Agile Programme Management

Abstract

Agile, originally derived in part from the manufacturing sector, has evolved into a set of principles and practices that have flourished within and found applications beyond the IT sector. Its adaptive, value-driven, collaborative and empowering essence drives innovation in an iterative and incremental manner that is founded upon organisational and experiential learning. Over time, many methodologies (e.g., XP, Scrum, DSDM, SAFe®) have become established reflecting different facets of Agile ranging from engineering, product development, project management and enterprise architectural perspectives all of which continue to be influenced by other developments (e.g., lean). Assessed in the sober light of day, however, Agile not only poses but also faces challenges within organisations that must question the role of existing structures and hierarchies, people factors together with their culture and processes that ultimately address the core nature and existence of the enterprise.