Build an Agile Team from edX

Explore Agile practices with the University of Adelaide

Agile methodology is a mindset that enables managers and teams to continuously learn and improve what they do and how they do it, driving performance and innovation through iterative practices.

On this four-week course from the University of Adelaide, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to elevate the performance of your teams through improved collaboration, efficiency, and adaptation to change.

You’ll transform your management style as you explore how to take your team from your current state through to an Agile state by building roadmaps for change.

Understand the purpose of Agile methodology

You’ll learn to define Agile as you explore how it differs from other methodologies.

With this deep dive, you’ll understand the benefits of Agile, what this might look like in practice, and the key terminology to help you communicate with your team.

Unpack Agile values and principles

Next, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the values and principles of Agile as you learn to apply these to a workplace scenario.

With this knowledge, you’ll learn how you can apply Agile to diverse team contexts. You’ll also understand how the different Agile tools could work for your team as you unpack diverse examples.

Develop your Agile roadmap

Finally, you’ll learn how to set your team up for success as you outline your Agile roadmap.

You’ll learn key techniques to apply Agile specifically to your context and work to ensure a smooth transition into Agile teams.

This course is designed for new or emerging managers, or team leaders from any industry.

You may also have been in management for a longer period of time and you’re looking to upskill and update your approach to management.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Describe the nature, role and benefits of agile teams.
Identify the principles and values of agile ways of working.
Explain the use case for agile teams in diverse contexts.

Critique a roadmap for transitioning to agile teams.
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Describe the nature, role and benefits of agile teams.
Identify the principles and values of agile ways of working.
Explain the use case for agile teams in diverse contexts.
Critique a roadmap for transitioning to agile teams.
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Syllabus

Week 1: What is Agile?

Define Agile and how it differs from other methodologies - Let's explore definitions of Agile, and compare it to other methodologies. Agile differs by being an incremental and iterative approach.

The benefits of an Agile approach - Gain insights into why Agile is worthwhile and envisage the benefits for your team.

Terminology is key to Agile - Agile is a specific methodology. You can promote better engagement by knowing the correct terminology.

Week 2: Values and principles of Agile

Understanding the values of Agile - A deeper dive into Agile's four values.

Learning the Agile principles - Twelve principles to remember

Applying Agile practices - Putting principles into practice.

Week 3: Agile in diverse team contexts

Exploring Agile in practice - Applications in service delivery, product development, and project management.

Consciously deploying Agile - When can your Agile team excel?

Teams and tools of Agile - Roles, responsibilities, and tech for Agile

Week 4: Your Agile roadmap

The Agile roadmap - Visualise your Agile project.

Developing Agile capability - Identifying needs and enabling learning.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a solid foundation in Agile methodology for new or experienced managers

Explores the role of Agile teams in diverse contexts, such as service delivery, product development, and project management

Taught by instructors from the reputable University of Adelaide

Requires no prior knowledge of Agile methodology, making it accessible to beginners

Provides practical guidance on developing an Agile roadmap for smooth implementation

May require additional resources or support if learners wish to gain hands-on experience

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 Build an Agile Team with these activities:

Review the 'Agile Manifesto'

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Revisiting the Agile Manifesto reinforces the core values and principles that underpin Agile methodology.

Browse courses on Agile

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Read through the Agile Manifesto and reflect on its principles.

Read 'Agile Practice Guide' by Project Management Institute

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This book provides a concise overview of the Agile approach, making it easier to grasp the core principles discussed in the course.

View Practice Standard for Project Estimating -... on Amazon

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Review the introduction and key concepts of Agile.
Read the sections on Agile principles, values, and benefits.
Explore case studies and examples of Agile implementation in various industries.

Complete the 'Agile Foundations' course on Coursera

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This online course offers a structured and interactive introduction to Agile concepts and practices, complementing the theoretical knowledge gained in the course.

Browse courses on Agile

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Watch the video lectures and complete the interactive exercises.
Participate in the discussion forums to engage with other learners.

Five other activities

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Participate in an Agile peer review session

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Engaging in peer review allows students to provide and receive feedback, improving their understanding of Agile practices.

Browse courses on Agile

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Form groups of 3-4 participants.
Review each other's Agile roadmaps or scenario solutions.
Provide constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Solve Agile scenario-based problems

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Applying Agile principles to practical scenarios reinforces understanding and develops problem-solving skills in an Agile context.

Browse courses on Agile

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Identify real-world Agile scenarios or case studies.
Break down the scenarios into smaller, manageable steps.
Apply Agile principles and practices to solve the problems.

Develop an Agile roadmap for a hypothetical project

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Creating a roadmap provides hands-on experience in planning and visualizing the Agile approach for a specific project.

Browse courses on Agile

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Define the project scope, goals, and timeline.
Break down the project into Agile sprints.
Create a visual representation of the roadmap, such as a Gantt chart or Kanban board.

Gather resources on Agile best practices

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Compiling resources on Agile best practices provides a valuable reference for future application and deeper understanding.

Browse courses on Agile

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Search for articles, blog posts, and videos on Agile best practices.
Organize and categorize the resources based on different Agile aspects.

