Overview

Updated in May 2025. This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Master Agile and Scrum methodologies to drive successful IT project management. This course equips you with the best practices to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and adaptability in dynamic project environments. You'll explore the reasons behind IT project failures and learn how Agile principles can help overcome these challenges. Your journey begins with an introduction to Agile and Scrum, covering their philosophies, frameworks, and principles. You'll analyze real-world case studies like the Phoenix Project and CRM Project to understand common pitfalls in IT project management. Next, you'll dive into change management strategies, learning step-by-step techniques for Agile adoption, overcoming resistance, and fostering a collaborative team culture. The course then explores key Agile principles, including iterative development, communication, time management, and teamwork. You'll also address common challenges in Agile adoption, from leadership resistance to inadequate training, and discover modern leadership styles that align with Agile methodologies. Finally, you'll develop practical skills through exercises on team collaboration, project estimation, and Agile retrospectives. Designed for project managers, team leads, and professionals looking to improve their Agile expertise, this course requires a basic understanding of project management. Whether you're new to Agile or looking to refine your approach, you'll gain valuable insights to enhance your projects and leadership skills.

Syllabus

Introduction

In this module, we will introduce the key themes of the course, meet your instructors, and explore why IT projects often fail. You'll also analyze your past projects to gain insights that will help you apply Agile and Scrum more effectively.

Explaining Agile and Scrum

In this module, we will break down Agile's philosophy, principles, and its practical implementation through Scrum. You'll gain a clear understanding of how Agile fosters flexibility and efficiency in project execution.

Analyzing IT Project Failure: The Phoenix Case

In this module, we will take a deep dive into the Phoenix Project, analyzing the role of poor communication, lack of risk management, and bottlenecks. You'll explore how Agile could have provided solutions to improve the project's outcome.

Analyzing IT Project Failure: The CRM Project Case

In this module, we will dissect another real-world project failure—the CRM Project—to uncover the root causes of its struggles and discuss how Agile solutions might have led to a better outcome.

Navigating Resistance to Change from Above and Below

In this module, we will explore resistance to Agile adoption from both senior management and junior Scrum teams. You'll learn effective strategies to drive change and create a culture of collaboration.

Scrum in Action: A Success Story

In this module, we will examine a success story where Scrum transformed project outcomes, providing valuable insights into best practices and effective implementation.

Exploring Change Management Strategies

In this module, we will guide you through a structured 10-step blueprint for Agile adoption, covering leadership buy-in, team empowerment, scaling Agile, and integrating Agile into company culture.

Delving Deeper into Agile Principles

In this module, we will take a deep dive into Agile's core principles, focusing on iterative development, effective communication, time optimization, and teamwork strategies that drive project success.

Agile Adoption: Common Challenges

In this module, we will explore the most frequent roadblocks to Agile adoption, including resistance to change, inadequate leadership support, budgeting constraints, and evolving team dynamics.

Modern Styles of Leadership

In this module, we will analyze leadership transformations required for Agile success, focusing on servant leadership, Agile coaching, and modern management techniques.

Exercise: Which Competencies Do You Have?

In this module, we will engage in hands-on exercises to assess leadership skills, explore collaboration tools, practice task estimation, and refine Agile workflows through sprint retrospectives.

Developing Teams

In this module, we will focus on building and developing high-performing Agile teams, exploring strategies for team formation, growth, and continuous learning.

Last Section

In this final module, we will wrap up the course with a reflection exercise to reinforce learning and provide guidance on applying Agile best practices moving forward.