Agile Project Management For Dummies

Rev up your software development with a faster, more flexible approach

When it comes to software development, you can drive a high performance racecar or bounce along in a horse and buggy. The choice is clear, and it’s time to put your foot on the gas as you learn how to implement agile techniques. This simple, step-by-step guide puts all the tools and techniques in your hands so you can manage your projects in the most efficient way possible.

• Getting agile — from the Agile Manifesto and the 12 Agile Principles to the benefits and reasons for implementing, build your foundation for understanding this project management approach

• Putting the pieces into place — dive under the umbrella of agile approaches, create the physical environment, and establish the roles on your team

• Time to go to work — build your skills in agile planning, creating a product roadmap, scheduling releases, planning iterations, and preparing for the launch

• Building your project management skills — learn how to manage everything from scope, time, and cost to team dynamics, quality, and risk

• Ensuring success — recruit the right members for your team and follow the key steps to make agile work in your organization

Open the book and find:

• Why agile techniques work better than historical approaches

• Overviews of lean, extreme programming, and scrum

• Steps for putting agile into action

• Ways to define product vision and features

• How to plan releases and sprints

• Methods for managing scope and procurement

• How to simplify and increase project reporting

• Tips for creating an environment that works for agile

Learn to:

• Complete software projects in weeks instead of months

• Use agile techniques to reduce risk and leverage core benefits

• Turn agile theory into practice

• Avoid common pitfalls

Mark C. Layton, MBA, CST, PMP, SCPM, (“Mr. Agile”) is an organizational strategist and PMI certification instructor. He is the Los Angeles chair for the Agile Leadership Network and is the founder of Platinum Edge, Inc. Mark has MBAs from UCLA and National University of Singapore, is a Certified Scrum Trainer, PMP-certified, and recipient of Stanford University’s advanced project management certification.