Executive Workshop: Agile Methods

1+/- Day

What is your best option concerning the Agile Methods?

You have some important decisions to make! Should you allow teams to use an Agile approach? Should you add an Agile method to your list of approved options for software projects? Should you adopt Agility as the way your software projects will be run?

Regardless of why these questions may have been raised; no matter if you are the champion for Agility or a true skeptic; whatever your current level of knowledge or understanding about the Agile methods; this workshop will help you to quickly fill in the gaps and make an appropriate decision about how to respond.

This workshop is normally one full day. But depending upon your individual need, it can be tailored back to a half-day, or up to two or three days.

During this workshop, you will:

• Fill in any knowledge gaps about Agility that you or others may have
• Frame the issues surrounding the decisions to be made
• Examine the impacts of Agile practices on those issues
• Outline a strategy for moving forward
• (Optionally) plan the first steps you will take

Who should attend this course?

• The senior executive responsible for these decisions
• Affected direct reports to the Senior Executive
• (Optional) Specialists in software development processes and quality assurance

Course Outline (1+/- Day):

(While every workshop is unique, a generic outline might look like this.)

1. Outline the current situation and purpose of the Workshop
   • Questions that must be addressed
   • Constraints that must be honored
2. Learn about Agility as needed
   • Bring participants to a common, minimal level of understanding
3. Discuss impacts of Agility on projects and the organization
4. Brainstorm options for going forward
   • Critique and prioritize options
5. (Optional) Plan an Agile response
   • Agree on a top-level outline for the plan
   • (Breakout sessions) Plan specific activities
   • Embrace and commit to the plan