What are Agile Frameworks?

Agile is a flexible way to manage projects. It’s a set of values and principles designed to handle projects with changing requirements, and deliver value both early and frequently in a project's timeline.

There are several different frameworks used to apply Agile principles. To gain any level of success applying Agile to your project work, you need to have a confident understanding of Agile frameworks and the capability to apply those relevant to your business correctly.

In this article, we give you a brief overview of each Agile framework and its key benefits. We'll also give you pointers on how you can get started using Agile in your projects.

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A Quick Word About Agile

As Agile was created by software developers specifically for software development projects, it is a very responsive and efficient way to handle your project work.

These beneficial characteristics made an Agile approach so appealing that its reach surpassed the IT and software sector. Today, it is used for projects in almost every area of business and industry.

Agile Frameworks List

These frameworks are methods for applying the principles of Agile to a project. Think of Agile as the overall philosophy, and these frameworks as tools you use to carry out that philosophy.

Scrum Framework

Scrum is perhaps the most popular Agile framework.

It is a team-centric framework, utilising clearly defined team roles and responsibilities to implement the responsive style of Agile project management.

Focus: Team-led projects

Kanban

Kanban is similar to Scrum, in that it aims to support teams working at top-level efficiency together.

It zooms in on the workflow aspect of a project, streamlining what is in progress and avoiding bottlenecks in productivity. Kanban usually involves use of a Kanban board or flowchart.

Focus: Streamlining workflow

XP

XP or Extreme Programming is popular in the software development sector due to its goal of frequent releases.

This approach is ideal for projects where continuous value delivery is a high priority.

Focus: Value Delivery

FDD

Feature-Driven Development is not a million miles from XP. It also seeks to deliver value to clients regularly throughout the lifecycle of a project.

This particular framework is client-centric, paying particular attention to stakeholder engagement.

Focus: Stakeholder Management

Crystal

Crystal also dedicates a high level of focus to the project team, and places a lot of value on their ability to make key decisions on what's best for the project's success.

It’s a great option for smaller teams who prefer a “lightweight” approach to their project work – less documentation, reporting and micro-management.

Focus: Self-Managing Teams

DSDM

DSDM stands for “Dynamic Systems Development Method”. Like XP and FDD respectively, it aims for regular value delivery and clear communication with stakeholders.

DSDM concentrates on delivering the project goals on time and within budget.

Focus: Time & Budget Control

Which Agile Framework is Best?

You may have already gathered from reading through the list that there is no "best framework". There is only what's best for your project team, and your project work.

This article gives you a taster of the style and primary benefit of each framework. To delve in further, learn which will be the right fit for your work, and gain an understanding of how to utilise the frameworks, we recommend our Agile Certified Course.

Learning how to Apply Agile Frameworks

Our Agile Certified Course is a natural choice for anyone who wants to get to grips with Agile. We offer this training in a handy self-led, online training format as well as in both classroom and in-house training formats.

During this training, you'll learn about the most popular Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban, and XP). You'll also gain a high level introduction to other frameworks.

No previous Agile experience is required, so this course is suitable for any level of experience.

You'll achieve:

• An understanding of Agile principles and processes
• An introduction to the most popular Agile frameworks
• An internationally recognised Agile certification
• The confidence to implement Agile