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Starting with an introduction to the Agile mindset, values, and the Scrum framework, participants will examine the roles, events, and team structures that drive successful delivery. The course then moves into implementing Scrum in action, including effective Sprint events, backlog refinement through user stories, and the breakdown of epics and themes.

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Starting with an introduction to the Agile mindset, values, and the Scrum framework, participants will examine the roles, events, and team structures that drive successful delivery. The course then moves into implementing Scrum in action, including effective Sprint events, backlog refinement through user stories, and the breakdown of epics and themes.

Learners will apply estimation techniques to forecast effort and complexity, compare measurement units like Story Points and Ideal Days, and utilize collaborative methods such as Planning Poker for accurate team-based forecasting. Finally, the course covers prioritizing work using risk-based, value-driven, and financial models, identifying Minimum Marketable Features, and adopting planning strategies like last-minute planning and timeboxing to maintain delivery focus.

By the end of this course, learners will be able to design, evaluate, and optimize Agile workflows that balance value delivery, risk management, and adaptability for continuous improvement.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Agile Mindset & Frameworks
This module introduces learners to the foundational concepts, principles, and frameworks of Agile. It explores Agile values, the 12 principles, and how teams collaborate effectively to deliver customer value in dynamic environments. The module also provides a comprehensive understanding of Scrum fundamentals, including roles, events, and practices, and emphasizes the importance of cross-functional, self-organizing teams. By the end of the module, learners will be equipped with the essential knowledge to understand Agile philosophy and apply Scrum practices effectively in real-world projects.
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Career center

Learners who complete Agile Practices: Apply, Evaluate & Optimize from Mindset will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Scrum Master
A Scrum Master is a crucial servant-leader who guides Agile teams, ensuring adherence to Scrum principles and practices. This course aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of a Scrum Master, providing a comprehensive journey through the Agile mindset, values, and the granular details of the Scrum framework. Through modules on "Agile Mindset & Frameworks" and "Scrum in Action," you will examine indispensable aspects like roles, events, and team structures, which are central to this role. The course's hands-on approach to implementing Scrum events, managing user stories, and utilizing estimation techniques such as Planning Poker directly prepares you to facilitate efficient sprints and foster transparency within development teams. Learning to design, evaluate, and optimize Agile workflows will be instrumental in continuous improvement for any team you lead.
Product Manager
A Product Manager defines the product vision, strategy, and roadmap, overseeing the product lifecycle from conception to launch and beyond. This course is highly valuable for a Product Manager, especially in an Agile environment, as it dives deep into the tactical execution of product development. The "Scrum in Action" module provides practical skills in crafting and managing user stories, epics, and themes, which are fundamental to defining product increments. Crucially, the "Agile Prioritization & Planning" module covers risk-based, value-driven, and financial models like NPV for strategic decision-making, along with identifying Minimum Marketable Features. This empowers a Product Manager to effectively balance value delivery, risk management, and adaptability while steering product strategy.
Agile Coach
An Agile Coach mentors individuals and teams, fostering continuous improvement and guiding organizations through Agile transformations. This course is exceptionally relevant for an aspiring Agile Coach, as it equips learners to apply, analyze, and evaluate Agile methods in real-world contexts. You will gain a deep understanding of the Agile mindset, values, and various frameworks, which are essential for coaching others effectively. The modules covering Scrum fundamentals, practical application in "Scrum in Action," and strategies for "Agile Prioritization & Planning" provide a robust toolkit. Learning to design, evaluate, and optimize Agile workflows that balance value delivery, risk management, and adaptability directly supports the core mission of an Agile Coach to enhance team performance and organizational agility.
Product Owner
A Product Owner is primarily responsible for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the development team. This course provides highly relevant knowledge for a Product Owner by extensively covering backlog management, prioritization, and planning. You will learn to refine the product backlog through crafting user stories, epics, and themes in the "Scrum in Action" module. Critically, the "Agile Prioritization & Planning" module delves into risk-based, value-driven, and financial models like NPV and IRR, alongside identifying Minimum Marketable Features (MMFs). These skills are fundamental for making strategic decisions about what to build and when, directly empowering a Product Owner to steer product development towards optimal value delivery and market success.
