How Agile and PRINCE2 Can Play Nicely Together

I'm involved in the "How PRINCE2 and Agile can play nicely together" presentation that will be given at the next Prince2 and Agile Meeting.

I'm really excited by this. Yes, excited.

I know you think that I'm nuts and yes, you're probably right, but this is one of the issues that faces Agile developers in a government department.

We have to appease the gods of process and control - that's where PRINCE2 comes in. Upper management love the way that they feel like they're in control.

And if we can convince them that Agile is not a dirty word and will work with a governance method like PRINCE2, then we may just be able to bring new concepts into the area.

That way, everyone's happy.

And that can only be a good thing.

PRINCE2 and Agile, Round #2

The next PRINCE2 and Agile interaction meeting will be on Wednesday night at Wizard Solutions, 15 Barry Drive Turner, starting at 6pm.

This month there will be some small presentations on the way that PRINCE2 and Agile methods can play nicely together and what documentation from PRINCE2 is similar/different to documents in Agile methods.

See this for more details.

let me at them!

I was at a workshop with the business today. I spent over 2 hours presenting material on:
- what we've been doing,
- what we are about to do,
- prioritising coarse grained requirements,
- discussing a particular chunky concept, and
- gathering new requirements.

It was brilliant. I really enjoy these kind of things.

We started getting the business involved in a more agile development way and showing them how great things can be achieved faster and easier than they imagined (or are used to). All it takes is motivated people and the ability/authority to communicate.

As an example, a requirement that was suggested today, should be further analysed and delivered to production within about a month.

I know that according to Mary Poppendieck that cycle time should be improved, but it's the best I can do right now!

The best comment I received today was from a BA on our team said that she thought I would make a great BA. I take that as a compliment as I like to bust the preconceived ideas about what a developer is. (Damn stereotypes)

Report on the Agile and PRINCE2 Meeting

That was a fantastic start to the discussion of this topic.

We had some very experienced PRINCE2 people, including the person who brought PRINCE2 to Australia.

We also had some experienced Agile people there too. (Agile is younger than PRINCE2, and I don't want to start a competition!)

The discussion was very constructive and both parties were interested in seeing why and how they can interact. From the initial conversation, I can't see how with a little tweaking it can't be achieved.

We intend to break into small groups and look at particular issues and spend some time working out how they can be overcome.

I would like to thank Rowan who did most of the organising and Lawrie for coaxing the PRINCE2 guys to come along. Great Stuff!

There is more information on the Agile Canberra Group page at this link.

PRINCE2 and Agile - the meeting

On Wednesday 12th September at 6pm at Wizard Solutions Building in Civic, we will be having a meeting to discuss how PRINCE2 and Agile processes may better interact.

I'm excited by this kind of thing. I really enjoy talking about software development and ways to make it better.

I'm hoping to discuss how a structured project management process, PRINCE2, can interact with a process that is more flexible. We have some very experienced PRINCE2 practitioners and trainers coming along, so it should be great.

I hope that all can walk away with a better understanding of what each is trying to achieve and find ways to work with each other, rather than against.

If you want to come along, then please contact me by commenting on this post and I'll send you the details.

I will post up any exciting outcomes...

PRINCE2 vs Scrum

I was at 1 day overview of PRINCE2 today. It was interesting. Much better than I expected. The trainer was very good and he showed interest in the business aspect and the delivery as much as the process. Previously, I had viewed PRINCE2 as process focused, I.E. if I tick this box, then my project must succeed.

I am a certified Scrummaster. I wanted to better understand PRINCE2 so that it will be easier to see how the two play together.

Essentially, both frameworks/processes want the same thing: Successful delivery of projects to the customer/business. They have a few differences in their approach, but I think that this can be worked out.

I'm going to keep in contact with the trainer, as the Agile SIG that I'm involved in is also keen to get this sorted. He was also interested in this issue.

Oh, and I'm still an agile fan, but we need to determine how we can still function in a more process driven framework. I can't see PRINCE2 disappearing in the short term...

bye mitch

I read tonight that Mitch has moved to Melbourne.

I used to see Mitch every so often around the Canberra and at local geek events and I'm sorry to see him go.

I wish him well in Melbourne.

Rewarded?

I lent a colleague one of my recommended books a while ago - Code Complete by Steve McConnell. He returned it today with five $1 scratchies.

Thanks Dave. Much appreciated, but unnecessary.

I'm more than happy to lend my books in the hope that it improves their knowledge and they may do the same for myself or others.