Agile Process, Project, and Program Controls from edX

Agile provides greater opportunities for control and risk management and offers unique benefits that traditional methods miss. As a project manager or program manager the emphasis should always be on delivering value and benefits. With complex projects these demand increase and knowing you've delivered value can be difficult for even those with years of project management experience.

However, in this course we'll cover the agile practices and management skills necessary to delivery value with certainty, such as:

Transparency with daily standup meetings discussing work status, risk, and pace.
How a clear definition of done drives acceptance by all key stakeholders.
Measuring performance and benefits of working solutions during project delivery.
Iteratively testing to gain authentic feedback on solution requirements and stability.
Regular retrospectives that drive continuous improvement into the team.
How agile project management ensures success and uniquely tackles business risk
Quality management principles to reduce project risk and technical debt
Manage and reduce interdependencies between project teams to scale programs at speed
Making the business case for agile contracts and how they ensure deliverables achieve business outcomes and objectives

In this course, you will learn how these levers of control far exceed traditional management methods of earned value management (EVM), which relies on estimates and no changes in scope. We'll discuss how the key to unlocking the control potential is to learn what to manage, and how to measure it. It's no longer just ensure the deliverables are delivered on-time and under-budget.

This shift to benefits management is in-line with how the PMBOK is changing to integrate program management concerns into project management with an emphasis on value and not just delivery of scope specifications. The Agile revolution requires program managers to embrace this type of continuing education to advance and grow in your project management career.

So how do programs ensure smooth project delivery?

This answer is bottoms-up with different controls at each level of management, separating the concerns between the program, the individual projects, and the team processes. For teams, it’s a focus on team velocity and how to ensure its measurement is useful for diagnosing internal and external productivity constraints. For the project, the focus is on how to integrate teams of teams on related projects and ensure stead delivery of product roadmaps. For the program, the focus is on what capabilities are delivered and how to measure return on investment (ROI) capabilities provide. This also requires understanding your portfolio and contracting processes.

While this course will not make you an agile certified practitioner (PMI-ACP), or certified scrum master (CSM), it offers a more fundamental agile certification based on agile principles and how agile leadership is applied in industry today. You'll finish this course more than ready to continue your agile journey, which we hope either completes your certificate with us or takes you to one of our most popular courses in the series, "Agile Leadership Principles and Practices."

Upon successful completion of this course, learners can earn 10 Professional Development Unit (PDU) credits, which are recognized by the Project Management Institute (PMI). PDU credits are essential to those looking to maintain certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP).

What's inside

Learning objectives

Agile systems engineering to ensure valuable, integrated solutions
Controlling projects through actual measurements vs. estimates (e.g. evm)
Essential methods for managing people, process, and product on empowered teams

How to always be closing (abc) with every project increment using a definition of done
How real-world constraints and agile simplify portfolio management and decision science methods: go beyond lp, ip, and genetics-based search
Enterprise alignment: how and why strategic plans, portfolio optimization, and project management canalign with simple metrics, with facilitative leadership

Agile systems engineering to ensure valuable, integrated solutions
Controlling projects through actual measurements vs. estimates (e.g. evm)
Essential methods for managing people, process, and product on empowered teams
How to always be closing (abc) with every project increment using a definition of done
How real-world constraints and agile simplify portfolio management and decision science methods: go beyond lp, ip, and genetics-based search
Enterprise alignment: how and why strategic plans, portfolio optimization, and project management canalign with simple metrics, with facilitative leadership

Syllabus

Week 1: The first week of the control course examines the reason for controlling projects, why traditional controls such as Earned Value Management fail so often, and the three key components to any controlling process: value, constraints, and verification. Systems Engineering models are considered for their effectiveness in controlling, with an emphasis on the predominant controlling approach, the V-Model, and how it equivocates testing with development.

Week 2: The second week examines how control is managed across the project lifecycle, with the three Ps of management: people, process, and product. Real-world approaches and tools are discussed for all three levers across varying staffing approaches, release and sprint processes for quality assurance, and the use of product-level tools for quality control.

Week 3: The third week drives home the need to “begin with the end in mind” by closing User Stories incrementally using a Definition of Done that links the three Ps together across each sprint cycle (planning, execution, and control).

