Overview

This course delves into Agile software development, offering students a practical understanding of the software development life cycle (SDLC) with a strong emphasis on Agile methodologies. Throughout the program, participants will explore the technical, cultural, and social aspects of agility, empowering them to navigate the complexities of modern software development.

Syllabus

Uncovering Agile—A Historical Journey and Comprehensive Overview

Welcome! In this module, we will explore how and why organizations implement Agile methodologies to enhance daily work experiences, interactions, collaboration, adaptability, and overall job satisfaction. As an agile leader, it's important to understand these principles. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary skills to foster a dynamic and responsive work environment and empower you to lead engaged, adaptable teams.

Living Agile—Principles, Practices, and Real-World Applications

Welcome to Module 2, where we'll explore Agile leadership and its importance for effective team management and organizational success. First, we will review the five core values of the Agile Manifesto and explore the twelve principles that guide Agile teams toward excellence. Next, we’ll unpack the distinct roles that make up an Agile team: the Scrum Master, responsible for ensuring the team follows Agile practices; the Product Owner, who prioritizes the work based on value; and the Development Team, the hands-on creators bringing the product to life. Then, we'll explore the development practices that empower Agile teams to work more collaboratively and effectively. To wrap things up, we'll explore Agile's success factors including key performance areas and the concept around continuous improvement of products, processes, and people.

Navigating Agile – Practices and Artifacts

Welcome to Module 3, where we'll learn about organizational practices and Agile tools used to discuss implementation priorities in development teams. You'll explore Agile technical practices that are tailored to project needs. We'll examine Agile artifacts and learn how they create project transparency and teamwork.

Challenging the Norms—Addressing the Pitfalls of Big Upfront Planning

In this module, you’re set to explore and compare predictive thinking, Waterfall, and Agile methodologies, with a special focus on their strategies for planning, execution, and adaptation. You'll gain insights into requirements engineering and how to apply them across project contexts. You’ll also cover techniques for gathering, documenting, and organizing requirements. By the end of this module, you'll be able to make informed decisions, tailor strategies to specific project needs, and successfully steer Agile projects.

Building on Solid Ground—The Core Foundations of Software Development in Agile

In this module you'll explore software development life cycles (SDLC) and assess their suitability for different projects. You’ll learn more about capability maturity model integration (CMMI) which focuses on quality management.

Organizational and Technical Principles in Agile

Welcome to module 6, where you'll explore Agile’s organizational and technical principles. These principles help to manage projects and create a positive team culture. You should understand these principles to appreciate how Agile leads to successful project outcomes. You’ll also study discipline and standards which are integral to Agile's success. You'll learn how these improve internal processes, adaptability, and commercial success.

Understanding the Core—Agile Practices and Scrum Glossary

Welcome to module 7, where you’ll learn about Scrum ceremonies like sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives which help make decisions in Agile projects. You'll also discover how to plan and execute Agile sprints. This will help you make a valuable contribution to software development teams. Since every project is unique, you’ll explore how to choose the right Agile practices based on project requirements and constraints. By the end of this module, you'll be able to apply Agile practices in different teams and settings.