Agile Project Manager
An Agile Project Manager leads projects through the application of Agile principles and frameworks, ensuring successful delivery and adaptation to changing requirements. This course is highly beneficial for the Agile Project Manager, as it provides a complete, practice-oriented journey through Agile methods. You will gain expertise in implementing Scrum, understanding team structures, and applying estimation techniques to forecast effort and complexity, which are critical for effective project oversight. The modules on "Agile Mindset & Frameworks" and "Agile Prioritization & Planning" empower you to design, evaluate, and optimize workflows that balance value delivery, risk management, and adaptability, ensuring projects meet their objectives in dynamic environments.
Release Train Engineer
A Release Train Engineer facilitates large solution delivery across multiple Agile teams, acting as a servant leader and coach for the Agile Release Train. This course provides valuable insights for a Release Train Engineer, offering a deep dive into Agile principles, frameworks, and implementation techniques. Understanding the Agile mindset, Scrum fundamentals, and practical application in "Scrum in Action" empowers you to coordinate effectively across teams. Crucially, the modules on "Agile Estimation Techniques" and "Agile Prioritization & Planning" will help you guide forecasting effort, manage dependencies, and optimize the flow of value across a larger program, fostering adaptability and continuous improvement at scale.
Delivery Manager
A Delivery Manager oversees the successful and timely delivery of products and services, often across multiple Agile teams, focusing on flow and efficiency. This course is particularly relevant for a Delivery Manager as it provides a comprehensive understanding of optimizing Agile workflows. Learners will apply, analyze, and evaluate Agile methods to manage intricate delivery pipelines effectively. The emphasis on "Scrum in Action" events, "Agile Estimation Techniques," and "Agile Prioritization & Planning" directly supports the strategic decisions required for continuous delivery. The ability to design, evaluate, and optimize Agile workflows that balance value delivery, risk management, and adaptability is central to ensuring robust and predictable delivery outcomes.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst facilitates the understanding of business needs and translates them into actionable requirements, often working closely with Agile development teams. This course may be helpful for a Business Analyst by providing a clear understanding of the Agile context in which many modern projects operate. The "Scrum in Action" module, in particular, focuses on creating and managing user stories, epics, and themes, which is a core skill for articulating requirements in an Agile environment. Furthermore, understanding estimation techniques, and prioritization models like risk-based and value-driven approaches, equips you to better support product backlog refinement and contribute to strategic planning within Agile teams.
Program Manager
A Program Manager oversees and coordinates a collection of related projects or initiatives to achieve strategic business objectives. This course may be helpful for a Program Manager operating within an Agile environment. It provides a solid understanding of Agile principles, frameworks, and implementation techniques, which are crucial for aligning multiple project teams under a common Agile vision. The course's focus on "Agile Prioritization & Planning," including financial models and Minimum Marketable Features, will assist you in making strategic decisions and maintaining delivery focus across a program. Learning to design, evaluate, and optimize Agile workflows also contributes to ensuring consistent value delivery and adaptability across complex initiatives. An advanced degree, such as an MBA, may be preferred for this role.
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant advises organizations on improving their efficiency, operations, and strategic direction, often leading to significant change initiatives. This course may be helpful for a Management Consultant, particularly those specializing in organizational transformation or operational excellence. The comprehensive understanding of "Agile Practices," including principles, frameworks, and optimization techniques, is invaluable for guiding clients through Agile adoption or improvement. The ability to analyze, evaluate, and design Agile workflows, combined with knowledge of prioritization and planning models, equips you to diagnose challenges and recommend effective strategies for value delivery and risk management. An MBA or other relevant Master's degree is very common for this role.
