Achieving success in projects

An approach to software development based on continuous communication, flexibility, and rapid response. It provides more efficient development and project management, which is why an increasing number of companies are adopting Agile methodologies.

The Agile Manifesto, created by a group of software development experts in 2001, is a statement that formulates the core principles and values upon which the Agile approach should be based.

It includes four key values:

1. Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
2. Working software over comprehensive documentation
3. Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
4. Responding to change over following a plan

Additionally, the manifesto outlines 12 guiding principles for working with Agile:

• Satisfying customer needs through early and continuous delivery of valuable software is our highest priority.
• Changes in requirements are welcomed, even late in the project. Agile processes harness changes for the customer's competitive advantage.
• The primary measure of progress is working software. Agile teams strive for regular product deliveries throughout the entire project.
• Agile teamwork involves close collaboration with customers and stakeholders to ensure better understanding of requirements and expectations.
• Trust, respect, and support among team members, as well as between the team and the customer, are critical factors for successful projects.
• Agile teams use simple and effective methods, avoiding unnecessary complexity and bureaucracy.
• Continuous attention to quality and technical excellence is crucial for achieving success.
• Agile teams aim for maximum speed and efficiency using iterative and incremental development approaches.
• Agile teams maintain constant focus on improving project processes and development methods to enhance effectiveness.
• Frequent iterations and feedback allow Agile teams to quickly adapt to changes and correct errors.
• Self-organization and multidisciplinary skills enable high performance within Agile teams.
• Agile teams seek to achieve maximum value for the client while ensuring maximum satisfaction for the team.

Agile is not just a methodology; it’s a philosophy for managing projects.

Scrum is an agile project management methodology based on the following principles:

1. Transparency: All project participants must have access to up-to-date information about the work process and project progress.
2. Inspection: Regular updates and evaluations of the project to make decisions based on current information.
3. Adaptation: Quick adaptation to changes, allowing results to be achieved in unpredictable conditions.
4. Self-Organization: The team itself makes decisions on how to achieve project goals.
5. Collective Responsibility: The whole team is responsible for the outcome, not just individual members.
6. Focus on Goals: The team must be focused on achieving the project objectives.
7. Iterative Approach: Projects are broken down into iterations, each having its own goal and result.
8. Time-Boxing: Tasks and iterations are time-bound, promoting faster processes and timely results.

For large-scale projects, Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS) is used.
Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS): This framework is based on Scrum principles and designed for managing large projects involving multiple teams and complex systems. It helps manage several teams by uniting them into one larger team while maintaining the fundamental principles and values of Scrum.


Here are some tools that can assist in managing Scrum projects:

• Jira: A popular project management platform that includes features for working with Scrum.
• Trello: A user-friendly tool for visualizing tasks, which can also apply Scrum methodology.
• Asana: Another popular project management tool that supports Scrum workflows.
• Scrumwise: A specialized tool specifically designed for running Scrum-based projects.
• Agilefant: A free project management tool intended for Agile and Scrum methodologies.
• Targetprocess: Another project management instrument suitable for Scrum contexts.
• SprintGround: A cloud-based tool that assists teams in working with Scrum.

These are just some of the available tools that may help manage Scrum projects, and the choice of a specific tool depends on the particular needs and requirements of your project.

Principles of Kanban include:

• Visualization of Process: This principle suggests displaying the entire work process on a board or another tool so that all participants can see what is happening at every stage.
• Limiting Work-in-Progress (WIP): This involves limiting the number of tasks that can be worked on simultaneously to avoid overload.
• Managing Flow: This principle focuses on managing the flow of tasks to prevent delays and interruptions in work.
• Process Transparency: This ensures openness and transparency in the work process.
• Communication and Collaboration: This emphasizes communication and collaboration among all participants involved in the process.
• Improvement Through Iterations: This entails continuously improving the work process through an iterative approach.
• Engaging Leadership: This highlights leadership involvement and active participation from management in the work process.

Some tools that can aid in managing Kanban projects:

• Trello: A free online task management tool that uses Kanban boards.
• Asana: A popular project management tool that can be used for Kanban methodology.
• Kanban Tool: A specialized online tool for managing tasks and projects using the Kanban method.
• LeanKit: An online tool that allows you to create Kanban boards, manage tasks, and analyze data.
• Jira: A project management platform that can also be used with the Kanban method.
• Kanbanize: An online tool offering Kanban board creation, task and process management, and data analysis capabilities.
• Taiga: A free online project management tool supporting the Kanban method.
• MeisterTask: A task management tool utilizing the Kanban approach.

A key feature of Kanban is the visualization of the work process. It enables everyone to see the entire workflow in one place and understand which tasks are being executed, who is working on them, and where they stand. This helps teams work more efficiently, accelerate product delivery, and improve overall work quality.

Other important aspects of Kanban include limiting WIP, managing flow, process transparency, communication and collaboration, improvement through iterations, and engaging leadership. Each of these elements contributes to enhancing team productivity and the effectiveness of the product development process.

Waterfall is a sequential model of the project life cycle consisting of several phases. Here are some principles underlying the Waterfall methodology:

• Phases: Waterfall is divided into several distinct phases, each of which must be completed before the next phase begins.
• Rigid Planning: The project plan is developed at the very beginning, and the entire project must adhere strictly to this plan.
• Strict Deadlines: All work within a given phase must be finished by the end of that phase.
• Rigorous Change Management: Any changes to project requirements should be made at the start of the project. Afterward, no additional changes should occur that could impact the project timeline.
• Limited Communication: Interaction with the client primarily occurs at the beginning and end of the project.
• Outcome: The final result must be fully completed and verified before handover to the client.

These principles help manage the project and monitor its execution within specified timelines and client requirements. However, because the Waterfall methodology does not accommodate flexibility or changing requirements, it might be less suitable for projects where client demands may evolve during the course of work.

The key characteristic of the Waterfall model lies in its sequential and linear approach to project execution, where each phase concludes before the subsequent one commences.

Tools for managing projects under the Waterfall methodology include Gantt charts, Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) diagrams, network diagrams, Gantt Chart diagrams, progress reports, and other project management tools.

There are various online services that can be utilized for managing Waterfall projects. Some of the most popular ones include Microsoft Project, GanttPRO, Smartsheet, Wrike, Trello, Asana, Monday.com, and others. These services offer a wide range of planning, resource management, deadline control, and performance tracking tools, providing transparency across all team members.


Additional online services for managing projects using the Waterfall methodology are:

• ProjectManager.com
• Basecamp
• Zoho Projects
• Workfront
• LiquidPlanner
• Clarizen
• JIRA
• ClickUp

Each of these services offers unique features and capabilities for project management, along with tools for tracking progress and completing tasks.

You can read the second part of the article here.