Having a strong grasp of project management software methodologies is crucial in today’s day and age. Agile is one of the most widely adopted approaches, and the advantages of using Agile methodology cannot be refuted. Even if your organization does not employ them, knowing, understanding, and using Agile concepts helps teams strive toward delivering high-quality products.
This blog is the ultimate Agile terminology cheat sheet, acting as a concise Agile glossary for terms you need to know. Start your project management journey by going through terms you may hear daily.
A
Acceptance Criteria
Acceptance Criteria are a set of conditions that must be met for the product or feature to satisfy the customer or end-user(s). These criteria are defined before commencing development to ensure all user requests and expectations are fulfilled.
Acceptance Testing
This is a process that tests whether the system meets the set standard for acceptance and is ready to be delivered. Acceptance testing is carried out by the end user or customer to ensure system functions are working as expected, often involving agile testing practices.
Agile Manifesto
The Agile Manifesto was written in 2001 by a group of 17 software developers. It consists of four key values and 12 basic principles that emphasize collaboration, a customer-centric approach, and a less systematic approach to documentation.
Agile Methodology
Agile Methodology is the overarching term that refers to a set of frameworks and practices based on the principles of Agile Manifesto. The methodology is built on the concepts of iterative development, collaboration, and cross-functional teams.
Agile Mindset
Agile Mindset refers to a way of thinking that values change, continuous improvement, and communication. It assumes customer value will be prioritized, with a focus on adaptability and ongoing enhancements.
Agile Project Management
Agile Project Management Software breaks down large projects into smaller, more manageable iterations or Sprints in Agile. It is divided into five distinct stages: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring, and Closing.
Backlog
A backlog refers to a list of prioritized tasks, user stories, or features that need to be completed. Backlogs are kept up to date in Agile and frequently refined to tackle important tasks first.
Backlog Refinement
Backlog refinement is the term used for reviewing and prioritizing tasks and items. Refinement is done after a task is broken down, its effort estimated, and the backlog is updated and aligned with project goals.
Bottleneck
Bottlenecks are hurdles in the project management process that slow down overall progress. Agile stresses the need to identify and resolve bottlenecks for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Burndown Chart
A burndown chart represents the work left over the time remaining to complete it. It is an Agile practice to use burndown charts to track progress and predict the trajectory of work completed within the Sprint and the overall project timeline.
C
Capacity
Capacity in Agile is the workload appointed to a team within a given time frame. Setting a realistic capacity for each Sprint helps teams plan accordingly and avoid overcommitting.
Continuous Delivery
Continuous delivery is an Agile practice where any changes made to the code are released as soon as they are made. This practice ensures that reliable software can be released at any time with minimal intervention.
Continuous Integration (CI)
Continuous integration lets developers integrate code updates into a shared repository. Each update is tested automatically to identify bugs and issues early on. Continuous integration ensures the code works as a whole and new changes do not interfere with existing functionalities.
Cross-Functional Team
Cross-functional teams are groups of people having varying expertise working to achieve a common goal. Agile makes use of such teams to deliver a product or feature.
Customer Collaboration
The Agile Manifesto stresses the need to have customer collaboration. Stakeholders must be kept in the developmental process. This open communication ensures a final product that meets the needs of customers.
D
Daily Standup
Daily Standups are short Agile meetings that provide members with a platform to discuss progress, plans, and potential bottlenecks. Daily standups ensure alignment and quick solutions to issues.
Definition Of Done (DoD)
This is a to-the-point list of requirements that a project must meet to be considered as finished. These requirements mark a project as “done”.
Definition Of Ready (DoR)
Definition of Ready is a list of criteria that a task needs to be met before it can be moved into a Sprint. This list also includes user stories. Having a DoR ensures all relevant information is readily available and ready to be acted upon.
Dependency
Dependency refers to a situation where a task or its components depend on another task or component for completion. Keeping a track of dependencies is crucial to prevent delays and ensure a smooth Agile process.
Developers
The role of the Developer in Agile is to work with testers and product owners. They are responsible for turning user stories into working software.
E
Epic
Epics refer to large bodies of work, usually broken down into manageable sizes. They encompass multiple Sprints and sometimes more than one board. Epics usually represent complex and significant features and consist of many smaller tasks.
Estimation
In Agile, estimation alludes to gauging how much time and effort will be required to accomplish a task. This is done by industry experts using various techniques including story points and t-shirt sizing.
Extreme Programming
Extreme Programming (XP) is an Agile methodology specific to software development. It functions on the principles of frequent releases, excellent quality, and customer involvement. Practices of XP include continuous integrations, pair programming, and test-driven development (TDD).
F
Facilitation
Facilitation is the process of guiding team discussions and processes. The person in the role of the facilitator ensures teams stay focused and everyone gets the opportunity to participate. Facilitation also assists in conflict resolution.
Feature
Features are units of functionalities that hold value for the customer. They are smaller than epics and can be broken down further into user stories. Features are placed in the backlog according to importance, impact, and priority.
