What is AgilePM
What is AgilePM®
The Agile Alliance defines Agile as “the ability to create and respond to change in order to succeed in an uncertain and turbulent environment”. It is the ability to flex and deliver projects rapidly to meet your customers’ needs. Agile methodologies are about delivering good products to customers by operating in an environment that treats people as the most important part of that environment.
Traditional project management frameworks such as PMP and PRINCE2 are great for Project Managers in terms of clarifying what needs to be done, planning, delegating, monitoring and controlling any deviation from the initial plan. PMP or PRINCE2-certified professionals are armed with the required tools to manage the technical aspect of the projects.
A problem arises with the ever-changing project macro-environment. In this ‘dot com’ age, every organization is fast becoming technology-driven. Agonizingly, these renowned project management qualifications (PMP and PRINCE2) are not robust enough in dealing with VUCA (that is; Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) inherent in IT projects. Hence, the unrivaled need for the adoption of the Agile methodology.
There are many frameworks for the delivery of Agile Projects. Some of them are SCRUM, SaFe, AgilePM®, to name a few. For the purpose of this study, we will be focusing on AgilePM®.
AgilePM® is an ‘iterative’ approach to planning and guiding project processes. The AgilePM® approach provides project-focused principles, together with a set of roles and responsibilities that are ideally suited to organizations where a project management structure already exists. AgilePM® provides a practical method for starting and managing Agile projects. Thereby, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between staff and timely delivery within an organization.
The focus of Agile project management is on developing solutions incrementally (bit-by-bit) which enables project teams to react to changing requirements, encouraging increased collaboration and better ownership with all project members. The AgilePM® approach insists that projects should do just ‘Enough Design Up Front’ (EDUF) within a Foundations phase (startup phase) so there is a basic understanding to help clarify the structure of the intended solution. Then, the first version of an Agile plan for delivery can be created for the project.
AgilePM® started as a collaboration between the Agile Business Consortium (formerly DSDM Consortium) and APMG (the exam institute). AgilePM® is based on the DSDM Agile Project Framework, which establishes an effective approach alongside the traditional project management approaches.
The core benefit of Agile Project Management is its ability to respond to issues as they arise throughout the project phase. Making a necessary change to a project at the right time can save resources and, ultimately, help in delivering successful projects on time and within the budget.
Having had a brief discussion on what AgilePM® is about, See the below questions for more information on the qualification.
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How did AgilePM evolve?
We can trace the history of Agile back to the 20th century when the traditional methods of project development were thought to be failing. Delivering applications took a longer period of time as the bulk of the time was spent on identifying the business needs (Planning). Often times, requirements changed even before the projects were completed and this led to a waste of time and resources even project met its initial objectives. In essence, projects needed to be carried out in a timely and responsive way to yield good results.
In 1994, Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) was founded. The original aim was to provide some discipline to the rapid application development (RAD) method which was in use then. Therefore in 1995, the first version of DSDM was formed. After which, the DSDM Agile Project Framework was revised and became a generic approach to project management and solution delivery rather than being focused specifically on software development and code creation and as such, it could be used for non-IT projects.
The DSDM Agile Project Framework covers a wide range of activities across the whole project lifecycle and includes strong foundations and governance, which set it apart from some other Agile methods. The DSDM Agile Project Framework is an iterative and incremental approach that embraces principles of Agile development, including continuous user/customer involvement.
To know more on how AgilePM® evolved, see our History of AgilePM® page
Is AgilePM globally relevant?
Yes, AgilePM® is globally relevant. An organization’s success is largely dependent on how they constantly deliver useful products. The AgilePM® methodology help organisations deliver projects effectively, at a lower cost and with lower risk. Thereby, ensuring that the value of the product to the customers is optimized throughout the development process through customer collaboration. The practice is universal. As such, it is not limited to any geographical location.
Looking for a course that will equip you with the ‘act of getting things done’ in an efficient manner both in Nigeria and overseas? The AgilePM® qualification is an ideal choice for you.
Is AgilePM acceptable/valuable to employers?
Yes, AgilePM® is relevant to employers. Individuals with the knowledge of the AgilePM® methodology are skilled in applying the tools and techniques used in “getting things done” in an efficient manner. Being a certified Agile Project Manager demonstrates to employers that you are capable of leading successful agile projects using a tried and tested methodology.
Is AgilePM specific to a particular industry?
No, AgilePM® is not specific to any industry. As a matter of fact, regardless of the industry you are in, adopting the AgilePM® methodology is a step in the right direction.
Currently, AgilePM® is used in industries of varying sizes such as; manufacturing, IT, oil & gas and even non-profit organizations. So, whatever industry or organization you find yourself, you are all covered!
Who is Agile Project Management for?
AgilePM® can benefit anybody working in the field of project management. From aspiring or current Project Managers to team members. Also, since it is a generic methodology, it can be adopted in any industry of any size.
The AgilePM® certification course is aimed at the following:
– Project Managers
– Agile team members
– Agile Project Managers
– Senior Managers etc
What will I learn if I opt for
What you will learn is detailed in the syllabi for the different levels of qualification.
To know more on how AgilePM® evolved, see our ‘AgilePM® Resources’ page to learn more
Want to know more about AgilePM?
At Harrybaker we’re determined to ensure learners pass the AgilePM exam at the first sitting. My only question is, will it be you?