Week 4: The final fourth week addresses controlling Agile processes at scale, from sampling and building intuition across Agile team ceremonies, to managing team decisions and performance, and even portfolios of projects using simplified metrics. The fourth week will also look at how to align portfolio and project management metrics to an organization’s strategy as a means of managing up the risks of being defunded or constrained by corporate policy.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides specialized knowledge in the application of Agile methodology for project management

Taught by experienced instructors with expertise in Agile project management

Offers practical guidance on how to measure project progress and ensure success

Examines the principles of Agile and how they can be applied in various project contexts

Provides a comprehensive overview of Agile practices and techniques

Requires prior experience in project management for a deeper understanding of the concepts

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Agile Process, Project, and Program Controls with these activities:

Review Earned Value Management (EVM)

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Recall the concepts of EVM, a traditional method of project control, to strengthen your understanding of why agile practices provide a more effective alternative.

Browse courses on Earned Value Management (EVM)

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Review the basic principles of EVM, including earned value, planned value, and actual cost.
Discuss the limitations of EVM, particularly its reliance on estimates and the assumption of unchanging scope.

Review Systems Engineering models

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Systems Engineering is the framework for framing control techniques.

Browse courses on Systems Engineering

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Recall the 3 main components of systems engineering
Recall the 7 levels of the V Model

Agile for Dummies

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Read this comprehensive guide to agile principles and methodologies, providing a solid foundation for the course.

View User Experience Mapping: Enhance UX with User... on Amazon

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11 other activities

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Show all 14 activities

Agile Course Materials Compilation

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Compile and organize course notes, lecture recordings, and assignments in a centralized location for easy reference and effective recall.

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Gather course materials from various sources
Create a digital or physical repository

Scrum Sprint Simulation

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Participate in a simulated Scrum sprint, gaining hands-on experience in agile project management techniques.

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Form a team and define a project goal
Plan the sprint and assign tasks
Conduct daily stand-up meetings
Review and improve the process

Agile Testing Project

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Build a portfolio of test cases and automate tests using agile techniques, solidifying the principles of the course.

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Plan the testing strategy
Design and develop test cases
Execute test cases and document results
Analyze test results and report bugs

Agile Development with Jira and Confluence

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Complete tutorials on Jira and Confluence, enhancing your proficiency in agile project management tools.

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Create and manage projects in Jira
Use Confluence for team collaboration

Agile Estimation Practice

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Practice estimating effort and complexity of user stories using agile techniques, improving accuracy and planning skills.

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Estimate story points for a given set of user stories
Compare estimates with others and discuss reasoning

Agile Project Management Plan

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Develop a comprehensive project management plan that incorporates agile principles, showcasing practical application of course concepts.

Browse courses on Agile Project Management

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Define project scope and objectives
Identify stakeholders and their roles
Create a project schedule and budget
Establish communication and reporting procedures

Write a Definition of Done

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A Definition of Done is how you define success for Agile.

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Browse the web for real-world examples of Definitions of Done
Write a Definition of Done for a simple scenario in your domain of expertise

Control a simple project

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Prove that you can control a project from end-to-end.

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Identify 3 projects with real-world constraints
Control each project through 3 sprints implementing the three levers of control

Implement quality management principles

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Implement quality management principles to reduce risk.

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Review 5 methodologies for quality management
Implement a quality management methodology on your project

Integrate multiple small projects

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Build a project above the level of a single team.

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Identify 5 examples of team of teams structures in the wild
Share your findings with the team
Create a plan for how you can improve your project by integrating with its neighbors

Attend an Agile workshop

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Further your knowledge on Agile principles and practices.

Browse courses on Agile

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Identify 5 Agile workshops or conferences
Register for an event
Attend the event and take notes

Career center

Learners who complete Agile Process, Project, and Program Controls will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Agile Project Manager

An Agile Project Manager leads software development teams in implementing Agile methodologies to deliver high-quality products. This course can be highly beneficial for experienced or aspiring Agile Project Managers as it provides comprehensive training in Agile principles, practices, and tools. By understanding how to control Agile processes, such as managing teams, optimizing processes, and defining project deliverables, individuals can enhance their ability to lead Agile projects successfully.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agile Project Manager

