Agile methodology is a simplified way of breaking down a project into intervals or sequences and adopting the continuous improvement process. People collaborate as a team to ensure work is done at a productive pace and a competitive criteria is used in the strategic management process.

MAIN AGILE METHODOLOGIES

1. Scrum agile methodology

• This is the most common methodology as 90% of agile teams use it. Features are written from the perspectives of the end-users, therefore features are known as user stories.
• The collection of all user stories is called a product backlog. This means a list of all things that could enhance the quality of the product, and then planning is done using the specific user stories.
• Scrum methodology usually consists of;
  (a) The Product Owner – His/her function is to ensure that the right features make it into the product backlog.
  (b) The Scrum Master – His function is to make sure the project is progressing smoothly. He also sets up meetings to address various agendas and ensure consistency prevails.
  (c ) The team – This includes individuals who work in collaboration to ensure the end goal is achieved e.g The developer makes sure the product is designed according to customers’ needs and preferences whereas the tester measures the efficiency and the customer pays for it.

2. Kanban technique

• This technique helps an organization to stay organized as it demonstrates how work flows in an organization. The product owner creates a list of work needing to be accomplished to complete a project. These items are represented on a scrum board which has clear columns indicating the sequential form i.e. the backlog, to-do list, work in progress, and completed tasks.
• The cards are removed once the project is complete.

3. Crystal agile methodology

• Inculcates loose directions and not strict ones, it also places emphasis on the concept of meeting customers’ needs, that individual and interactions are more important than processes and tools. It also means that not important to focus on the development of the team more than what the customer wants.
• In the crystal methodology, the team can find ways to improve and optimize their workflows and every product is always unique, it focuses primarily on people.

IMPORTANCE OF AGILE METHODOLOGIES

1. Increases Productivity - Since work is done in sprints, problems are easily identified and addressed and thus increases product efficiency in the long run.

2. Customer satisfaction – The project is based on the user story and thus customers can air out their needs in a detailed manner, hence enabling the team to tailor the products to meet customers’ needs and preferences.

3. Enhances team collaboration – People work in teams and are headed by the team master in most cases, thus enabling people to have greater interactions and work on a productive output.

4. Flexibility – Agile methodologies enable teams to embrace uncertainty and thus can adapt to changes even in late development.