In the software development life cycle, Agile Methodology is often used as a Project Management tool. It breaks the long process of software designing into smaller segments, allowing the team to have a better command over the entire course of action from scratch, including planning, execution and evaluation techniques. Due to the extensive demand of tech companies for qualified and skilled Project Managers, Agile Certifications are gaining popularity each day despite being a 20-year-old Project Management technique. In this article, we explain how the Agile Methodology has revolutionised the industry norms in terms of dealing with software development, surpassing the old techniques.
What is Agile Methodology
Agile Methodology is one of the most enviable and proven Project Management techniques emphasising a multi-functional framework. It provides flexibility to both top management and software development teams for active participation at different levels. It provides timely and accurate refinements as and when required making it one of the premier choices that help organisations deliver the best outcomes.
Why do organisations use it?
Organisations often use the Agile Model to motivate and encourage the programming team to finish any given project within the stipulated time frame and budget. Further, it also facilitates effective communication between the senior management and the software development team. It allows the development team to take quick decisions resulting in the smooth delivery of products without overlapping of project timeline.
Reduces efforts
Project Management could be a daunting task for many individuals. But this might not be the case if you use Agile techniques. It reduces time and effort because of an effective and timely communication model. Fixing defects on time helps reduce the cost of the projects and turns out to be profitable for the organisations.
Adaptability
The Agile Framework is flexible and therefore encourages feedback at any project stage. It acknowledges the customer’s needs and priorities accordingly. This allows teams to respond promptly to any new information and implement them in the development stages at any given time.
Minimises risk
No matter how well you plan out your software development strategy, a certain degree of risk is always involved. This is where the Agile Framework comes to the rescue. Frequent customer feedback identifies the bug during the development stage and can be fixed accordingly, minimising the risk of failure at any given stage of software development.
Quality assurance
Unlike the Waterfall methodology, the Agile Model allows developers and Project Managers to break the entire project into smaller stages. It helps the teams to have a better command of the project. In other words, Agile allows developers to check the issues daily and call to action instantly. Functioning on a project in bits and pieces helps achieve better quality.
On time
The Agile approach enables teams to release working increments of a project regularly. This allows organisations to get their products or services to the market faster, gaining a competitive advantage. With this, teams can forecast any changes without critically crashing on the software’s release date.
Cost Effective
Agile projects are a cheaper option for organisations because their dynamic framework allows teams to get timely feedback from clients or top management and incorporate them into product-making in real time. Fixing issues sooner increases productivity at work, saving a lot of time and money.
What is Agile Certification?
An Agile Certification validates the skill set of a candidate and its level of understanding about various Agile notions, which can be applied at different levels of Project Management. The main purpose of this certification is to weed out candidates from the rest of the lot and give employers a reason to choose you for the role of Project Manager. While many professionals still wonder about its true value, there are several unique benefits to obtaining Agile certification that can not be overlooked.
Benefits of Agile Certification
As demand grows, more organisations adapt to the Agile Model as Project Management tool. Professionals with Agile Certifications are constantly in demand and stand better employment opportunities. Agile methodologies are no longer limited to software development alone. They are also being used in other domains, such as Marketing, Finance and Pharmaceuticals. Employers are always hunting for the right candidate with Agile certification.
Who needs it?
Having an Agile Certification in your arsenal would surely be rewarding in a long-term career goal. Agile Certification is beneficial for those who want to become Project Managers, Team leaders, Scrum Masters, and Product Owners and for those who wish to be certified Agile trainers. Remember, a certificate brings acceptability among employers and adds value to your profile.
Eligibility and Cost
A candidate should have a secondary degree or higher and three consecutive years of work experience in an Agile project team. An Agile course, on average, would cost around £2500, including knowledge training costs.
Average Salary
| Job Title | Range | Average |
| Agile Coach | £45k – £103k | £74,369 |
| Project Manager, IT | £46k – £ 121k | £63,367 |
| Product Manager | £66k – £ 94k | £75,076 |
| Consultant | £51k – £91k | £62,168 |
| Program Manager, IT | £55k – £79k | £62,400 |
Conclusion
With its focus on adaptability, collaboration and continuous improvement, agile Methodology has become increasingly popular across industries. By embracing the Agile Model, companies are delivering higher results. However, successfully implementing Agile requires a thorough understanding of its core principles; this is where certified professionals come into the picture. With careful planning and effective execution, one can become a certified planner and revolutionise Project Management and software development, leading to great outcomes and increased business success. The advantages of Agile Certifications are undeniably great, and they unlock a candidate’s potential and help them stand out in this competitive job market.
