Agile Project Management: Scrum, Kanban, and Beyond Training Course

Course Introduction / Overview:

The modern business environment demands speed, flexibility, and a relentless focus on customer value. Agile project management, with its iterative and adaptive approach, is the definitive methodology for achieving these goals. This training course is a comprehensive masterclass designed to move professionals beyond a superficial understanding of Agile to a practical mastery of its core principles and frameworks. The curriculum covers the two most popular Agile methodologies, Scrum and Kanban, but also explores a wide range of other Agile approaches, including Lean and extreme Programming (XP). This course draws on foundational concepts from the Agile Manifesto and the work of Dr. Alistair Cockburn, a key signatory of the manifesto and co-founder of the International Consortium for Agile. His book, "Agile Software Development: The Cooperative Game", provides a strategic lens on thinking about and responding to agile projects. By integrating Dr. Cockburn's insights with hands-on practice, BIG BEN Training Center offers a comprehensive program that equips project professionals with the skills to lead agile transformations, improve team collaboration, and deliver products that truly meet customer needs with efficiency and speed. This training focuses on building a culture of continuous delivery and adaptation.

Target Audience / This training course is suitable for:

• Project managers and scrum masters.
• Product owners and business analysts.
• Software developers and team leaders.
• IT professionals and systems administrators.
• Program and portfolio managers.
• Executives overseeing agile transformations.
• Anyone working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Target Sectors and Industries:

• Information Technology (IT) and Software Development.
• Financial Services.
• Marketing and Advertising.
• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals.
• Telecommunications.
• Manufacturing.
• Government agencies and equivalents.

Target Organizations Departments:

• Project Management Office (PMO).
• Information Technology (IT) and Systems Development.
• Product Management.
• Engineering and Operations.
• Research and Development (R&D).
• Strategic Planning.

Course Offerings:

By the end of this course, the participants will have able to:

• Master the core principles and values of the Agile Manifesto.
• Lead projects using the Scrum framework, including sprints and ceremonies.
• Implement Kanban to visualize workflows and optimize delivery.
• Create and manage product backlogs and user stories.
• Facilitate effective teamwork and communication within an agile team.
• Use metrics and reports to track agile project performance.
• Adapt and scale agile practices for larger organizations.

Course Methodology:

This training course is delivered through a highly interactive and practical methodology. The program is built around realistic sprints and team-based simulations, allowing participants to apply Agile concepts in a hands-on environment. Through dynamic workshops and group exercises, participants will practice key agile ceremonies, such as sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives. The curriculum is designed to be highly participatory, utilizing peer-to-peer discussions and role-playing to simulate stakeholder engagement and backlog refinement. The instructor will provide expert feedback and guidance, ensuring participants not only understand the frameworks but also develop the mindset needed to be successful in an agile environment. This immersive approach ensures that participants leave with a tangible toolkit and the confidence to lead agile projects immediately. The BIG BEN Training Center is committed to providing a transformative learning experience that builds both technical skills and strategic foresight.

Course Agenda (Course Units):

Unit One: Foundations of Agile.

• Understanding the Agile Manifesto and its 12 principles.
• The difference between Agile and traditional project management.
• Exploring the roles and responsibilities in an agile team.
• An overview of core agile methodologies: Scrum, Kanban, and Lean.
• Building a user story map for a new product.

Unit Two: Mastering Scrum.

• The Scrum framework: Sprints, ceremonies, and artifacts.
• Facilitating daily stand-up meetings and sprint retrospectives.
• Creating a product backlog and prioritizing user stories.
• Executing a sprint and managing the sprint backlog.
• Using burndown charts and other metrics to track progress.

Unit Three: Implementing Kanban.

• The principles of Kanban: visualizing workflow and limiting work in progress.
• Setting up a Kanban board for a project.
• Creating and managing a pull system.
• Measuring flow and lead time.
• Applying Kanban to non-software projects.

Unit Four: Beyond Scrum and Kanban.

• Scaling Agile with frameworks like Safe or Less.
• Introduction to Lean principles and waste reduction.
• Exploring extreme Programming (XP) practices.
• Integrating agile practices with a traditional project management office.
• Transitioning an organization to an agile mindset.

Unit Five: Agile Leadership and Team Dynamics.

• The role of an agile leader and coach.
• Building and empowering self-organizing teams.
• Facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
• Handling conflict and building trust within an agile team.
• Continuous improvement and a culture of learning.

FAQ:

Qualifications required for registering to this course?

There are no requirements.

How long is each daily session, and what is the total number of training hours for the course?

This training course spans five days, with daily sessions ranging between 4 to 5 hours, including breaks and interactive activities, bringing the total duration to 20 - 25 training hours.

Something to think about:

How does a project manager’s role fundamentally change when transitioning from a traditional, predictive approach to an adaptive, agile methodology?

What unique qualities does this course offer compared to other courses?

This training course is distinguished by its practical and comprehensive approach to Agile project management. While many courses focus on a single framework like Scrum, our curriculum provides a holistic view, covering not only Scrum and Kanban but also the underlying principles that make Agile effective. The unique quality lies in its emphasis on experiential learning through simulated sprints and real-world case studies, allowing participants to move beyond theory and directly apply their knowledge. By incorporating insights from thought leaders like Dr. Alistair Cockburn, the course is grounded in both academic rigor and practical application. This training is not just about tools and frameworks; it is about cultivating an agile mindset. Participants will leave with the ability to implement and adapt Agile practices to their specific organizational needs, making this course an invaluable investment for anyone looking to drive innovation and efficiency in their projects.