Agile Release Plans: In-House Training While many Agile frameworks provide guidance on a focus on value and iterative development, many do not explain how that value is delivered to the customer. Release Plans have become an accepted and common practice to bridge the gap between the Product Vision and the Product Backlog (Agile requirements). In this course, you will be provided with an introduction to Agile and to Scrum, the most utilized Agile framework. You will also learn how the Vision, Roadmap, and Charter help to establish the Release Plan. The goal of this course is to equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and techniques to build Release Plans to ensure you deliver the most value to your customers. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Recall the Scrum framework elements (roles, events, and artifacts) Examine the benefits of Agile Develop a Product Vision and Roadmap Create an Agile Project Charter Prepare a Release Plan Write user stories to support a Product Backlog Foundation Concepts Introduction to Scrum Scrum Overview Agile Benefits Product Definition Business Goals Product Vision Product Roadmap Agile Project Charter Product Scope Project Risks Release Deadlines Sprint Durations Team Norms Release Planning Release Plan Process Select Stories and a Release Date Product Backlog User stories Building the product backlog Product Backlog Refinement Transitioning to the Scrum Team
Business Analysis Fundamentals This course is part of IIL's Business Analysis Certificate Program (BACP), a program designed to help prepare individuals to pass the IIBA® Certification exam to become a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP™). This course teaches participants the overall process of business analysis and where it fits in the bigger picture of the project life cycle and the business context. The course is interactive and combines discussion, active workshops, and demonstrations of techniques. The goal is bottom-line results that cut through the real-world problems facing people seeking to improve the way they operate to develop new and improved systems and products or otherwise deliver results through project performance. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Define the solution scope Work with the development team in the systems testing stage Ensure the solution is usable in the business environment Foundation Concepts Defining the business analyst (BA) function The role of the BA as change agent An introduction to the BABOK® Guide BA roles and relationships through the project life cycle (PLC) Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring Overview of business analysis planning and monitoring (BAP&M) Business analysis planning and monitoring - process and tools Business analysis planning and monitoring - roles and responsibilities Business analysis planning and monitoring - governance, information management, and performance improvement Elicitation and Collaboration Overview of elicitation and collaboration Elicitation and collaboration techniques Requirements Life Cycle Management Overview of requirements life cycle management Requirements life cycle management task details Strategy Analysis Overview of strategy analysis Analyze current state Define future state Assess risks Define change strategy Requirements Analysis and Design Definition Overview of requirements analysis and design definition (RA&DD) The anatomy of requirements RA&DD task descriptions RA&DD techniques Solution Evaluation Overview of solution evaluation Solution evaluation tasks Solution evaluation in development stages Underlying Competencies Overview of underlying competencies (UC) Underlying competencies
Use Cases for Business Analysis The use case is a method for documenting the interactions between the user of a system and the system itself. Use cases have been in the software development lexicon for over twenty years, ever since it was introduced by Ivar Jacobson in the late 1980s. They were originally intended as aids to software design in object-oriented approaches. However, the method is now used throughout the Solution Development Life Cycle from elicitation through to specifying test cases, and is even applied to software development that is not object oriented. This course identifies how business analysts can apply use cases to the processes of defining the problem domain through elicitation, analyzing the problem, defining the solution, and confirming the validity and usability of the solution. What you will Learn You'll learn how to: Apply the use case method to define the problem domain and discover the conditions that need improvement in a business process Employ use cases in the analysis of requirements and information to create a solution to the business problem Translate use cases into requirements Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Foundation Concepts Overview of use case modeling What is a use case model? The 'how and why' of use cases When to perform use case modeling Where use cases fit into the solution life cycle Use cases in the problem domain Use cases in the solution domain Use case strengths and weaknesses Use case variations Use case driven development Use case