Business

What Are Agile Methodologies, How to Use and Impacts

admin • 17 Sep 2023

The search for better results and improved productivity is one of the biggest challenges facing all companies today. To achieve this, counting on the help of agile methodologies is essential.

With them, it is possible to guarantee coherent delivery in relation to the defined objectives. Furthermore, well-executed execution is the main challenge of any project.

Furthermore, these methodologies seek better alignment between the team, in order to transmit clearer messages, maintaining efforts towards the final objective. Are you interested and want to know everything about agile methodologies ? Then continue reading this article!

What Are Agile Methodologies?

Agile methodology is a way of conducting projects that seeks to speed up processes and task completion. Not only that, but agile is based on a workflow that is more agile, flexible and without many obstacles.

In this way, these methodologies seek to optimize workflows, improve project productivity and increase the prospects of success for your business.
As a result, your company becomes not only more efficient, but also remains competitive in an increasingly innovative market.

What is the Origin of Agile Methodologies?

Agile methodologies had their origins in the early 2000s, as a response to the challenges faced by traditional software projects. At the time, a group dissatisfied with the rigid and bureaucratic approaches met to discuss and seek more flexible and efficient alternatives.

These professionals came together in the Agile Manifesto, a document that defined the fundamental principles and values ​​of agile methodologies . The manifesto highlighted the importance of individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, and the ability to respond to change.
Then, from these principles, several agile methodologies emerged , such as Scrum, Extreme Programming (XP), Lean Development and Kanban.
Each of these approaches offers a specific framework and practices to promote agility, collaboration and continuous value delivery.

Since then, agile methodologies have been adopted not only in software development, but also in other areas of business. They include marketing, project management and even strategic business management.
The quest for greater efficiency, adaptability and innovation has driven the popularity and continued growth of agile methodologies around the world.

Why Use Agile Methodologies?

The implementation of agile methodologies in project management can bring a number of benefits to companies. See the top 5:

• increased productivity;
• improvements in communication;
• higher quality of the final product;
• integration between sectors and people;
• quick responses to unforeseen events.

What Pillars Are Agile Methodologies Based on?

Agile methodologies consist of 8 different methods (more on each one later). Since all were developed based on 4 fundamental pillars, they are:

• communication — individuals and interactions are more than processes and tools;
• practicality — working software is more than comprehensive documentation;
• Alignment of Expectations and Collaborations — Collaborating with the customer is more than negotiating contracts;
• adaptability and flexibility —responding to change is about more than following a plan.

Agile VS Traditional Methodologies

In order for you to know which one to use in your processes, it is essential to know the differences between agile and traditional methodologies .

Traditional project management methodologies have well-defined steps, following a sequential model, that is, one step must be executed after the other. Therefore, a task cannot be started until the previous one is completed.
The main fear within the traditional methodology is that it does not have much flexibility in relation to changes. This way, any change along the way is viewed with great concern by the project manager.
Agile methodologies “ break” the project into smaller parts. This is because, contrary to the traditional methodology, where you only deliver once with the final project, here you constantly deliver until you deliver the entire project.

The concerns with cost, quality and deadlines are the same as in the traditional methodology. However, you can control and manage the changes that will probably appear throughout the project.

What is the Agile Manifesto?

The manifesto formalizes the existence of the methodologies and establishes principles that characterize them.

It addresses values ​​that all the professionals gathered there agreed to follow and disseminate. As a result, it has become a kind of guide that guides the actions, choices of methods and tools of agile project teams, maximizing results.
Although it is related to the technology sector, the impacts of the Manifesto and the proposed agile development are undeniable and benefit companies from different sectors.

What are the 8 Main Agile Methodologies?

As we said, there are methods that use agile processes to strengthen their approaches, making the procedures in which they are applied more efficient.

Check out the top 8 below:

1 – Scrum

Scrum consists of an agile methodology for planning and managing projects (especially software).

In it, each project is segmented into cycles, generally monthly, known as sprints. They consist of a time box or an interval in which a set of activities must be carried out.

