Anyone involved in project management has likely heard the term “Agile.” It encompasses various project management approaches, frameworks, systems, and values. We’ve compiled this Agile methodology glossary to explain some important terms.
Quick Review: What is the Agile Methodology?
Agile processes refer to a project management style originally aimed at streamlining software development projects. The Agile approach has since been adopted by other industries and scaled for application in larger, more complex projects and Agile project portfolio management (PPM). Agile methodologies prioritize efficiency and collaboration, breaking projects into short phases of work and focusing on continual process refinement. It is a versatile, flexible approach to complex projects that can help align teams and projects with a business’s long-term goals.
Agile Methodology Glossary: 19 Key Terms to Know
Whether you are new to Agile or brushing up on your vocab, here are some key terms to help you feel confident in your understanding of the Agile approach.
1. AC – Acceptance Criteria
To satisfy clients and stakeholders, you must meet the required criteria. These are the conditions that determine the acceptability and success of a project’s end goal.
2. Acceptance Testing
This is the quality assurance (QA) process that evaluates if and how a product meets the outlined acceptance criteria. For software, this usually includes testing usage scenarios and identifying any overlooked bugs.
3. Agile Manifesto
This is the document at the heart of all Agile methodologies. Released in 2001, it lays out the 12 Agile principles that define the process.
4. Antipattern
These processes or solutions address a problem but ultimately become counterproductive. An antipattern may seem like a sensible solution to a common problem at first, but over time, it reveals itself to be inefficient or wasteful.
5. Backlog
A list of tasks that must be completed to reach a goal. Think of it as a to-do list of work items that contribute to the overall success and completion of a project. People may also refer to it as a product backlog, as the project roadmap outlines the requirements for the finished product.
Related:
- Backlog grooming/refinement involves reviewing work items, prioritizing them properly, and ensuring the availability of necessary resources to complete them.
- The sprint backlog lists items pulled from the product backlog for completion during a sprint or iteration of a project. It is not usually subject to refinement due to the quick turnaround time.
6. Bottleneck
Work items pass through various phases until someone marks them as “complete.” When too many tasks accumulate in a single stage, that stage creates a bottleneck, slowing productivity and disrupting the project’s flow.
7. Burndown & Burnup Charts
These are graphical representations of how much work is left to be done, and how much has already been completed. Burndown charts visually represent the remaining work and completed work, helping project managers track team progress. Burnup charts, on the other hand, show progress relative to the overall project.
8. Cadence
The cadence of a project measures the time it takes to complete iterations of a project. It should convey a consistent rhythm of productivity, with teams completing iterations or sprints on a reliable, predictable schedule.
9. DSDM – Dynamic Systems Development Method
An Agile project framework aligns every project with the company’s strategic goals.
10. Epic
A large chunk of work that is divided into smaller, more manageable tasks. An epic usually covers multiple iterations or sprints.
11. Gantt Chart
A horizontal bar graph that is used to visually track project and task timelines.
12. Iteration
A short period of time, usually up to two weeks, where a team works to provide a deliverable. It may also be called a “sprint,” as it’s meant to be a quick hustle towards a clear project goal.
13. Kanban
Japanese for “signboard.” It’s a highly visual Agile project framework that relies on a Kanban board, or task board, that organizes and displays work items for easy management.
14. Lean
A set of practices meant to optimize productivity and workflow with the idea that it’s best to work smarter, not harder. It is an Agile methodology designed to prioritize efficiency and reduce wasted time, effort, and resources.
15. Scrum
A popular Agile framework that centers on collaboration, experimentation, and cycles of work that are meant to encourage continual improvement. The core principles of the Scrum method are transparency, inspection, and adaptation.
Related:
- Scrumban: a hybrid method that combines elements of Scrum and Kanban
- Scrum board: a visual project management tool to organize tasks.
- Daily Scrum: a short daily team huddle to cover current tasks, give updates, identify obstacles, and make sure everyone is on the same page.
16. Sprint Retrospective
A team review meeting held after a sprint to identify what went well and target areas for improvement. Regularly assessing and optimizing processes is a key factor in making the Agile method effective.
17. User Story
This is a specific feature or quality in the finished product that users will find helpful. It is usually expressed in the form of a “who, what, and why” direction: who would be using it, what they want it to do, and for what purpose.
Related:
- Story Points: unit of measurement assigned to tasks to convey the amount of effort it will require.
18. Velocity
This is distinct from the cadence of a project. The velocity refers to the amount of work that can be completed in each sprint. Therefore, a consistent task velocity will result in a good work cadence.
19. XP – Extreme Programming
An Agile project methodology for software development that prioritizes simplicity and speed. It involves short work cycles with minimal documentation.
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