Agile project management methodologies. Changes are always introduced at the right moment, after careful analysis. It's important to achieve a golden mean. We cannot forget that all changes are to bring the greatest possible benefit to the customers.

There are twelve Agile principles which in a way are a perfect complement to the previously mentioned core values of the Agile Manifesto. Those rules emphasise the importance of aspects such as customer satisfaction, reacting to changing requirements, cooperation between all those involved in projects, and commitment to quality. Simply saying, Agile promotes sustainable development.

Why is it worth using Agile project management methodology in software development?

Agile project management has many advantages. It's really worth using Agile especially in IT projects. Agile is, in fact, the best possible way to develop IT projects. It helps companies achieve previously assumed business objectives. The Agile methodologies give companies a lot in everyday work.

The key advantages of Agile project management are an iterative approach to work, focusing on the quality of the software, flexibility, partnership and involvement in the Agile projects, and simplifying the way companies do the business.

An iterative approach to work

Agile project management allows splitting the projects into sprints. This is really beneficial, because sprint planning allows teams to start working without having to wait for detailed specifications prepared by the customer. In the case of Agile, an iterative approach to work means joint development of two or three next sprints. Thanks to that, it becomes possible to work on an on-going basis and discuss other issues at the best time and without any pressure.

Focusing on the quality of the software

The customer can easily test and verify the product at every stage of the development process. Thanks to the customer feedback and opinions, it becomes possible for the product creators to create IT solutions tailored to the needs and expectations of customers. Such an approach is also beneficial for the customers because they do not have to buy a proverbial pig in a poke, and they are not exposed to additional costs.

Flexible approach to work

Working in weekly blocks allows for regular corrections and changes. It also gives a lot of flexibility to the people working on the project. Team members learn in the light of experience. They can adapt to their customers, who are often busy, with little time. People involved in the project can always find time for their customers.

Partnership and involvement in the project

Agile approach focuses mainly on partnership. From the very beginning, all people are engaged, and by all people we mean customers and those who work in software development projects. A strong emphasis is put on the role of the customer in the project. In fact, the customer is not only a... payer. The customer is a part of the project!

An Agile approach means that people listen to each other, and they treat each other with respect. It actually works! Ongoing communication, involving customers in the projects, conducting meetings with them, training – it all matters in Agile project management!

Simplifying the work

Using Agile means making the work easier and, at the same time, maximising the customer benefits. Teams using Agile plan their sprints in a way that they have to add something new after each sprint.

They analyse what advantage they can provide to their company in the fastest time. They bring their customers' ideas into practice. Thanks to that approach, the product pays for itself, and it can still be upgraded, it can have new options and additional functionalities.

How does Agile affect our work?

Thanks to Agile project management, it's possible to smoothly go through all the stages of the product development project. It gives the development team a lot of freedom in everyday work. Everyone involved has a clear understanding of common visions and goals. It enables the whole team to operate dynamically and flexibly. The final product is always coherent with the customer's vision.

There are daily meetings that help avoid misunderstandings and dispel any doubts. It's possible to develop some prototypes during such meetings, which really speeds up the work. It can be concluded that Agile is a very transparent approach. The customers are always up-to-date with all the latest changes, and they know about potential problems. They can react and help their team make the right choices.

Summary

Agile project management has become the standard choice in many companies. Given that it brings so many benefits, Agile is perfect for software development processes. Thanks to the Agile methodology, the work results are visible after each sprint. It's definitely better to see even small effects, but more often! The customers are satisfied because they somehow co-create the product. Agile teams can easily respond to changes, they care about the quality of the product, and pay attention to technical excellence. It seems that Agile project management has no flaws!