Agile Frameworks Adapt to Organizational Needs

By Julie Easterly, PMP

PMI Portland has highlighted Agile principles in our recent events and publications. Our March Chapter Meeting Education and Keynote sessions focus on Agile mindsets and the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). Here is a brief introduction to the concepts.

Selecting the right project management methodology is crucial to successfully completing a project. Which method is best for you? Understanding the differences can help with that decision.

Agile, Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), and Scrum are linked concepts. View Agile as the umbrella methodology. Scrum is a framework for using Agile practices, relying on cross-functional teams, specific supporting roles and a regular delivery “cadence.” SAFe is a way to scale Scrum to more complex projects involving an entire enterprise.

The Agile mindset evolved when project and product managers found it took too long to get new software to end users. They needed a more timely and responsive approach. Agile relies on teams and collaboration, using iterative stages and continuous improvement to manage to completion. These principles offer a light framework for teams, helping them maintain focus on rapid delivery. 

Scrum is an Agile framework often used to manage complex product development. It, too, employs an iterative, incremental approach to optimize predictability and control risk. It utilizes cross-functional teams to develop, deliver and sustain products through collaboration, accountability and iterative progress. Scrum process controls are guided by transparency, inspection and adaptation, and Scrum is best suited for smaller teams.

SAFe builds off Scrum, scaling the approach for larger teams and applying a tiered approach across an enterprise. It follows nine principles:

  1. Take an economic view 
  2. Apply systems thinking 
  3. Assume variability, preserve options 
  4. Build incrementally with fast, integrated learning cycles 
  5. Base milestones on objective evaluation
  6. Visualize and limit work in process
  7. Apply cadence (timing)
  8. Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers
  9. Decentralize decision-making

SAFe’s goal is to synthesize knowledge and lessons learned to create a system that is integrated and has proven practices that result in improved employee engagement, time-to-market, solution quality and team productivity.