Organizational Change Manager
An Organizational Change Manager helps organizations transition through significant changes, ensuring smooth adoption and minimal disruption. This course may be useful for an Organizational Change Manager, especially when guiding an organization through an Agile transformation. Understanding the core "Agile Mindset & Frameworks" and the emphasis on continuous improvement and adaptability is crucial for championing new ways of working. While the course focuses on project-level Agile, the detailed exploration of how teams collaborate effectively and adapt development will provide insights into the cultural shifts required. Learning to evaluate and optimize Agile workflows can inform strategies for broader organizational adoption and sustainable change. A Master's degree in organizational development is often beneficial.
Training and Development Specialist
A Training and Development Specialist designs, delivers, and evaluates educational programs to enhance employee skills and organizational performance. This course may be useful for a Training and Development Specialist, especially for those looking to develop or deliver training on Agile methodologies. The comprehensive overview of the "Agile Mindset & Frameworks," intricate details of "Scrum in Action" (roles, events, artifacts), and practical techniques for "Agile Estimation" and "Agile Prioritization & Planning" provides a robust body of knowledge. This equip you to effectively educate others on applying, analyzing, and optimizing Agile practices within their teams and organizations, fostering continuous improvement through learning. A Master's degree in a related field can be beneficial.
Technical Lead
A Technical Lead guides a development team, contributing to architectural decisions and ensuring technical excellence while participating in project delivery. This course may be helpful for a Technical Lead by providing a strong understanding of the Agile methodologies under which most modern development teams operate. While not technical in nature, the course's content on "Scrum in Action," including Sprint events, backlog refinement through user stories, and collaborative estimation techniques like Planning Poker, is directly relevant to effectively leading and participating in an Agile team. Understanding how to design, evaluate, and optimize Agile workflows will empower you to better integrate technical strategies with delivery processes and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Quality Assurance Lead
A Quality Assurance Lead ensures the quality of product delivery by designing and overseeing testing strategies, often integrated within Agile development cycles. This course may be helpful for a Quality Assurance Lead, as it provides a solid understanding of the Agile context, which is increasingly prevalent in product development. Participating in Sprint events, understanding user stories and backlog refinement from the "Scrum in Action" module, and grasping the iterative nature of delivery are crucial for embedding quality throughout the development process. Learning how Agile teams apply estimation and planning strategies will enable you to integrate testing activities more effectively and contribute to continuous improvement within an Agile workflow.
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager oversees the daily administrative and operational functions of a business, striving for efficiency and continuous process improvement. This course may be useful for an Operations Manager looking to apply Agile principles beyond traditional software development to optimize various operational workflows. The emphasis on the "Agile Mindset," continuous improvement, and concepts like timeboxing and value-driven prioritization can be adapted to enhance efficiency in business processes, resource allocation, and project coordination within an operational context. Learning to design, evaluate, and optimize workflows for adaptability and continuous improvement can translate into more responsive and effective operational strategies.

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Agile Practices: Apply, Evaluate & Optimize from Mindset.
Short but powerful manifesto that outlines the core principles of agile development. It is written by the authors of the Agile Manifesto, a group of software development experts who came together to define the principles of agile development.
Classic text on project management that provides a comprehensive overview of the field. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn about project management or improve their skills.
Is an excellent starting point for anyone new to Scrum. It provides a comprehensive overview of the framework, its values, principles, and practices with clear explanations and helpful illustrations. It's often recommended as a foundational text for understanding Scrum at the team, product, and portfolio levels.
A seminal work in the Lean movement, this book introduces the core principles of Lean and how to apply them to create value and eliminate waste across various processes, not just manufacturing. It provides a strong framework for understanding the 'why' behind many continuous improvement methodologies and is considered essential reading for anyone looking to implement Lean principles. It's a valuable resource for both students and professionals.
A definitive guide to financial risk management, this handbook provides in-depth analysis of methods for measuring and managing risk in financial institutions. It covers various types of financial risk and crucial reference for professionals and advanced students in finance.
Psychological safety critical component of high-performing teams, allowing members to speak up and take risks without fear of negative consequences. explores the concept of psychological safety and its impact on team learning, innovation, and growth. It's a must-read for leaders and teams aiming to create an environment of trust and open communication.
