Stages That Lead From Agile Development Towards Agile Business!

If you thought that strategy analysis is the magic bullet to ensure the smooth working of a business, then it is time you learn about the Agile approach. Indeed, strategy analysis is essential for identifying organizational loopholes and improving them.

But, the Agile development strategy works wonders in creating more productive and efficient ways of working. As a result, there is a boost in employee morale, better team collaboration is achieved, and higher quality products are created that meet customer satisfaction.

The path to enterprise agility is a journey comprising various stages. And, each stage plays its part in the transformation that touches every facet of the organization.

The Journey Towards Business Agility

There is no single path to business agility. While some organizations is Agile right from the start, others adapt to it on the go. Regardless of the approach, pace, or gamut of Agile transformation, the journey comprises two broad, iterative stages.

Stage 1: Testing out new methodologies and tools with a small team

Most Agile developments start with understanding a commonly-owned aspiration, designing a blueprint to chalk out how agility will add business value, and launching pilots to test the Agile operating area.

Aspiration: The success of the Agile transformation requires a strong understanding of shared aspirations. In addition, efficient leadership from the top acts as a powerful drive throughout the transformation journey.

Creating a blueprint: The blueprint of the Agile operating model provides the design and clear vision of how a new strategy should work. It is developed in a fast and iterative manner and should identify how the technology, people, and processes of the new operating model must change.

Overall, the blueprint development has five stages:

  • Understanding how the industry and individual organization creates value
  • Defining the organizational structure
  • Identifying Agile teams and defining missions
  • Outlining core processes, people, and technology requirements
  • Deciding on an implementation approach

Agile Pilots: The purpose of Agile pilots is to test the operating model in a defined area. Pilot projects often involve multiple teams to test the broader aspects of business agility. They begin with defining the scope of the Agile pilot and finally go on to outlining the way in which the pilot will run.

Stage 2: Translation into broader business agility

The final broad stage of enterprise Agile adoption involves scaling the success of the pilots through an iterative approach based on continuous feedback and capability building.

Rolling out Agile cells: The structure of Agile organizations can be thought of as comprising “cells” or “teams” built around common missions. Agile cell deployment and support involve designing and rolling out new Agile cells in waves, including assignment of new roles to people.

Transforming the backbone: Transformation of the organization’s backbone entails an overhaul of the core processes and systems to make them Agile-ready.

Building new capabilities: Successful scaling of an Agile operating model requires an organization-wide adoption of new skills, behaviors, and mindsets. This critical and vital phase of the Agile transformation calls on the staff to take on new roles and responsibilities while building advanced capabilities and skills.

How to look for business analytics courses in India?

If you are looking for industry-oriented business analytics courses in India, then how about an Agile business analyst certification?

Imarticus offers a comprehensive Post Graduate Program for Agile Business Analyst in association with accredited training partner IIBA. The 6-month business analyst certification course combines hands-on training, practical assignments, business role-plays, and real industry case studies to train for a promising career as an Agile business analyst. In addition, learners will get one-on-one mentorship and career assistance throughout the course of the program.

How Companies Apply Agile Methodologies and Practices in Business?

Agile methodologies and practices have transcended the software development industry to impact almost all business sectors. The idea is to become an agile organization that’s quick in responding to marketplace and environmental changes.

Agile creates innovative, multidisciplinary, and cross-functional teams which encourage growth, boost self-organization, increase employee engagement, and break organizational barriers to nurture communication and collaboration.

While strategy analysis helps business analysts to identify and meet the strategic and vital needs of the organization, Agile methodologies and practices facilitate quick response to changes. Thus, both strategy analysis and Agile practices go hand in hand to help companies flourish.

Applying Agile Behaviour and Practices

The individuals making up the business team adapting to new mindsets and behaviors is the key to implement Agile practices. In addition, companies must advocate a supportive environment that allows individuals to respond better to change and increase business value.

Scheduling Daily 15-minute Stand-Ups

A great alternative to lengthy staff meetings, organizing 10-15 minute stand-ups daily helps in staying up-to-date with the team’s tasks and efforts. In addition, it encourages an atmosphere of transparency and accountability where team members answer three questions:

  • What have I done since the last stand-up?
  • What will I do today?
  • What challenges do I face?

Breaking Down Projects Into Iterations

Project management has become a critical aspect of most businesses. But in reality, most companies run into a crisis when the project becomes too large and complex to handle. The Agile methodology stresses breaking down the project into achievable chunks for better project management. Known as “iterations” or “sprints” in software development, dividing the work into measurable pieces helps estimate the project duration and reduces the employees’ stress.

Creating a Transparent Backlog of Prioritised Tasks

In Scrum, a product backlog is an orderly list of all that is needed for a product’s improvement. It’s part of the product development process where new elements can be added and reprioritized. Maintaining a transparent backlog gives an overview of the team’s work division and helps monitor both the short and long-term progress.

Partnering with End-Users for Continuous Feedback

Waiting until the end of a process to show your work to clients results in a significant waste of time and resources. What if the client is not satisfied with your work? You would have to go back and start from scratch, which is no less than a nightmare for the team. However, Agile methodology emphasizes constant feedback on the go. Hence, you can rectify mistakes at early stages, save time, and ensure that the project is heading in the right direction.

Tasks and Duties of an Agile Business Analyst

Agile business analyst coursRegardless of the business analyst certification, an Agile business analyst course must be prepared to fulfill the following responsibilities:

  • Focusing on understanding business problems
  • Ensuring that requirements align with current business needs
  • Being an expert in the business domain to be able to answer questions from the development team
  • Delivering products frequently and within the shortest timescale possible

How To Look for Business Analytics Courses in India?

If you’re looking for business analytics courses in India, there are quite a few courses available online. Among these, Imarticus offers a Post Graduate Program for Agile Business Analysts. It’s a comprehensive 6-month business analyst certification program to help individuals prepare for the responsibilities of being an Agile Business Analyst. The course is packed with hands-on training and multiple case studies to prepare professionals who can confidently face the competitive business world.