Module 1: Basic Agile Concepts

This module covers four topics. Although these topics do not directly address Agile values, principles, or practices, they are important considerations in moving to an Agile way of working:

Managing Change: Adopting an Agile approach involves change at both organizational and individual levels. This topic covers

• the need to change our thinking,
• patterns of change,
• common organizational challenges to change,
• a model for change, and
• organizational change concepts from Dr. W. Edwards Deming.

Dealing with Complexity:  Organizations face issues of complexity whether they engage in significant change or not. This topic covers

• basic complexity topics,
• exploring levels of behaviors and beliefs,
• complex adaptive systems (team complexity), and
• the Cynefin framework (product/work complexity).

Mindset Changes: Among the changes faced by individuals are how they believe work can, and should, be accomplished. This topic covers

• the impact of mental models,
• fixed and growth mindsets, and
• comparisons between traditional vs Agile ways of thinking.

Methodology Impacts: Regardless of what framework is used to perform work, there are key ideas to be considered impacting the effectiveness of any approach. This topic covers

• what a “good” methodology offers,
• the pros and cons of a phased sequential (“waterfall”) approach,
• a comparison of waterfall to Agile,
• the possibility of needing multiple frameworks, and
• the need for incremental “steering” in an Agile approach.

Module 2: Agile Manifesto

This module covers just two main topics: why one would choose an Agile approach and an exploration of Agile values and principles.

Why Agile: An organization should have a clear understanding of why they want to change how they currently work and pursue an Agile approach. This topic covers

• what it means to be/become Agile,
• some history of Agile ideas,
• recognizing that change happens and that things don’t always work as we hope,
• a comparison of Agile work to a challenging physical way of working,
• when Agile may not be for your organization,
• two main Agile concepts and three critical success factors, and
• other considerations in becoming Agile.

The Agile Manifesto: Adopting an effective Agile way of working requires that people understand the implications of the values and principles which represent the Agile Manifesto. This topic covers

• the progression from mindset to values to principles and to practices,
• a discussion of precedence relationships implied by each agile value and
• an examination of the principles and their customer, project, and team focus.