Framework
Frameworks in Agile are approaches to project management that help teams plan, manage, and execute their tasks. Agile frameworks are designed either for teams or scaled for organizations. Popular methodologies include Kanban, Scrum, Extreme Programming, and Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).
G
Gantt Charts
Gantt Charts are traditionally used with Waterfall methodologies but can be adapted for Agile use. Gantt Charts in Agile are visual tools that represent the project schedule. It acts as a timeline for your project with a list of tasks and their respective start and end date highlighted.
Grooming
Backlog Grooming is the refinement and prioritization of items in the product backlog. The process entails breaking larger tasks down into manageable portions, keeping estimates up to date, and ensuring the backlog is kept aligned with the latest project goals.
Guiding Principle
Agile has 12 fundamental guiding principles on which the methodology is based. These principles shape the practices of every framework falling under Agile. Some points include prioritizing customer collaboration instead of contractual obligations, continuous improvement, and frequent value delivery.
H
Hybrid Agile
Hybrid Agile is the combination of Agile and non-Agile methodologies to suit the particular needs of a project or organization. A hybrid approach employs the flexibility of Agile while maintaining structures from traditional project management modes, often referred to as waterfall agile hybrid.
Horizontal Scaling
Scaling on the horizontal plane refers to increasing the capacity of an established system by the addition of more resources. These resources refer to both teams and machinery. Horizontal scaling is used in large-scale Agile applications.
I
Increment
Making increments is another way to divide work into smaller, more manageable tasks. An increment refers to the total amount of work completed from the product backlog in a Sprint. Each increment is added to the sum and is thoroughly checked to ensure it works with prior increments.
Integration
Integration in Agile is both a methodology and process. The former aims to produce higher quality software in a controlled development process and reduce the number of defects.
Integration in Scrum is a process where various parts of the product are combined to form a complete functioning version.
Integration Testing
Integration Testing examines the relationship between varying modules of a software system or components of a product. Each integration is tested automatically in Agile frameworks as soon as new code is added to existing code.
Iteration
Iterations are the fundamental building blocks of Agile methodology. They are time-boxed periods created to develop specific features or user stories. Typically, one iteration lasts 1-2 weeks, but some may last up to 4 weeks. Feedback after each cycle promotes continuous improvement. Iterations constitute a single developmental cycle in a project lifecycle.
Iterative Development
This is an Agile process where a product is developed through a series of iterations (repeated cycles). Every cycle includes phases of planning, designing, development, and testing. Repeating these processes ensures continuous refinement of the product.
J
Just-In-Time Development
JIT development in Agile is when work is done on a need-to basis. Unnecessary work is avoided to reduce waste production. Just-in-time development helps teams focus on what is in front of them and prioritize the most valuable features in a timely manner.
K
Kaizen
A Japanese term meaning changing for the better, or “continuous improvement”. Agile employs the concept to evaluate and improve processes. Kaizen actively involves team members in the enhancement process. Like Lean Agile methodology, Kazen also aims to reduce waste all the while eliminating overly complicated work.
Kanban Board
Kanban boards are project management tools that provide visual representation of a team’s workflow and progress. It consists of various boards and columns depicting what stage each task is in. The purpose of such boards is to visualize work, limit work-in-progress, and streamline efficiency.
Kanban Methodology
Kanban is also an Agile methodology that seeks to limit work-in-progress, visualize progress, and improve workflows. Iteration lengths are not fixed, and a continuous flow of delivery is prioritized. Kanban stresses the need for open communication and transparency of processes.
L
Lead Time
Lead Time measures the total time taken to complete a project, from the initial request made by a customer to the delivery of the final product or task. A shorter lead time is ideal in an Agile framework.
Lean Methodology
Out of all Agile frameworks, Lean methodology prioritizes minimal waste production the most. It functions on the idea of maximizing value using minimal resources. First developed for manufacturing, Lean principles are also used with other Agile methods.
M
Milestones
Milestones are markers of progress. They denote significant points or events in the project timeline. Milestones not only track individual achievements but also show both the progress made and the remaining work.
Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
A Minimum Viable Product or MVP is an earlier version of the final product with just enough features to present to early customers. Reviewing an MVP allows early feedback for further development and satisfies Agile work cycle iterations.
MoSCoW Prioritization
MoSCoW Prioritization is a categorizing method used to prioritize tasks based on importance. MoSCoW has the following sections: Must-Have, Should-Have, Could-Have, and Won’t-Have, with Must-Haves being the most critical features.
N
Nexus
Nexus, like SAFe, is a scaled Agile approach that scales the Scrum framework across multiple teams. All development teams have around 5 – 9 members and share one product backlog. Nexus guides the coordination of work, manages dependencies, and ensures the involvement of all teams.
O
OKRs
OKRs stand for Objectives and Key Results. It is an Agile framework used to set goals and track project progress. OKRs are collaborative and promote a unified move towards shared goals.
