Agile can be described as a type of project management methodology which makes use of short development cycles known as “sprints” in order to focus on the continuous improvement within the development cycle of some product or service. More business organizations across the world nowadays prefer to use Agile methodology to work on their diverse software development goals.
While the use of Agile is on the rise, numerous internal audit functions nowadays are struggling to find the best ways to interact with the Agile projects. This is particularly true with companies that are more used to deal with the traditional and time tested system development life cycle or SDLC controls.
Benefits of choosing Agile methodology
There are numerous reasons for which many companies these days choose to shift to Agile methodology for their developmental goals. Agile processes make it possible for the project teams to manage unpredictability while remaining focused on all scopes of adaptive planning. Agile also allows them to adjust easily to rapid changes while staying flexible at all times.
The Agile philosophy therefore encompasses several types of iterative software component delivery methodologies, such as scrum, feature-driven development and extreme programming which emphasize an interactive and lean approach to the whole process of product development.
Unlike traditional methodologies, Agile is not at all confined to one single delivery method. Most companies working with Agile choose a hybrid approach and draw from numerous iterative development methodologies. Products that are developed with Agile methodology typically emphasize the use of applicable code that is quickly available for meeting business needs.
Here are some ways in which you can work with Agile methodology to ensure the best results.
1. Understand the Agile processes by getting involved from an early stage
It always helps a lot if you get involved at an early stage and start working with the Agile teams. This can help you to understand the nature of the project, its life cycle, key drivers, benefits and objectives. Such an understanding can make it simpler for the internal audit team to contribute to a project in a better way. By getting the risk management strategy and approach, it is possible for a company to ensure the success of a project.
2. Assess possible risks and come up with methods to resolve them
After you have decided on the chosen methodology, you should have internal auditors work on process control points and figure out the risks that may be involved. After the internal auditors have studied the various inbuilt controls, it is necessary that they come up with better ways of mitigating risks.
3. Knowing the definition of achievement chosen by the Agile teams
It is important to understand the definition of achieving goals chosen by a team which can help in coming up with standards for ensuring maximum business value. It also works as a powerful quality control mechanism and also works to minimize risks.
4. Assembling right skills
In order to ensure success for a project, it is important to make use of the right skills associated with Agile methodology. Some of them are mentioned below.
- Ensuring proper understanding of possible risks and problems;
- Building empathy with delivery team;
- Establishing confidence and credibility in program team;
- Delivering meaningful and practical insight to project team
5. Establishing effective reporting parameters for offering feedback
In order to provide with maximum value to project team, it is important that auditors explain nature of their engagement as well as get an agreement up front about the best time to release the reports.
Following these methods discussed above can certainly ensure success for a project that is managed by Agile methodology.
About the Author :
Manoj Rawat, a Growth Hacker, Ideator, Innovator and Experienced SEO, SMM and Marketing Consultant with over 8 years IT experience. Working with an online free project management tools platform specially designed for project managers. He loves to share marketing tips & strategies among online marketers. He is an avid sports person, traveller, explorer & nature lover. You can find Manoj on Quora, LinkedIn and Twitter.