Introduction to Agile | Learn about Agile, Scrum & Kanban

In lecture one, we're introducing ourselves and giving an introduction to the course. You'll get a high-level understanding of what topics we'll be covering over the course and what you'll be able to take away at the end.

In lecture two, we're looking at what is Agile, and where did it come from? Knowing where Agile came from and how it came to be so popular today will help you understand where the benefits are and what drove organisations to adopt this way of working.

We'll look at a timeline showing how Agile methods came about and some of the key events along the way.

In lecture three, we're looking at something we call the Agile Funnel.

The Agile funnel is a simple model that demonstrates how Agile working is made up of values and principles (being agile), as well as frameworks and practices (doing agile).

By the end of this session you'll be able to explain to your colleagues, friends or pet what Agile is made up of - and you'll have a handy diagram up your sleeve too.

In session four, we're looking at why you would use Agile and we'll be going through a model which helps us understand when we'd use agile methods to manage a project vs. traditional methods.

By the end of this session, you will have a good idea as to when Agile would be an appropriate methodology to use in a project.

In session five, we're looking at the four Agile values and how they form the basis for Agile as a management mindset. There's an activity in this session that gets you reflecting on what makes a team truly great, and how that ties into Agile ways of working.

By the end of this session you'll be able to explain what the Agile values are and how they provide a foundation for developing high-performing teams.

In session six, we're looking at the Agile Principles and talking through what they mean practically for the way we work. The agile principles were laid out in the agile manifesto and most of them will seem like common sense, however, you'd be surprised at how easily we can stray from them!

By the end of this session you'll have a good understanding of each of the Agile Principles and why they matter for today's teams and projects.

In session seven, we're taking a look at one of the most popular agile frameworks: Scrum.

When most people talk about using Agile in their teams, projects or organisations, there's a strong chance they're referring to the Scrum framework. In just under half an hour, Ben and Amy will guide you through the Scrum framework and they key elements that make it work.

By the end of this session, you will have a solid understanding of the Scrum framework and how it works practically.

In session eight, we're going to go through an introduction to the other most commonly used agile framework: Kanban.

Kanban is commonly known as a pull system and is remarkably simple to adopt in your team or project. You've probably used Kanban in some part of your life without even realising it, but in this session we'll take you through the essentials.

By the end of this session you'll be able to explain to your friends what Kanban is, and you'll even be able to setup your own Kanban board!

In session nine, we're going to look at how Agile can be implemented in more than just your work projects.

Agile values, principles and practices are fundamentally designed to improve human performance - there's no reason why you can't apply this to other parts of your life! Ben and Amy will talk through some extra-curricular examples of where Agile could help you operate at your best.

By the end of this session you'll hopefully be inspired to put your Agile knowledge to good use in more areas of your life than just work.

In session ten, we're going to talk through some real life case studies of where Agile has transformed an organisation or helped turn-around a project. There's references back to the session What is Agile and Where Did It Come From so make sure you've completed that session first!

By the end of this session you'll have a couple of interesting stories up your sleeve that showcase where Agile has made a real difference to organisations in the recent past.

In session eleven, we're going to talk through some common myths that you may hear about Agile - and hopefully debunk them!

By the end of this session we hope you'll be well prepared to answer some of the tricker questions that may come your way from colleagues, team members or leaders about Agile ways of working. 

In session twelve, we're going to talk through a few hints & tips that we hope will help you on your way to becoming an Agile practitioner. Ben & Amy have years of experience working with teams using Agile (and teams that don't!) and we're confident they can pass on some useful advice.

By the end of this session you'll have a mental cheatsheet to get started as an Agile practitioner.