Q: Is Scrum the same as Agile project management?

No, Scrum is not the same as Agile project management . The term Agile pertains to a general set of guiding ideals and principles, while Scrum serves as one specific framework within Agile for managing and finishing projects efficiently.

Question 1

Are Agile project managers in demand?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Agile project managers are indeed sought after. The trend towards adopting Agile practices in various fields has led to a rising demand for project managers with expertise in Agile methodologies.

Question 2

Do you need a PM in Agile?

Accepted Answer

It is a reasonable question to ask if a PM is needed in Agile. All projects require a project manager, yet Agile techniques can be applied outside of projects, such as maintaining existing software. Scrum is intended for product development, not for project management in Agile, and does not define the function of a PM. If Scrum is used in projects, assigning a PM should be considered. This role could double as the Scrum Master, depending on the needs of your organisation and project. A project manager's role includes understanding the project's value and integration post-completion. Therefore, PMs are vital, even in Agile projects.

Question 3

How do I get into Agile project management?

Accepted Answer

Getting into Agile project management generally needs experience in project management or Agile, plus an Agile project management qualification.

Select a specialised Agile project management qualification, rather than an Agile development method like Scrum as it isn't suited for project management. The two main qualifications available are AgilePM and PRINCE2 Agile. Both offer Foundation qualifications for beginners and Practitioner qualifications for those seasoned in Agile project management. These include:

Question 4

Is Scrum a PM methodology?

Accepted Answer

No, Scrum isn't a PM methodology. Rather, Scrum is an Agile framework designed for managing complex projects. It emphasises iterative progress and teamwork collaboration.

Question 5

Is Scrum the same as Agile project management?

Accepted Answer

No, Scrum is not the same as Agile project management. The term Agile pertains to a general set of guiding ideals and principles, while Scrum serves as one specific framework within Agile for managing and finishing projects efficiently.

Question 6

Is there a PM in Agile?

Accepted Answer

No, a project manager is not present in Agile. All Agile methods, including Scrum, do not incorporate a project manager. Agile techniques focus on product development iteratively, not project management. Methods like Agile project management and PRINCE2 Agile merge Agile at the project level. Originally, DSDM and later AgilePM were developed to fill this gap encompassing project management techniques.

Question 7

What do you mean by Agile project management?

Accepted Answer

The term Agile project management refers to a flexible method of project management, where tasks are executed incrementally and iteratively through multiple iterations, known as sprints. It prioritises collaboration and adaptability, founded on fundamental Agile principles. Planning only extends until the end of each sprint, which lasts 1-4 weeks, allowing quick adaptation to change.

Unlike the traditional 'waterfall' method, where projects follow a strict sequence, Agile fosters immediate responsiveness to alterations.

Question 8

What is Agile in a project?

Accepted Answer

Agile in project contexts is a flexible method of project management, with work completed in iterative, incremental cycles called iterations or sprints. This approach prioritises adaptability and collaboration, founded on fundamental Agile principles. Planning is short-term, up to the next sprint, usually 1-4 weeks, allowing for quick adaptation.

In contrast, traditional 'waterfall' projects follow a linear phase-by-phase approach and are less responsive to change.

Question 9

What is Agile methodology in PM?

Accepted Answer

Agile methodology in project management splits projects into fixed time periods known as sprints. Agile project management values flexibility and collaboration, built on core Agile principles. Work planning only extends to the conclusion of the upcoming sprint, ranging from 1 to 4 weeks, allowing for quick adaptations to new conditions.

Agile project management differs from the traditional 'waterfall' method, where planning is upfront with linear phases. Each phase advances only after meeting specific conditions, making it harder to respond promptly to changes compared to Agile.

Question 10

What is Agile working in project management?

Accepted Answer

Agile working in project management focuses on being adaptable to changes in requirements. This framework and mindset is aimed at delivering maximum value based on business priorities within time and budget constraints, especially where delivery urgency supersedes risks.

Question 11

What is an Agile approach in project management?

Accepted Answer

An Agile approach in project management is centred on iterative and incremental delivery throughout a project's lifecycle. Agile development includes various methodologies like Scrum, Lean, DSDM, and eXtreme Programming (XP).

Two main Agile project management methods are AgilePM and PRINCE2 Agile, with training available for both.

Question 12

What is an Agile management course?

Accepted Answer

An Agile management course introduces participants to Agile project management, which is a flexible and iterative method of delivering value to customers. The course teaches the application of Agile principles in project planning and execution. It explores Agile frameworks such as Scrum and Kanban.

Popular choices for Agile management courses are:

Question 13

What is PM in Agile?

Accepted Answer

PM in Agile signifies the role of an Agile project manager, who manages projects from start to finish in an Agile manner. They need versatile skills and excellent organisational capabilities to handle challenging tasks, optimally allocate resources, and ensure tasks are completed on schedule. Unlike the conventional linear 'waterfall' method, Agile uses iterative and incremental processes.

Question 14

What is the Agile methodology in project management?

Accepted Answer

The project management methodology known as Agile empowers teams to adapt and improve their work through regular cycles. This approach helps ensure the team can refocus as customer needs and project requirements change. Though initially challenging, Agile offers a flexible framework that effectively embraces change.

Question 15

What is the difference between PM and Agile?

Accepted Answer

The difference between PM and Agile is that Agile adopts a flexible and adaptive approach, whereas traditional project management utilises a linear and sequential strategy called 'waterfall'. This conventional technique works best for projects with stable requirements, demanding detailed control and planning.

Question 16

Which Agile project management certification is best?

Accepted Answer

Determining the best Agile certification for you depends on your objectives. If you're new to Agile, consider the AgilePM Foundation if you know Agile already, or the PRINCE2 Agile Foundation if you know PRINCE2.

For seasoned Agile project managers, the AgilePM Practitioner suits those with Agile knowledge, and PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner is suitable for those new to Agile.

Some may suggest a Scrum certification for Agile project management. However, Scrum isn't a project management method, so a targeted Agile project management certification is preferable.

Agile project management FAQs