Know Your Program: Which Team Are You Managing?Some program managers whose organizations are transitioning to agile are not always clear which program team they are managing. That can be because the organization doesn’t always realize it needs more than one program team. Here, Johanna Rothman describes some program teams and when to use them.
Cloud Computing Refocuses Agile Development on the CustomerFor software projects embracing agile development, cloud computing can be vital in speeding the process and maximizing the. The cloud allows agile teams to focus on the project's goals over the infrastructure, ensuring that the project it main objective: fulfilling a need for the customer.
The Cost of Continuous Integration Is Well Worth the TimeIf you don’t start putting software together a little bit at a time, it gets harder the farther along you go. The cost of continuous integration sometimes can seem high, but it is often well worth the time, even on a large program. Here are some steps to help you move to more continuous integration.
Beware of Vanity MetricsMetrics like recording the number of website visits or the number of downloads are called vanity metrics. Venkatesh Krishnamurthy writes how these metrics are misleading and how companies should start measuring actionable metrics instead.
The ScrumMaster Certification Debate: Good or Bad for Agile?CSM certification has become popular, but it is not without controversy in agile circles. There has been not only debate about whether it's just a moneymaker for trainers, but also questions about the validity of the title and what it says about actual ability. Where do you stand in the debate?
Why It's Difficult for Agile Teams to Let Go of Waterfall PracticesFor many projects that have rapidly changing requirements, agile often seems to be the right approach. But teams have a hard time adopting agile practices. It’s far from rare to hear of teams trying to fit practices from their former waterfall method into their new agile process.
Tools and Techniques to Help You Be an Efficient Product OwnerVenkatesh Krishnamurthy writes on tools and techniques product owners can use to do their jobs more efficiently. Remember, the product owner is responsible for building a valuable, usable, and feasible product.
What Is the Difference between an Agile Coach and a ScrumMaster?Joe Townsend explores what exactly the role of an agile coach is and how it differs from the role of a ScrumMaster. For some, ScrumMasters are the front-line fighters and agile coaches are higher up in the organization; for others, an agile coach is the next role a ScrumMaster evolves into.