Scrum Master

A Scrum Master is responsible for guiding and facilitating Agile development teams through the Scrum framework. This course aligns well with the role of a Scrum Master as it covers key concepts such as team velocity, Definition of Done, and retrospectives, which are essential for effective Scrum implementation. By gaining a deeper understanding of these concepts, individuals can enhance their ability to support and empower Agile teams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Scrum Master

Product Owner

A Product Owner is the voice of the customer within Agile development teams, responsible for defining and prioritizing product requirements. This course can be valuable for Product Owners seeking to improve their understanding of Agile principles and practices, particularly in relation to managing value and benefits. By learning how to measure performance and benefits of working solutions, Product Owners can enhance their ability to deliver valuable products that meet customer needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Owner

Agile Coach

An Agile Coach provides guidance and support to organizations and teams in adopting and implementing Agile methodologies. This course can be highly beneficial for Agile Coaches as it provides a comprehensive overview of Agile principles, practices, and tools. By understanding how to control Agile processes at scale, Agile Coaches can effectively guide organizations through Agile transformations and help them achieve their business goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agile Coach

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst bridges the gap between business stakeholders and technical teams, ensuring that software development projects align with business objectives. This course can complement the skills of a Business Analyst by providing a deeper understanding of Agile principles and practices, particularly in relation to managing value and benefits. By learning how to define clear acceptance criteria and measure the success of Agile projects, Business Analysts can enhance their ability to support organizations in delivering valuable solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. While this course may not be directly related to the technical aspects of software development, it can provide valuable insights into Agile methodologies and project management practices. By understanding how Agile teams operate and how to control Agile processes, Software Engineers can enhance their ability to work effectively in Agile environments and contribute to successful software development projects.

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Quality Assurance Manager

A Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for ensuring the quality of software products and processes. This course can be beneficial for Quality Assurance Managers as it covers quality management principles and practices in Agile environments. By understanding how to reduce project risk and technical debt, Quality Assurance Managers can enhance their ability to implement effective quality assurance measures and ensure the delivery of high-quality software products.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, and monitors projects to ensure their successful completion. While this course focuses specifically on Agile methodologies, it can provide valuable insights into project management principles and practices. By understanding how to control Agile projects and manage interdependencies between project teams, Project Managers can enhance their ability to lead successful projects in a variety of industries and domains.

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Program Manager

A Program Manager oversees multiple projects and ensures their alignment with organizational goals. This course can be beneficial for Program Managers as it provides a comprehensive overview of Agile methodologies and project management practices. By understanding how to control Agile programs and manage dependencies between projects, Program Managers can enhance their ability to deliver successful programs and achieve strategic objectives.

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Consultant

A Consultant provides expert advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of business and technical issues. This course can be beneficial for Consultants who specialize in Agile methodologies or project management. By understanding how to control Agile processes and manage value and benefits, Consultants can enhance their ability to provide valuable insights and support to their clients.

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Technical Lead

A Technical Lead provides technical guidance and leadership to software development teams. This course can be beneficial for Technical Leads as it covers Agile principles and practices, as well as quality management and risk management techniques. By understanding how to control Agile processes and manage technical debt, Technical Leads can enhance their ability to lead teams in delivering successful software products.

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Business Process Analyst

A Business Process Analyst analyzes and improves business processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. This course may be helpful for Business Process Analysts who are involved in Agile transformations or who work with Agile teams. By understanding how to control Agile processes and manage value and benefits, Business Process Analysts can enhance their ability to identify and implement process improvements that support Agile methodologies.

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Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst designs and implements computer systems. This course may be helpful for Systems Analysts who are involved in Agile development projects or who work with Agile teams. By understanding how to control Agile processes and manage value and benefits, Systems Analysts can enhance their ability to design and implement systems that meet the needs of Agile organizations.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for planning and managing the development of a software product. This course may be helpful for Product Managers who are transitioning to Agile methodologies or who work with Agile teams. By understanding how to control Agile processes and manage value and benefits, Product Managers can enhance their ability to define and deliver successful software products.

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Business Owner

A Business Owner is the ultimate decision-maker for a business or project. This course may be helpful for Business Owners who are involved in Agile development projects or who work with Agile teams. By understanding how to control Agile processes and manage value and benefits, Business Owners can enhance their ability to make informed decisions and guide their organizations to success.

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