COURSE OVERVIEW

Fundamentals of Lean and Agile provides a foundational exploration of what it means to be Lean and Agile. In this course, attendees not only learn the value and basics of Lean and Agile execution – they also learn many of the necessary “other” elements of any successful Lean and Agile environment. Curriculum includes overviews on Lean and Agile philosophy, myths and how they work together, overviews on both iterative and continuous delivery methods, overviews on Scrum and Kanban and overviews on how Lean and Agile work is generated, valued, sized and represented; all of which contribute to a clear understanding of the Lean and Agile universe in preparation for more advanced concepts and techniques.

LEARN

• Define the terms Lean and Agile as they apply to the modern business environment
• Describe the philosophy, values, and principles of Lean and Agile
• Recognize prevalent myths and misconceptions concerning Lean and Agile philosophies and purpose
• Describe concepts that Lean and Agile philosophies leverage for success
• Recognize benefits Lean and Agile approaches can provide
• Explain, at a high-level, the Scrum framework with associated roles and ceremonies
• Explain, at a high-level, the Kanban principles and method for delivery

TOPICS

THE LEAN AND AGILE PHILOSOPHIES

• Why are Lean and Agile Popular?
• Lean Philosophy
• Agile Philosophy
• Lean and Agile Work Within Systems Thinking
• History of Lean and Agile
• What is Lean?
• Lean Principles and Approach
• Lean – Wastes
• Benefits of the Lean Approach
• Lean Myths and Misconceptions
• What is Agile?
• What is an Agile Mindset?
• The Agile Manifesto – Values and Principles
• Agile Myths and Misconceptions

SCRUM: SIMPLE ITERATIVE WORK MANAGEMENT

• Iterative Flow Work Management
• Scrum Framework
• The Scrum Roles
• Product Owner Role
• Scrum Master Role
• The Scrum Team
• Product Backlog
• Requirement Levels
• User Story and Acceptance Criteria
• Sizing Stories – Relative Sizing
• Good User Story Attributes
• Scrum Ceremonies
• Sprint Planning
• The Daily Scrum (Stand-Up) Meeting
• Backlog Refinement (Grooming)
• Measuring Team Velocity
• Burn-Down and Burn-Up Charts
• Sprint Review (Demo)
• Sprint Retrospective

THE ROLE OF VALUE IN LEAN AND AGILE ENVIRONMENTS

• Lean and Agile Focus on Value
• Identifying Value Through Lean Startup
• Combining Lean, Agile, and Lean Startup
• Agile Value Creation
• Product Vision
• Product Roadmap
• Product Release Plan
• Product Backlog
• Minimum Viable Product
• Iterative Breakdown to find MVP
• How to Uncover Value Quickly
• Modern Approach to Business and Value

KANBAN: SIMPLE CONTINUOUS-FLOW MANAGEMENT

• Continuous-Flow Work Management
• Kanban Principles
• Kanban Practices
• Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA)
• Kaizen
• Kanban Roles and Ceremonies (or lack thereof)
• Kanban Example
• Kanban Principles