lexicon Use cases Actors and roles Associations Goals Boundaries Use cases though the life cycle Use cases in the life cycle Managing requirements with use cases The life cycle is use case driven Elicitation with Use Cases Overview of the basic mechanics and vocabulary of use cases Apply methods of use case elicitation to define the problem domain, or 'as is' process Use case diagrams Why diagram? Partitioning the domain Use case diagramming guidelines How to employ use case diagrams in elicitation Guidelines for use case elicitation sessions Eliciting the problem domain Use case descriptions Use case generic description template Alternative templates Elements Pre and post conditions Main Success Scenario The conversation Alternate paths Exception paths Writing good use case descriptions Eliciting the detailed workflow with use case descriptions Additional information about use cases Analyzing Requirements with Use Cases Use case analysis on existing requirements Confirming and validating requirements with use cases Confirming and validating information with use cases Defining the actors and use cases in a set of requirements Creating the scenarios Essential (requirements) use case Use case level of detail Use Case Analysis Techniques Generalization and Specialization When to use generalization or specialization Generalization and specialization of actors Generalization and specialization of use cases Examples Associating generalizations Subtleties and guidelines Use Case Extensions The <> association The <> association Applying the extensions Incorporating extension points into use case descriptions Why use these extensions? Extensions or separate use cases Guidelines for extensions Applying use case extensions Patterns and anomalies o Redundant actors Linking hierarchies Granularity issues Non-user interface use cases Quality considerations Use case modeling errors to avoid Evaluating use case descriptions Use case quality checklist Relationship between Use Cases and Business Requirements Creating a Requirements Specification from Use Cases Flowing the conversation into requirements Mapping to functional specifications Adding non-functional requirements Relating use cases to other artifacts Wire diagrams and user interface specifications Tying use cases to test cases and scenarios Project plans and project schedules Relationship between Use Cases and Functional Specifications System use cases Reviewing business use cases Balancing use cases Use case realizations Expanding and explaining complexity Activity diagrams State Machine diagrams Sequence diagrams Activity Diagrams Applying what we know Extension points Use case chaining Identifying decision points Use Case Good Practices The documentation trail for use cases Use case re-use Use case checklist Summary What did we learn, and how can we implement this in our work environment?
Assuring Quality Through Acceptance Testing It is also the business analyst's responsibility to confirm that the resulting solution developed by IT does, in fact, solve the defined problem. This is done first through testing, especially acceptance testing, and then through monitoring of the installed solution in the user community. It is the business analyst's job to define the business problem to be solved by IT. It is also the business analyst's responsibility to confirm that the resulting solution developed by IT does, in fact, solve the defined problem. This is done first through testing, especially acceptance testing, and then through monitoring of the installed solution in the user community. The business analyst is not only concerned with the testing itself, but also with the management and monitoring of the users doing the acceptance testing, and recording, analyzing, and evaluating the results. What you will Learn Upon completion, participants will be able to: Create a set of acceptance test cases Manage and monitor an acceptance test stage where users perform the testing Work with the development team in the systems testing stage Assess the solution once it is in the business environment Foundation Concepts The role of the business analyst An introduction to the BABOK® Guide BA roles and relationships through the project life cycle Introduction to assuring software quality through acceptance testing The Scope of IT Testing Overview of testing stages The testing process Testing documentation Pre-Acceptance Testing The BA's role in testing Early development testing stages (unit and integration) Late development testing stage (system) The Acceptance Test Stage - Part I (Planning, Design, and Development) Overview of user acceptance testing Acceptance test planning Designing user acceptance tests Developing individual user acceptance test cases Building effective user acceptance test scenarios The Acceptance Test Stage - Part II (Execution and Reporting) Operating guidelines Execution Reporting Post-Acceptance Testing Overview Project implementation Project transition (project closure) Production through retirement Testing Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Software Overview Selecting the software Implementing the software Summary What did we learn and how can we implement this in our work environments?