Volunteer with an Agile-focused organization

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Practical experience in an Agile environment allows students to apply what they have learned and contribute to real-world projects.

Browse courses on Agile

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Research Agile-focused organizations and identify volunteer opportunities.
Apply for volunteer roles that align with your interests and skills.
Participate in team meetings, retrospectives, and other Agile ceremonies.

Career center

Learners who complete Build an Agile Team will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Agile Coach

As an Agile Coach, you will collaborate with teams to implement Agile methodologies and practices. This course will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary for success, including an understanding of the Agile mindset, principles, and values. You'll learn how to facilitate retrospectives, coach teams through challenges, and measure Agile performance. The course will also provide you with insights into the use of Agile in diverse team contexts, helping you to tailor your approach to meet the specific needs of your team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agile Coach

Project Manager

As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and controlling projects. This course will provide you with a foundation in Agile project management, including the principles of Scrum and Kanban. You'll learn how to create and manage Agile roadmaps, plan and track sprints, and facilitate Agile ceremonies. The course will also cover the use of Agile tools and techniques, helping you to manage projects more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Scrum Master

As a Scrum Master, you will be responsible for facilitating Scrum ceremonies, such as sprint planning, sprint review, and sprint retrospective. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill this role effectively. You'll learn the principles of Scrum, the role of the Scrum Master, and how to facilitate Agile ceremonies. The course will also cover the use of Agile tools and techniques, helping you to manage Scrum teams more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Scrum Master

Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing software. This course will provide you with a foundation in Agile software development, including the principles of Scrum and Kanban. You'll learn how to work in Agile teams, use Agile tools and techniques, and deliver high-quality software. The course will also cover the use of Agile testing practices, helping you to ensure the quality of your software.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Business Analyst

As a Business Analyst, you will be responsible for gathering and analyzing business requirements. This course will provide you with a foundation in Agile business analysis, including the principles of Scrum and Kanban. You'll learn how to work with Agile teams, use Agile tools and techniques, and deliver valuable business solutions. The course will also cover the use of Agile testing practices, helping you to ensure the quality of your business solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Product Manager

As a Product Manager, you will be responsible for managing the development and launch of new products. This course will provide you with a foundation in Agile product management, including the principles of Scrum and Kanban. You'll learn how to create and manage Agile roadmaps, plan and track sprints, and facilitate Agile ceremonies. The course will also cover the use of Agile tools and techniques, helping you to manage product development more effectively.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

As a Quality Assurance Analyst, you will be responsible for testing software products and ensuring their quality. This course will provide you with a foundation in Agile testing, including the principles of Scrum and Kanban. You'll learn how to work with Agile teams, use Agile tools and techniques, and deliver high-quality software products. The course will also cover the use of Agile testing practices, helping you to ensure the quality of your software products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

UX Designer

As a UX Designer, you will be responsible for designing the user experience of software products. This course will provide you with a foundation in Agile UX design, including the principles of Scrum and Kanban. You'll learn how to work with Agile teams, use Agile tools and techniques, and deliver great user experiences. The course will also cover the use of Agile testing practices, helping you to ensure the quality of your user experiences.

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Data Analyst

As a Data Analyst, you will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. This course will provide you with a foundation in Agile data analysis, including the principles of Scrum and Kanban. You'll learn how to work with Agile teams, use Agile tools and techniques, and deliver valuable insights. The course will also cover the use of Agile testing practices, helping you to ensure the quality of your insights.

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Agile Transformation Consultant

As an Agile Transformation Consultant, you will be responsible for helping organizations to adopt Agile methodologies and practices. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill this role effectively. You'll learn the principles of Agile, the benefits of Agile transformations, and how to help organizations to transition to Agile. The course will also cover the use of Agile tools and techniques, helping you to support organizations in their Agile transformations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agile Transformation Consultant

Change Management Consultant

As a Change Management Consultant, you will be responsible for helping organizations to implement change. This course may be could support your work by providing you with a foundation in Agile change management. You'll learn the principles of Agile, the benefits of Agile change management, and how to help organizations to manage change effectively.

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IT Director

As an IT Director, you will be responsible for managing the IT department of an organization. This course may be useful in your role by providing you with a foundation in Agile IT management. You'll learn the principles of Agile, the benefits of Agile IT management, and how to manage an IT department using Agile principles.

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VP of Engineering

As a VP of Engineering, you will be responsible for managing the engineering department of an organization. This course may be useful in your role by providing you with a foundation in Agile engineering management. You'll learn the principles of Agile, the benefits of Agile engineering management, and how to manage an engineering department using Agile principles.

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CEO

As a CEO, you will be responsible for leading an organization. This course may be useful in your role by providing you with a foundation in Agile leadership. You'll learn the principles of Agile, the benefits of Agile leadership, and how to lead an organization using Agile principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for CEO

CIO

As a CIO, you will be responsible for managing the IT department of an organization. This course may be useful in your role by providing you with a foundation in Agile IT management. You'll learn the principles of Agile, the benefits of Agile IT management, and how to manage an IT department using Agile principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for CIO