Agile: AN Executive Overview
Faced with the challenge of delivering systems faster, more flexibly, at lower cost, without compromising quality, IS teams are increasingly looking to Agile software development methods. ‘Agile’ has been gaining ground fast, and within a relatively short period of time has moved from ‘emerging’ to mainstream.
For some senior IT and business executives, however, on the question of whether agile software development methods really deliver the benefits promised, the jury is still out.
Why you should attend
This information-rich seminar takes an objective look at the claims made for Agile, the potential benefits, the downsides, the risks and the key commercial issues.
The seminar outlines the core principles shared by all Agile methods, demystifies the ‘buzzwords’, highlights where Agile works well (and where it does not), and explores the commercial implications of engaging with an external supplier on an Agile project.
At the end of the day delegates will be sufficiently well-informed to take a view on Agile and answer the following questions:
- Is Agile an option for my organisation?
- How ready are we to adopt Agile?
- What ‘flavour’ of Agile would be best for us?
- What’s the best way for us to go forward?
In addition to the notes from the seminar, delegates also take away a useful checklist to help assess their readiness for implementing Agile within their own organisations.
Synopsis
What is Agile?
- The evolution of Agile
- Key elements of an Agile approach
- Waterfall vs. Agile
Why Agile?
- Potential benefits
- Downsides
- Risks
Where Agile works best
- Cultural ‘fit’
- Suitable project types
- Limitations of Agile methods
Variants of Agile
- ‘Flavours’ of Agile
- Distributed Agile
- Offshore Agile?
Commercial considerations
- In-house vs. outsourced projects
- Agile from a supplier’s perspective
- Risk-sharing options
-
Fixed-price Agile – is it possible?
- How to contract with a supplier when there is no specification
Implementing Agile
- Will Agile work for you?
- What kind of team do you need?
- Overcoming objections
- Setting and managing expectations
- Measuring success
Who Should Attend?
- CEOs
- Main Board Directors
- Business Sponsors
- CIOs & IT Directors
- Senior IT Managers
- Programme Managers
- Project Managers