Business Analysis Fundamentals: In-House Training This course is part of IIL's Business Analysis Certificate Program (BACP), a program designed to help prepare individuals to pass the IIBA® Certification exam to become a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP™). This course teaches participants the overall process of business analysis and where it fits in the bigger picture of the project life cycle and the business context. The course is interactive and combines discussion, active workshops, and demonstrations of techniques. The goal is bottom-line results that cut through the real-world problems facing people seeking to improve the way they operate to develop new and improved systems and products or otherwise deliver results through project performance. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Define the solution scope Work with the development team in the systems testing stage Ensure the solution is usable in the business environment Foundation Concepts Defining the business analyst (BA) function The role of the BA as change agent An introduction to the BABOK® Guide BA roles and relationships through the project life cycle (PLC) Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring Overview of business analysis planning and monitoring (BAP&M) Business analysis planning and monitoring - process and tools Business analysis planning and monitoring - roles and responsibilities Business analysis planning and monitoring - governance, information management, and performance improvement Elicitation and Collaboration Overview of elicitation and collaboration Elicitation and collaboration techniques Requirements Life Cycle Management Overview of requirements life cycle management Requirements life cycle management task details Strategy Analysis Overview of strategy analysis Analyze current state Define future state Assess risks Define change strategy Requirements Analysis and Design Definition Overview of requirements analysis and design definition (RA&DD) The anatomy of requirements RA&DD task descriptions RA&DD techniques Solution Evaluation Overview of solution evaluation Solution evaluation tasks Solution evaluation in development stages Underlying Competencies Overview of underlying competencies (UC) Underlying competencies
SAFe® for Teams Build the skills needed to become a high-performing team member of an Agile Release Train (ART) and learn how to collaborate effectively with other teams by becoming a SAFe® 5 Practitioner (SP). During this course, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the ART, how it delivers value, and what you can do to effectively perform the role using Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP). You will also learn how to write stories and break down features, plan and execute iterations, and plan Program Increments. Finally, you'll learn about the continuous delivery pipeline and DevOps culture, how to effectively integrate with other teams in the program, and what it takes to continuously improve the train. What you will Learn To perform the role of a SAFe® Practitioner, you should be able to: Apply SAFe® to scale Lean and Agile development in their enterprise Know their team and its role on the Agile Release Train Know all other teams on the train, their roles, and the dependencies between the teams Plan Iterations Execute Iterations and demonstrate value Plan Program Increments Integrate and work with other teams on the train Introducing the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®) Building an Agile Team Planning the Iteration Executing the Iteration Executing the Program Increment Practicing SAFe®
Leading SAFe®: In-House Training During this course, attendees gain the knowledge necessary to lead a Lean-Agile enterprise by using the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®) and its underlying principles derived from Lean, systems thinking, Agile development, product development flow, and DevOps. Participants in the class gain insights into mastering business agility to thrive in competitive markets. They discuss how to establish team and technical agility and organize and re-organize around the flow of value. Attendees also learn and practice the skills to support and execute PI Planning events and coordinate multiple Agile Release Trains (ARTs). Class participants will explore the importance of adopting a customer-centric mindset and Design-Thinking approach to Agile Product Delivery. Learners will also understand how to implement a Lean Portfolio Management function within their enterprise. What you will Learn After attending this class, attendees should be able to: Lead the transformation to business agility with SAFe® Become a Lean-Agile leader Understand customer needs Design Thinking Enable Agile Product delivery Implement Lean Portfolio Management Thrive in the digital age with business agility Become a Lean-Agile leader Establish Team and Technical Agility Build solutions with Agile Product Delivery Explore Lean Portfolio Management Lead the change Become a Certified SAFe® Agilist