This influential book challenges conventional notions of risk and probability by focusing on the impact of rare and unpredictable events ("black swans"). It argues that these events have a disproportionate impact on the world and that we are often ill-equipped to deal with them. It's a provocative read that encourages a different way of thinking about risk and uncertainty.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the Product Owner role and effective product management in a Scrum context. It covers essential practices for managing the product backlog, including envisioning the product, refining the backlog, and planning releases. It's a practical guide that is often recommended for Product Owners.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Agile estimation techniques, including planning poker, affinity mapping, and decomposition. It is written by Mike Cohn, a leading expert in Agile development.
Provides a foundational understanding of risk management and insurance principles, making it ideal for those new to the topic or seeking a broad overview. It covers basic concepts, traditional insurance, and introductory enterprise risk management, serving as a valuable textbook for undergraduate programs and a solid starting point for professionals.
Written as a business novel, this book introduces the Theory of Constraints (TOC) and its application to identifying and managing bottlenecks in any process. While presented in a narrative format, it offers profound insights into process improvement and systems thinking. It's an excellent book for gaining a broad understanding through an engaging story and is often recommended for those new to continuous improvement concepts.
Practical guide to agile project management that is full of tips and advice. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use agile methods to improve their project management skills.
Practical guide to project management that is full of insights and advice. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to manage projects more effectively.
Comprehensive guide to project management that provides answers to common questions. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about project management or solve specific problems.
Drawing on military experience, this book offers a contemporary perspective on how large organizations can achieve the agility and adaptability of small teams. It emphasizes decentralized decision-making and shared consciousness through transparent communication. is valuable for understanding modern approaches to collaboration in complex environments and is relevant for both students and professionals in dynamic fields.
Introduces the concept of 'Kata,' a routine for continuous improvement and coaching that helps develop scientific thinking skills within an organization. It shifts the focus from just implementing tools to developing a culture of daily improvement. It's a valuable book for leaders and practitioners looking to build a sustainable continuous improvement culture.
Focused specifically on operational risk in the financial services industry, this book provides a detailed guide to managing this critical area. It covers frameworks, techniques, and best practices for identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational risks. It's essential for professionals working in risk management within banks and financial institutions.
Considered a classic in the field, this book delves into what distinguishes real teams from other working groups and how to create high-performing teams. It provides a foundational understanding of team types and dynamics, making it a valuable resource for both students and professionals seeking to build effective teams.
Effective communication is at the heart of successful team collaboration. provides practical tools and techniques for navigating high-stakes discussions, resolving conflict, and building stronger relationships within teams. It's an essential resource for anyone looking to improve their interpersonal communication skills in a team setting.
Considered a foundational text on Lean production, this book provides the historical context and principles of the Toyota Production System. It explains the origins of Lean and its impact on the automotive industry and beyond. It's an excellent book for understanding the historical development of continuous improvement and its core concepts.
A cornerstone text for understanding and writing effective user stories, which are the most common format for product backlog items. provides detailed guidance on gathering, writing, and working with user stories throughout the development lifecycle. It's a widely used reference and a valuable resource for anyone involved in defining requirements in an agile setting.
Aligned with international standards like ISO 31000 and the COSO ERM Framework, this book offers a comprehensive introduction to enterprise risk management. It covers identification, analysis, and treatment of various risks, including emerging trends. It's suitable for students and risk professionals seeking a thorough grounding in ERM principles and practices.
This textbook provides a comprehensive treatment of financial risk management, covering market, credit, and operational risks within financial institutions. It's widely used in undergraduate and graduate finance programs and solid resource for understanding the principles and practices of financial risk management.
Written by experienced Professional Scrum Trainers, this book goes beyond the basics of the Product Owner role and focuses on maximizing value. It offers in-depth insights into product strategy, managing complexity, and continuous value delivery, all of which are essential for effective product backlog management. valuable resource for both new and experienced Product Owners seeking to enhance their impact.
