LITMIR.BIZ

       The traditional model, otherwise called waterfall, is a predictive life cycle where the project scope, time, and cost are determined in the early phases of the cycle. Any changes to scope are carefully managed. However, Agile is an adaptive life cycle and it may be iterative and incremental.

       “In an iterative life cycle, the project scope is generally determined early in the project life cycle, but time and cost estimates are routinely modified as the project team's understanding of the product increases. Iterations develop the product through a series of repeated cycles, while increments successively add to the functionality of the product.” Iterative means repetitious actions. In Agile, iterations of project designing, planning, executing, testing, inspecting, and improving are repeated until a project is complete. The iterations increase functionality during a project until it is complete. In comparison, the waterfall includes single stages for designing (requirements definition), planning (project planning), testing/execution, and inspecting. In waterfall, the project constraints of scope, time, and cost are estimated at the beginning of a project. Agile frameworks determine and allow for flexibility on scope, time, and cost during an iteration.

       “In an incremental life cycle, the deliverable is produced through a series of iterations that successively add functionality within a predetermined time frame. The deliverable contains the necessary and sufficient capability to be considered complete only after the final iteration.

       “Adaptive life cycles are Agile, iterative, or incremental. The detailed scope is defined and approved before the start of an iteration. Adaptive life cycles are also referred to as Agile or change‐driven life cycles.

       “A hybrid life cycle is a combination of a predictive and an adaptive life cycle. Those elements of the project that are well known or have fixed requirements follow predictive development life cycle, and those elements that are still evolving follow an adaptive development life cycle.”

       Agile means we start with our internal or external customers and continuously consider customer needs. Customer needs change. Sometimes customers don't know what they need until they see what they do not need. An Agile team's role in completing projects is just as crucial as determining customer needs and figuring out how to deliver value. Agile is customer‐centric.

       Agile means we collaborate early and often. We start by identifying customer needs, write our requirements from the customer's view, and determine the work we can complete as a collaborative team. There is constant communication between team members. We do not wait until a specific meeting or time to communicate and collaborate. If you need to work with a Team Member, you let them know immediately. If you need something from a Team Member to complete your work, you tell them as soon as you know you need it, and preferably before you need it to complete your next task. Agile requires collaboration early in every project and frequently throughout the life of the project.

       Agile means we plan for uncertainty. We not only recognize uncertainty exists; we expect it and plan for it. We are equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to address ambiguity in processes and in customer needs. We are prepared for the unexpected because we planned for it. Agile is being prepared for change.