2 – Kanban

Kanban is not just a picture on the wall, on the contrary, it is a management method focused on value streams. In Kanban, the evolution of the process is constant, due to the visibility of problems it brings.

3 – Extreme Programming (XP)

Extreme Programming is a methodology whose main values ​​are communication, simplicity, feedback, courage and respect. It's an excellent approach for small teams with constant scope changes.

4 – Lean

Despite being born within Startup concepts, Lean Manufacturing is a widely used method in product development. The validation of ideas and hypotheses is the main objective of this method.

5 – Dynamic Systems Development Methodology (DSDM)

DSDM is intended for developing projects with a fixed budget and short deadlines. In this methodology, it is considered that the client has no way of knowing how much the final solution will cost.

6 – Feature Driven Development (FDD)

Feature Driven Development is an agile method that is guided by the development of features. Basically in FDD there are two phases in the development of a functionality which are design and construction.

7 – Adaptive Software Development (ASD)

ASD or Adaptive Software Development focuses on developing more complex solutions. With it, the objective is to avoid chaos in deliveries, focusing on human collaboration and self-organization.

8 – Scaled Agile Framework (SAF)

Finally, the SAF is a set of standards that should guide the company to apply agile and lean methodologies . Its objective is to align agile teams regarding their responsibilities, the values ​​to be worked on and the level of delivery.

When to Use Agile Methodologies?

Has the company started a new project? So, it's time to use the methodologies.

Do you already have a project underway and your management ended up getting a little confused as it progressed? So know that it's never too late to adopt an agile method and implement it in your team: all it takes is an overview of this need and teamwork.

What Are the Impacts of Agile Methods on Your Company?

The adoption of agile methodologies can bring several positive impacts to companies, we will see some of them below.

Significant Increase in Productivity

Agile methodologies promote a focused and efficient approach, encouraging collaboration and continuous value delivery. This results in greater team productivity and faster project completion.

Multiple Deliveries

Agile methodologies divide projects into sprints or short cycles. This allows teams to deliver working parts of the product at a steady pace.

This provides a sense of continuous progress and enables early validation of features.

Product quality

Agile methodologies emphasize the importance of close collaboration with customers and constant feedback. Leading to a greater focus on product quality, teams can continually adjust and improve based on user needs and expectations.

Greater Employee Engagement

With agile methodologies , team members take an active role in project planning and execution. Promoting engagement, shared responsibility and a more collaborative work environment.

Reduction of Problems and Failures

The agile approach includes practices such as regular reviews and continuous testing, which allows for early detection of problems and failures. Reducing the risks and costs associated with rework, resulting in a significant improvement in efficiency.

Independence and Productivity

Agile methodologies give teams autonomy, allowing them to make decisions and self-organize. This creates a more independent work environment, in which employees feel empowered to take responsibility and produce results effectively.

Customization

Agile methodologies are highly flexible and adaptable to the specific needs of each project and team. Allowing companies to customize their agile practices, adjusting them according to their individual realities and requirements.

Greater Customer Satisfaction

By frequently delivering functional product increments, customers have the opportunity to test and use software sooner.

This allows your needs to be met more quickly and accurately, resulting in greater customer satisfaction and stronger business relationships.

What Are the Challenges Faced by Agile Methodology?

When implementing agile methodologies , it is important to be aware of the challenges that may arise.

Some of these challenges include resistance to change, managing expectations, effective collaboration, time management and prioritization, building cross-functional teams, maintaining quality, scalability, and customer engagement.
But when implementing an agile approach, it is common to encounter challenges. Some people may resist change, especially those used to traditional methods.

Managing the expectations of customers and stakeholders accustomed to fixed timelines can also be complex.
Therefore, balancing time and prioritizing important tasks is essential. Assembling teams with complementary skills and ensuring quality in fast deliveries is one of the challenges. To overcome these challenges, commitment, flexibility and a culture of openness to change are required.