Every sustainable system consists of a series of actions collectively known as a process. Standardized processes are a norm in many industries, including software development. Nevertheless, each organization tends to have its unique variations tied to standardized methodologies, just like tendons connect muscles.
This connection ensures smooth operations, similar to the movement of your arm. At Buraq IT Station, we apply this concept to create an optimized and seamless process when developing software. By refining our approach over the years, we’ve learned what works best and now apply these insights to deliver an exceptional experience for our clients and partners.
Indeed, project managers and software development teams strive to create a systematic workflow that ensures quality outcomes. Project development requires a blend of skills, experience, and expertise, but it’s more than that. Project managers also dive into the process, implementing specific approaches and methodologies to drive successful outcomes.
Since you’ve landed on our page, we’d love to guide you through how we at Buraq IT Station proceed with Agile project management as a cohesive team.
Why do we love Agile Project Management (APM)?
Agile project management allows for swift, feature-driven software development. By working in sprints, the agile methodology ensures flexibility throughout the entire project development cycle. This flexibility helps prevent the disruptions that often occur when making modifications at already-developed stages. Additionally, agile project management encourages collaboration, ensuring the final product matches the client’s expectations. Buraq IT Station appreciates its talented project managers for expertly blending the tech-savvy team’s skills with agile methodology.
Traditional Project Management
Traditional project management follows a sequential flow, typically through the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), which consists of initiation, planning, execution, testing, monitoring, and deployment phases. This methodology works best for small-sized projects, where goals are clearly defined early on. However, it has drawbacks, such as fixed requirements that prevent changes later in the process. In contrast, agile management offers greater flexibility, making it more adaptable for large, evolving projects.
However, once the project is in the execution phase, customer involvement is limited, making it difficult to accommodate changes. Therefore, agile methodology proves more beneficial for projects requiring ongoing modifications.
Agile Project Management
Agile project management provides freedom and adaptability. For the projects we’ve built, the agile methodology has allowed us to deliver tailored results to meet client demands. It emphasizes collaboration, ongoing adjustments, and continual improvement. Here’s how agile works for us:
A Quick Summary of the Agile Methodology
Agile project management includes several phases that ensure smooth project development while accommodating changes. These phases prevent delays and ensure quality delivery at every step.
1. Requirement specifications and planning
At the initial stage, we meticulously outline the project through the SoW (Scope of Work), considering potential changes during development. We prioritize business value when drafting project requirements.
2. Creating the guideline
To proceed effectively, the team creates guidelines based on blueprints, covering estimated requirements, design features, and sprint goals.
3. Build and test
The project development team builds, tests, and delivers features upon completing each sprint.
4. Continuous deployment of features
Features are regularly released to the client for approval and functionality testing.
5. Review
Completed sprints are reviewed by both the development team and stakeholders, allowing for feedback and adjustments before the next sprint begins.
6. Iterate
We re-evaluate the goal for the next sprint and continue improving the product iteratively.
How Agile Methodology Works Wonders
Agile project management significantly reduces the complexity of large-scale projects. By breaking down the process into small, manageable segments, called sprints, we ensure timely delivery, continuous improvement, and risk mitigation. According to software engineer and author Jim Highsmith, “Agile Project Management (APM)” is an execution-based model, not a control-focused one. The methodology encourages learning and adapting to deliver value to clients.
Principles of Agile Project Management
We believe in applying principles that add value. By adopting agile project management principles, we ensure flexibility, adaptability, and responsiveness throughout the development cycle.
1. Customer-focused approach
Unlike traditional project management, agile ensures constant customer involvement, allowing feedback and input at every stage of the development process.
2. Breaking down large projects
We break down complex projects into smaller tasks, making them more manageable and ensuring each part is delivered on time.
3. Continuous delivery of working features
Frequent delivery allows customers to review, approve, or request changes before moving on to the next phase.
4. Stakeholder collaboration
Our team values the input of all stakeholders throughout the development process, fostering better collaboration and product quality.
5. Motivating the team
We create a collaborative and motivating work environment, ensuring our team stays focused and enthusiastic even in the face of challenges.
To read more, check out our detailed blogs on Buraq IT Station.