SAFe® for Government: In-House Training Transitioning to Lean-Agile practices for building technology-based capabilities is especially challenging in the government context. But issues of legacy governance, contracting, and organizational barriers can be overcome with the right information and strategies. During this course, attendees will learn the principles and practices of the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®), how to execute and release value through Agile Release Trains, and what it means to lead a Lean-Agile transformation of a program inside a government agency. Attendees gain an understanding of the Lean-Agile mindset and why it's an essential foundation for transformation. They'll also get practical advice on building high-performing, multi-vendor Agile teams and programs, managing technology investments in Lean flow, acquiring solutions with Agile contracting, launching the program, and planning and delivering value using SAFe®. Attendees also learn how specific leadership behaviors can drive successful organizational change in government. What you will Learn To perform the role of a SAFe® for Government leader, you should be able to: Transition government programs from traditional software and systems development models to Lean-Agile and DevOps mindsets, principles, and practices using SAFe® Adapt technology strategy, budgeting and forecasting, acquisition, compliance, and governance processes to flow-based practices using emerging government guidelines Organize government programs into one or more Agile Release Trains (ARTs) and execute in Program Increments (PIs) Explore Large Solution coordination in a government and multi-vendor environment Identify and internalize the mindset and leader behaviors essential to successful Lean-Agile transformation Follow success patterns for SAFe® implementations adapted to the government context Build a preliminary outline of next steps to begin and / or accelerate the SAFe® implementation in your program or agency Advancing Lean-Agile in government Embracing a Lean-Agile mindset Understanding SAFe® Principles Creating high-performing Agile teams and programs Planning with cadence and synchronization Delivering value in Program Increments Mapping the path to agency and program agility Leading successful change
Leading SAFe® During this course, attendees gain the knowledge necessary to lead a Lean-Agile enterprise by using the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®) and its underlying principles derived from Lean, systems thinking, Agile development, product development flow, and DevOps. Participants in the class gain insights into mastering business agility to thrive in competitive markets. They discuss how to establish team and technical agility and organize and re-organize around the flow of value. Attendees also learn and practice the skills to support and execute PI Planning events and coordinate multiple Agile Release Trains (ARTs). Class participants will explore the importance of adopting a customer-centric mindset and Design-Thinking approach to Agile Product Delivery. Learners will also understand how to implement a Lean Portfolio Management function within their enterprise. What you will Learn After attending this class, attendees should be able to: Lead the transformation to business agility with SAFe® Become a Lean-Agile leader Understand customer needs Design Thinking Enable Agile Product delivery Implement Lean Portfolio Management Thrive in the digital age with business agility Become a Lean-Agile leader Establish Team and Technical Agility Build solutions with Agile Product Delivery Explore Lean Portfolio Management Lead the change Become a Certified SAFe® Agilist
SAFe® for Government Transitioning to Lean-Agile practices for building technology-based capabilities is especially challenging in the government context. But issues of legacy governance, contracting, and organizational barriers can be overcome with the right information and strategies. During this course, attendees will learn the principles and practices of the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®), how to execute and release value through Agile Release Trains, and what it means to lead a Lean-Agile transformation of a program inside a government agency. Attendees gain an understanding of the Lean-Agile mindset and why it's an essential foundation for transformation. They'll also get practical advice on building high-performing, multi-vendor Agile teams and programs, managing technology investments in Lean flow, acquiring solutions with Agile contracting, launching the program, and planning and delivering value using SAFe®. Attendees also learn how specific leadership behaviors can drive successful organizational change in government. What you will Learn To perform the role of a SAFe® for Government leader, you should be able to: Transition government programs from traditional software and systems development models to Lean-Agile and DevOps mindsets, principles, and practices using SAFe® Adapt technology strategy, budgeting and forecasting, acquisition, compliance, and governance processes to flow-based practices using emerging government guidelines Organize government programs into one or more Agile Release Trains (ARTs) and execute in Program Increments (PIs) Explore Large Solution coordination in a government and multi-vendor environment Identify and internalize the mindset and leader behaviors essential to successful Lean-Agile transformation Follow success patterns for SAFe® implementations adapted to the government context Build a preliminary outline of next steps to begin and / or accelerate the SAFe® implementation in your program or agency Advancing Lean-Agile in government Embracing a Lean-Agile mindset Understanding SAFe® Principles Creating high-performing Agile teams and programs Planning with cadence and synchronization Delivering value in Program Increments Mapping the path to agency and program agility Leading successful change