Key concepts: Iterative and incremental delivery
Team collaboration and cross-functional teams Continuous improvement practices
Further Resources
- FAQs
- Definition of Agile
- Agile
refers to a set of principles and practices that guide teams in developing software products through incremental delivery, adaptive planning, and continual improvement. Agile emphasises iterative development, close team collaboration, and frequent customer feedback to deliver high-quality solutions quickly and efficiently.Agile methodology at a glanceAspectDescriptionPurpose
Deliver working software frequently, respond to change rapidly
Key values
Individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, responding to change
- ApproachIterative, adaptive, and incrementalPopular frameworks
- Scrum
- , Kanban, Extreme Programming (XP)StakeholdersCustomers, product owners, cross-functional teams, Scrum Masters
Summary of the Agile Manifesto and Its values
- The
- Agile Manifesto
- , published in 2001 by 17 software development experts, established the foundation for
Agile methodologies
- . It promotes four core values and twelve underlying principles to guide teams toward continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
- Agile Manifesto: Four valuesIndividuals and interactions over processes and toolsWorking software over comprehensive documentation
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
Project manager (PM)
This role serves as the central hub of any project, assuming responsibility for its successful execution. This pivotal role involves the coordination of resources, people, and tasks to ensure that the project stays on track and meets its predefined objectives. Some of the core responsibilities that fall under this role include:
- Planning and defining the project scopeCreating and managing budgetsDeveloping schedules and timelines
- Allocating resources efficientlyMitigating risks and resolving issuesCommunicating with stakeholders.Successful PMs
possess a unique set of technical and interpersonal skills:
- Leadership
- : Inspiring and motivating team members to perform at their best
Communication
: Clearly conveying ideas, expectations, and instructions to all parties involved
Problem-solving
- : Addressing and resolving challenges and obstacles efficiently
- Adaptability
- : Adjusting strategies and plans as necessary to meet changing circumstancesOrganisation
: Managing multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously without losing focus.
This role is crucial to the success of any project. It acts as the glue that holds the project together and maintain the entire process moving in the right direction. This role keeps the project aligned with organisational goals, ensure deadlines are met, and foster collaboration and communication among team members. By expertly balancing constraints such as time, budget, and scope, this role significantly increase the chances of achieving the desired project outcomes and delivering value to all stakeholders.
Project sponsorThe project sponsor
- : plays an important part in starting and supporting
- Supporting the transition of solutions into the business and managing effects on people and processesprojectsMain business analysis processes from initiation through completion. This role, typically held by someone at an executive or senior management level, champions the project and ensures it is in alignment with organisational objectives. Some of the key responsibilities that fall under the project sponsor’s domain include:ProcessSecuring funding and resources for the project
- DescriptionApproving the project charter and project scope
Requirements elicitationMaking high-level decisions related to the project
| Gathering information from stakeholders using interviews, workshops, observation, and document analysisProviding resolution to any escalated issues. | Requirements documentationProject sponsors act as the connection between the project team and senior-level stakeholders. They are responsible for clearly communicating the value and progress of the project to these stakeholders. The project sponsor is also the final person with accountability for the project budget and results. | Capturing business and technical requirements in written formats, such as The relationship between the sponsor and the PM is vital to the success of the project. This role oversees the day-to-day operations of the project, while the sponsor provides strategic guidance and support by: |
| user storiesOffers strategic direction | , use cases, or requirement specificationsProvides political support | Requirements validationEliminates organisational barriers. |
| What is business analysis?Ensuring requirements are accurate, feasible, and aligned with business goalsThis strong partnership guarantees that the project is on track, has enough resources and is well aligned with business goals. By actively engaging with and supporting project sponsors, the PM increases the likelihood of project success and stakeholder satisfaction. | Business analysis is the systematic investigation and evaluation of business needs to recommend solutions that achieve organisational objectives. It includes requirements gathering, stakeholder engagement, and process optimisation.Stakeholder engagementProject team members | What does a business analyst do?Building relationships with all parties affected by the change to ensure their needs are metProject team members are a collection of skilled and experienced professionals who apply their specialised knowledge to help projects meet their goals. These team members can take on many different titles or roles, including: |
| SWOT analysisRelated articlesProject team members’ primary responsibilities include:Supporting successful adoption of new processes or systems |
, gap analysis, requirements elicitation, process mapping, use case modelling, and stakeholder analysis. Completing the tasks assigned to them within the specified timelinesCommon business analysis techniques
)
Process mapping tools (such as Visio, Lucidchart)Mind mapping and collaboration softwareData analysis tools (for example, Excel, Power BI)
- MethodologiesBABOK (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge): The leading global standard published by IIBA
- , outlining best practices and techniques for business analysisAgile: An iterative methodology focusing on flexibility, frequent delivery, and collaboration (often using user stories)
- Waterfall methodology:
- A linear, phased project approach suitable for well-defined requirementsChoosing the right methodology depends on project size, risk, stakeholder needs, and desired adaptability.Essential skills and competencies for business analystsAnalytical and critical thinking
Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
- Attention to detail in requirements documentationProblem-solving and solution assessmentKnowledge of business and technical requirements
- Proficiency in process improvement and data analysis
business analysis techniques
include SWOT analysis
, gap analysis, requirements elicitation, process mapping, use case modelling, and stakeholder analysis.
What are the main types of requirements in business analysis?Business analysts work with business requirements
(organisational goals),
stakeholder requirements, and technical requirements (system or IT needs).What is the BABOK?
BABOK refers to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge, a globally-accepted standard containing best practices, techniques, and competencies for business analysis, maintained by IIBA.
What qualifications or certification should a business analyst have?Common certifications include BCS’s Business Analysis Foundation certificate, International Diploma in Business Analysis