Ideally suited for those involved with a development project, Agile skills ensure professionals have the tools to improve project & performance through earlier visibility. Best suited to those looking to improve their project management expertise through scrum master certification, Scrum is a horizontal framework, all departments and levels can benefit from it and all will need training on these ideas in order to successfully transition a company. While the most popular market is the in software industry, there are other industries that benefit greatly from this methodology: manufacturing, research and development, service industries like healthcare and education, and even promoting.

This program offers a comprehensive study of materials that will help learners to fully understand the concepts of Agile and Scrum. Beginning with an introduction to the core philosophy of Agile and the basic structure of an Agile project, the following modules address specific challenges that may be encountered by teams using Agile, best practices for integrating Agile methods into Waterfall environments, and the principles of Scrum, one of several specialized Agile methods. With examples from Fortune 1000 companies and other common practice tips, the course will apply to those in the IT business, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, education, and even to stay-at-home moms. Introduced recommendations, metrics, and resources will prove useful information to continue your journey in implementing Agile techniques, with an emphasis on the Scrum framework.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Explain common terms and concepts related to Agile development
• Define Agile development and differentiate it from traditional Waterfall practices
• Identify the similarities and differences among several Agile tools and methodologies
• Describe the stages of the Agile development cycle and identify the factors that promote project success
• Understand the nuances of leading and working with Agile teams
• Define essential Scrum terms and identify the interdependent nature of key concepts
• Summarize the specific, distinct roles that practitioners assume in effective Scrum frameworks
• Identify the stages of the Scrum cycle and explain how these stages combine to meet evolving customer needs and requirements
• Compare and contrast the three primary Scrum artifacts and detail how they integrate to ensure a common understanding of project expectations
• Describe several tools and techniques that help project participants meet and exceed customer needs and wants Identify the underlying issues that lead to common problems for Agile teams
• Recognize negative behaviors that inhibit team development
• Describe ways to keep an Agile team focused on delivering value
• List strategies for uncovering additional stakeholders and project participants to enhance project feedback
• Give examples of the "must have" skills that product owners should possess
• Describe how to reorganize daily stand-ups to improve their performance
• Summarize options for overcoming velocity estimation mistakes
• Outline effective rewards and acknowledgments that promote team cohesion and interaction Describe tools and techniques that could assist in Agile integration
• Recognize the problems that Agile and Waterfall collaborators contend with on a regular basis
• Recognize the advantage of "failing fast"
• Uncover impediments or obstacles that may occur when running Agile and Waterfall in parallel
• Examine several project artifacts that can be used to show progress during transitional states
• Identify the essential elements of an integration framework
• Describe ways to temper expectations as integration takes hold
• Prepare for the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® exam

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.