Agile Software Development Evaluating The Methods For Your Organization

Agile methods have taken software development by storm — but a growing controversy over their true effectiveness now pits proponents against detractors in a heated battle of claims. Here at last is a completely impartial guide that gives project managers both expert objective analysis of Agile software development methods and much-needed tools for evaluating the suitability of Agile methods for their organization. The book reviews the Agile Manifesto and the 12 Agile Principles, and discusses in detail each practice of the six most widely recognized Agile methods. Software developers get clear and unbiased insight into adoption implications, the benefits that may accrue, and the potential pitfalls they face.

At its core, this unique assessment resource helps developers systematically address key Agile adoption issues involving organizational culture, customers, staff, tools and processes, and project considerations. A comprehensive start-to-finish worksheet makes it easy for professionals to document observations, draw justifiable conclusions, and market their recommendations to the company. The guide also features expert guidelines for customizing an Agile method, training staff, testing the new method, and evaluating its performance — should readers go the Agile route. Practical ready-to-use tools, including equations and templates in Excel format, are provided in a handy workbook which can be accessed through the author’s website.

Market

Software project managers and executives; senior developers; and software developers.

Contents

Adoption Considerations. Value: “Individuals and Interactions Over Processes and Tools.” Value: “Working Software Over Comprehensive Documentation.” Value: “Customer Collaboration Over Contract Negotiation.” Value: “Responding to Change Over Following a Plan.” The Unstated Value: Keeping the Process “Agile.” The Adoption Decision. Appendix.

About the Author

Alan S. Koch is President and Principle Consultant for ASK Process, Inc. in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania. Previously, Mr. Koch spent 13 years with the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University and taught as an adjunct professor of Computer Science.