Software project managers are often confronted with challenging projects that require innovation, creativity, and adaptability. An agile approach could provide the answer for these project managers, but they have never had a resource for addressing the subtleties of managing an agile project. Jim Highsmith is a renowned consultant, Jolt Award-winning author, and one of the leaders of the agile software development community. He is uniquely qualified to present this material. Any project manager who has heard the buzz, but has worried about the seeming lack of process associated with agile methods, will want to read this book. Any manager wanting to transition from traditional to agile methods will want to use this book as a resource.

Despite a plethora of agile literature, no text has addressed the intricacies of managing projects with agility - - until now!

° Addresses the leading non-published aspect of agile methods: project management

° Part of The Agile Software Development Series from Addison-Wesley

° Contains a handy set of agile tools and instruction on bridging the gap from traditional software project management

Preface.


Introduction.


1. The Agile Revolution.

Programming Methodology  [PTG: AW PROFESSIONAL]   (Computer Science)

JIM HIGHSMITH is Director, Agile Project Management Practice, and Fellow, Business Technology Council at Cutter Consortium. He is also a Member of the Software Development Productivity Council, Flashline, Inc. Highsmith authored Adaptive Software Development, which won the prestigious Jolt award for excellence, and Agile Software Development Ecosystems (Addison Wesley). A recognized leader in the Agile movement, he co-authored the Agile Manifesto and co-founded the Agile Alliance.

“Jim Highsmith is one of a few modern writers who are helping us understand the new nature of work in the knowledge economy.”

—Rob Austin, Assistant Professor, Harvard Business School

“This is the project management book we’ve all been waiting for—the book that effectively combines Agile methods and rigorous project management. Not only does this book help us make sense of project management in this current world of iterative, incremental Agile methods, but it’s an all-around good read!”

—Lynne Ellen, Sr. VP & CIO, DTE Energy

“Finally a book that reconciles the passion of the Agile Software movement with the needed disciplines of project management. Jim’s book has provided a service to all of us.”

—Neville R(oy) Singham, CEO, ThoughtWorks, Inc.

“The world of product development is becoming more dynamic and uncertain. Many managers cope by reinforcing processes, adding documentation, or further honing costs. This isn’t working. Highsmith brilliantly guides us into an alternative that fits the times.”

—Preston G. Smith, principal, New Product Dynamics/coauthor, Developing Products in Half the Time

Now, one of the field’s leading experts brings together all the knowledge and resources you need to use APM in your next project. Jim Highsmith shows why APM should be in every manager’s toolkit, thoroughly addressing the questions project managers raise about Agile approaches. He systematically introduces the five-phase APM framework, then presents specific, proven tools for every project participant. Coverage includes:

• Six principles of Agile Project Management
• How to capitalize on emerging new product development technologies
• Putting customers at the center of your project, where they belong
• Creating adaptive teams that respond quickly to changes in your project’s “ecosystem”
• Which projects will benefit from APM—and which won’t
• APM’s five phases: Envision, Speculate, Explore, Adapt, Close
• APM practices, including the Product Vision Box and Project Data Sheet
• Leveraging your PMI skills in Agile environments
• Scaling APM to larger projects and teams
• For every project manager, team leader, and team member

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