Presents a framework for giving and receiving feedback effectively, which is crucial for team growth and performance. It encourages leaders and team members to care personally while challenging directly. This book is highly relevant for fostering a culture of open communication and continuous improvement within teams.
Offers a critical look at common risk management practices and argues for more quantitative approaches. It challenges conventional wisdom and provides insights into improving risk assessment and decision-making. It's valuable for both students and professionals looking to refine their risk management methodologies.
A follow-up to 'The Toyota Way,' this book delves deeper into how Toyota links its continuous improvement efforts to overall business strategy. It explores the role of leadership and culture in sustaining improvement. It's valuable for those looking to align their continuous improvement initiatives with organizational goals.
Provides real-world examples and case studies of how organizations have implemented enterprise risk management. It offers practical insights into the challenges and successes of ERM implementation, making it valuable for those involved in establishing or improving an ERM program.
Is specifically aimed at those in a coaching role within agile environments, particularly Scrum Masters. It explores the mindset and skills needed to effectively coach agile teams towards high performance. It's a valuable resource for understanding the servant-leadership aspect of the Scrum Master role.
Delves into practical issues and presents case studies related to the execution of Enterprise Risk Management programs. It provides insights from senior risk management professionals and explores how organizations measure the impact of ERM. It is particularly useful for understanding real-world challenges and best practices in ERM implementation.
Building on the concepts introduced in 'Toyota Kata,' this book further explores the practical application of the improvement and coaching Kata routines. It provides deeper insights and examples for fostering a culture of scientific thinking and continuous improvement. It's suitable for those who want to go beyond the basics of Kata.
Explores the art and science of prediction in various fields, from weather forecasting to finance. It examines why some predictions succeed while many fail, emphasizing the importance of probability and understanding uncertainty. It offers valuable lessons for risk managers who rely on forecasting and data analysis.
This handbook provides a comprehensive guide to the interconnected areas of governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC). It covers frameworks, best practices, and practical guidance for implementing an integrated GRC program. It's a valuable reference for professionals responsible for GRC in their organizations.
Introduces a powerful technique for Agile estimation and planning called user story mapping. It helps teams to create a visual representation of the user's journey through the product, which makes it easier to estimate the effort and time required to complete each feature.
Offers a compelling true story of how a leader empowered his team by giving control rather than taking control. It provides practical examples of how to foster a leader-leader model, enhancing team autonomy and collaboration. It's particularly relevant for those interested in leadership within a team context.
For organizations looking to apply Scrum with multiple teams working on a single product, the Nexus Framework provides guidance. This book, from Scrum.org, details the Nexus Framework, its events, roles, and artifacts for scaling Scrum effectively.
Provides a more accessible explanation of W. Edwards Deming's management philosophy and his 14 points. It offers practical examples of how Deming's principles can be applied in various settings. It's a good starting point for those who find 'Out of the Crisis' challenging and want to understand Deming's significant contributions to continuous improvement.
Retrospectives are a crucial part of the Scrum Framework for continuous improvement. provides a wealth of practical activities and guidance for conducting effective retrospectives that help teams learn and improve. It's an essential resource for Scrum Masters and teams.
Provides a comprehensive overview of key concepts and techniques in financial risk management, covering market risk, credit risk, and operational risk. It offers practical insights into identifying, assessing, and mitigating these risks and valuable resource for students and professionals in finance.
Considered a classic, this book provides a historical perspective on the development of risk management and probability. It traces the evolution of our understanding of risk from ancient times to the modern era, offering valuable context for the field today. It's an engaging read for anyone interested in the intellectual history of risk.
Focused specifically on risk management within the context of projects, this book provides practical guidance and techniques for identifying, analyzing, and responding to project risks. It's a valuable resource for project managers and teams, often used as a reference or textbook in project management programs.
Focuses on creating an effective product strategy and roadmap, which directly informs the product backlog. It helps Product Owners and product managers align their backlog with a clear vision and strategic goals. It's a valuable resource for ensuring the product backlog tool for achieving business outcomes.

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