According to the 2018 report by the PMI Pulse of the Profession it is stated that the companies that use agile principles in software engineering are more successful as compared to their competitors by 28%. It is also mentioned in the report that companies that follow agile principles in project management experience a 17% faster time to market along with an increase in quality of about 23% and customer satisfaction is increased by 15%.
In this article we will get to know what agile is, what agile principles and values are, and why most companies are implementing agile development principles in their development processes.
What is Agile?
In Agile methodology the project is broken down into small tasks. These tasks are then prioritized with the help of the client. The team of developers and testers works on these tasks after their prioritization in a specific time frame known as a Sprint. Communication with the client is maintained every day so that small chunks of tasks are delivered at the end of the sprint that are according to the client's expectations.
Over all, agile is a process that is used in software development. Its main focus is to deliver quality products in an incremental way. Agile methodology is a better and improved methodology compared to waterfall methodology. Waterfall methodology is a linear and sequential approach while agile is incremental.
12 Key Principles of Agile Methodology
For development teams using the Agile process, the key principles of agile are a set of guidelines. Here are the first 12 Agile Principles:
#1 Customer satisfaction through early and continuous delivery
Customer satisfaction is kept at the forefront of the agile process and it is there for a reason. Developers and testers work in short iterations to deliver work frequently. In this way the customer can see and use the software early.
This allows the teams to receive frequent feedback from the client which helps us make sure that the software is meeting the customer's needs.
#2 Welcome changing requirements, even in late development
Like other methodologies where requirements are set at the beginning of the project and any new requirements are not entertained, agile understands client satisfaction and the need for high quality products.
This methodology encourages the developers and managers to be more flexible towards new changes that are demanded by the customer during the development.
#3 Deliver working software frequently, with a preference for shorter timescales
In Agile the project is divided into short tasks known as sprints. The shorter the sprints, the faster the work is completed. In these sprints we get regular client feedback. The development team makes sure that they work on those feedbacks and deliver them timely.
#4 Collaboration between business stakeholders and developers throughout the project
Collaboration and communication are the most important parts of this methodology. Agile encourages the development team to keep the client involved in every step of the project so that stakeholders can see the progress of the project. This also helps the client give feedback or ask for a new requirement at any stage of development.
This can be done by using a test management tool. Where testers and developers can update the issues which can later be discussed with clients and managers.
#5 Build projects around motivated individuals and give them the support they need
The 5th point in agile methodology is to get motivated developers, testers and managers. This focuses on removing micromanagement. Agile demands individuals who have strong leadership and analytical skills so they can take responsibility for every decision.
#6 Use face-to-face communication as much as possible
As discussed above agile focuses on communication and collaboration between teams and developers. This not only helps with quicker delivery of the project but also creates trust among the customers and the teams.
It is recommended not to have written discussions rather have face to face communication so there are no misunderstandings. But in cases where it is not possible to conduct face to face meetings, virtual calls are preferred.
#7 Working software is the primary measure of progress
This point is self explanatory as it suggests that working software is the primary goal. It does not matter how many resources are working on a project or how many hours are dedicated to the project. If the end goal is not achieved and the client receives an incomplete or nonfunctional project that could be a disaster for the company's reputation.
#8 Sustainable development, able to maintain a constant pace
When implementing Agile, the goal is to minimize workload, deliver regularly to the market, and adapt to change.
This helps to avoid overtime and burnout for the team.
#9 Continuous attention to technical excellence and good design
Working on the project is not just about completing it; it also needs to keep working for the long term and be stable.
So these principles suggest
#10 Simplicity—the art of maximizing the amount of work not done—is essential
This means achieving the maximum amount of work by keeping things simple. This can be done by not complicating things with documentation and requirements and only doing what is required by the client.
#11 Self-organizing teams encourage great architectures, requirements, and designs
If you have to drive your team and push them forward then agile is not for you. As discussed before agile is only successful when there is no micromanagement and developers are encouraged to take decisions on their own. When individuals take ownership of the process, they are more likely to produce high quality software.
#12 Regularly reflect on the team's performance and adjust accordingly
It is very important for the team leader or manager to communicate with his team and figure out their weak points. Guide each individual on his weak points and how they can improve them.
Deliver High Quality Software with Agile Principles
In conclusion, the delivery of high quality software in a timely and effective manner, collaboration, adaptability, and customer pleasure are prioritized by the 12 Agile Principles. The development team may produce successful projects by adhering to these guidelines, which will help them satisfy the needs of their clients, react to changes in requirements, and continuously improve their procedures and practices.
Adopting Agile Principles in Contemporary Software Development
In today's dynamic and competitive software development landscape, the adoption of agile principles has become increasingly vital for achieving success. Agile methodologies are designed to streamline development processes, ensuring greater efficiency, enhanced product quality, and improved customer satisfaction. Embracing these principles helps development teams navigate complexities and deliver high-quality software in an incremental and customer-centric manner.
Agile methodologies, as outlined in the 12 key principles, focus on fostering a collaborative, adaptive, and iterative approach to software development. These principles are not just theoretical guidelines but actionable steps that, when implemented effectively, significantly impact the development lifecycle, positively influencing software quality and project success.
The first principle of prioritizing customer satisfaction through early and continuous delivery underscores the significance of frequent feedback and client involvement. By delivering work in short iterations, developers receive ongoing feedback, enabling them to ensure that the software meets the customer's evolving needs. The iterative nature of Agile, depicted through shorter development cycles called sprints, facilitates regular client interaction, ensuring the alignment of the product with customer expectations.
Embracing changing requirements, even in late development, reflects the adaptability and flexibility of the Agile methodology. Unlike traditional approaches, Agile acknowledges the inevitability of evolving client needs and focuses on accommodating changes even in the later stages of development. This dynamic approach empowers developers to respond swiftly to new requirements, promoting client satisfaction and enhancing the software's adaptability to changing business landscapes.
The focus on delivering working software frequently, with shorter timescales, is another fundamental Agile principle. By breaking down projects into smaller, manageable tasks, development teams ensure continuous progress and feedback. The incremental nature of Agile aids in mitigating risks associated with large-scale developments, allowing for early identification and rectification of issues.
Furthermore, the emphasis on collaboration between business stakeholders and development teams throughout the project lifecycle is pivotal. Agile methodologies stress maintaining open lines of communication and collaboration, fostering an environment where clients can monitor project progress and provide timely feedback. This seamless communication not only enhances the end product but also nurtures a sense of trust and partnership between the development team and the client.
Agile methodologies also prioritize the establishment of self-organizing teams and encourage face-to-face communication whenever possible. These practices promote empowerment among team members, enabling them to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Face-to-face communication ensures clarity and minimizes misunderstandings, fostering trust and mutual understanding between teams and clients.
The Agile principles, while emphasizing incremental development, also spotlight the significance of sustainable pace, technical excellence, and simplicity in project execution. By promoting sustainable development and continuous attention to technical excellence, Agile frameworks help teams maintain a steady and stable development pace, ensuring software that is not just functional but also maintainable in the long run.
To sum up, embracing Agile principles in contemporary software development is an ongoing journey towards customer-centric, adaptive, and high-quality software delivery. These principles, when diligently applied, facilitate an environment where customer needs are met, changes are embraced, and continuous improvement becomes the norm, ensuring project success and customer satisfaction. Agile's iterative and adaptive nature promotes a collaborative approach to development, fostering a culture of responsiveness, adaptability, and continuous improvement.
The effective implementation of these principles is not just a framework but a mindset shift, transforming the development process from a linear sequence of tasks to an iterative and customer-driven journey.
