Introduction to Agile Webinar

Speaker Introduction

• 11 years of IT experience in software
• Enterprise Agile Coach with SPC (Scaled Agile Certification) and PMI Certification
• 3 years of Agile consulting, training, and agile testing

Webinar Agenda

1. Why move towards Agile?
   • Benefits of Agile adoption
   • Failures of Waterfall model and how Agile addresses them
2. Differences between PMP and PMI-ACP
3. Overview of CSM and PMI-SP
4. Exam criteria for PMI-ACP
   • Prerequisites
   • Achieving PDUs
5. Q&A session

Why Agile?

• Agile is suited for projects with unclear or evolving requirements
• Not all projects benefit from Agile; suitable mostly for volatile environments
• Waterfall model is still suitable for projects with clear, short-term requirements

Key Concepts

• Architectural Runway: Basic Framework that adapts as requirements grow
• Cone of Uncertainty: Importance of not estimating too early due to evolving requirements
• Prioritization of features: Focus on delivering high-value features first
• Reduction of Waste: Focus only on needed features to avoid unnecessary work
• Improved decision making, confidence, trust, and team safety

Key Benefits of Agile

• Reduced waste: Avoid development of unnecessary features
• Increased speed: Regular deliverables every 2-3 weeks
• Improved decision-making
• Empowerment and improved team morale
• Enhanced trust and safety within teams

PMI-ACP Certification

• PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner) certification from PMI
• Covers various Agile methodologies (Scrum, XP, Kanban, Lean, etc.)
• Prerequisites: 1,500 hours of Agile project experience and 2,000 hours of general project experience
• 24 PDUs required to appear for the exam

Differences from CSM (Certified Scrum Master)

• PMI-ACP covers a broad spectrum of Agile methodologies
• CSM focuses only on Scrum

Exam Preparation

• Study 11 recommended books
• Obtain 24 hours of Agile learning (PDUs)
• PMI approval process takes 9-10 days
• PMI-ACP certification is valid for 3 years, requiring renewal with 30 additional PDUs

Career Prospects

• Suitable for Scrum Master, Agile Coach, Testers, and Developers
• Helps in understanding Agile methodologies and improves process implementation

Miscellaneous

• Flexibility and improved collaboration
• Estimates should be based on complexity, not hours
• Contracts in Agile are usually flexible to accommodate changes

Key Takeaways

• Agile focuses on continuous improvement and adaptability
• It's important to prioritize tasks and avoid unnecessary development work
• PMI-ACP certification offers detailed insights into various Agile methodologies, making it a valuable credential for IT professionals