Outcome
Outcomes are the desired results of a project or accomplished task. Outcomes are different than outputs. The latter refers to physical products, whereas outcomes are value-centric and review what benefits were achieved, highlighting the benefits of Agile.
P
Pair Programming
Pair Programming is an Extreme Programming (XP) technique where two developers work on the same thing at one workstation. One member of the pair writes the code, the other reviews it right then. Mistakes, therefore, have a higher chance of being identified quickly, resulting in a higher-quality code.
Product Manager
The product manager position is a well-known one in project management. Agile project managers serve the same purpose; to overlook the project from initiation to completion. Managers, teams, and stakeholders collaborate closely to ensure alignment between market demands and the delivered product. They are more concerned with high-level tasks.
Product Owner
The product owner is a stakeholder representative in the Agile framework. A key role of the product owner is to manage the product backlog and determine which user stories to work on. They ensure value is delivered in every iteration.
Q
Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance is the practice of ensuring the product meets market standards and functions properly. The QA process in Agile is integrated throughout the developmental process with frequent testing and feedback loops to avoid errors.
R
Refactoring
Refactoring refers to the process of changing the structure and readability of the code without altering its primary function. Refactoring in Agile is done to improve code quality.
Release Plan
Release Plans are detailed timelines showcasing when and how a feature or functionality is set to be released. Having a release plan helps keep teams coordinated and aids in the value deliverance after every iteration. They help in the tactical documentation of upcoming feature releases.
Roadmap
A project roadmap is a strategic overview of a project’s timeline. It estimates how the project might evolve over time.
S
Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
The Scaled Agile Framework or SAFe, like Nexus, scales Agile to meet the requirements of large organizations. SAFe has a more structured approach to Agile as compared to other frameworks and functions across multiple teams, dependencies, and products.
Scrum
Scrum is a popular Agile framework known for its use of sprints, i.e., time-boxed iterations. It has a special vernacular for roles such as a Scrum Master, Product Owner, ceremonies, Daily Scrum, etc. Scrum uses Agile Scrum methodology principles to help teams manage their work efficiently.
Scrum Board
Scrum Boards function within the Scrum framework and, therefore, facilitate the visualization of individual Sprints. Unlike Kanban Boards, Scrum Boards have a fixed length and work within the constraints of a Sprint. They are not concerned with work-in-progress, but rather, how much work needs to be done in one iteration and delivering it on time.
Scrum Master
Scrum Masters are responsible for facilitating Scrums and ensuring they run smoothly. They oversee individual Agile phases of the project, whereas Project Managers oversee the entire project.
Sprint
Sprints are iterations in the Scrum methodology, typically lasting 1-4 weeks. During each Sprint, a set of features or a project goal is completed. This structure facilitates continuous delivery and frequent feedback.
Sprint Planning
Sprint Planning is a Scrum ceremony held at the beginning of a Sprint. Teams discuss what to tackle in the upcoming Sprint and create a realistic plan that can be accomplished in the given timeframe.
Sprint Retrospective
Sprint Retrospectives are held at the end of each Sprint to review how it went. Teams discuss what went well, what did not, and how functions can be improved moving forward. Upcoming Sprints are not discussed in a retrospective meeting.
Story Points
Story Points are a way to measure the total effort required to complete a task or user story from the product backlog. Assigning story points to every task allows teams to divide and assign work based on complexity, time required, and the overall risk. Story points also help prioritize tasks.
T
Task Board
Task boards are also tools to visualize and manage work using Agile methodology. It is a more generalized tool than a Scrum Board and is not tied down by a time-limit. Task Boards help track tasks within a project, Sprint, or a work phase, and are considered valuable agile tools.
Test-Driven Development (TDD)
Test-Driven Development (TDD) is a software development practice where unit-level tests are written before the code is. The test case first fails, and then just enough code is written so that it is passed. Practicing TDD ensures the code meets set requirements from the get-go.
U
Unit Testing
Unit Testing is a type of code testing where separate components or modules are tested in isolation. Unlike TDD, unit testing is done after pieces of code have been written and are running. Unit tests are usually automated in types of Agile methodology.
User Stories
User Stories are the smallest unit of a feature or functionality that can be delivered to the end user. User stories are used to gauge and satisfy requirements to deliver user value.
V
Velocity
Velocity alludes to the speed with which tasks are completed in a given timeframe. The velocity of work is calculated by the number of story points finished in a sprint. Having this number helps teams schedule work accordingly and predict future performance.
W
Work-In-Progress (WIPs)
Work-in-Progress refers to tasks being worked on. Agile methodologies typically aim to limit Work-in-Progress (WIP) to the number of team members plus one. By capping the number of active tasks, bottlenecks are reduced, and workflow is maintained smoothly.
The Agile terms given in this blog should give you a good start in learning the lingo. Along with the terminology, it is also important to understand the concepts that drive effective project management. Familiarizing yourself with Agile terminology will allow you to adapt to any given environment. These Agile methodology terms are a valuable resource in your project management journey. Practice applying these terms in real life to create adaptive, flexible, and high-performing teams.
