Agile Software Development: Evaluating the Methods for Your Organization

by Alan S. Koch

Here's the first truly impartial book that gives you both an expert objective analysis of Agile software development methods together with much-needed tools for evaluating their suitability for your organization. It reviews the philosophical underpinnings and objectives of the Agile Manifesto and the 12 Agile principles, and discusses in concrete detail each practice of the six most widely recognized Agile methods. You get concise and unbiased insight into adoption implications, the possible benefits that may accrue, and the potential pitfalls of the practices. At its core, this unique assessment tool enables you to confidently reach your own conclusions and make rational, well-supported decisions about Agile methods. It lets you systematically address key adoption issues involving organizational culture, customers, staff, tools and processes, and project considerations. A comprehensive start-to-finish worksheet makes it easy to document observations at every stage, draw justifiable conclusions, and market your recommendation to your company. The guide also features expert guidelines to customize an Agile method for your firm, train staff, test the new method, and evaluate its performance. Key topics are supported with nearly 100 illustrations. Practical ready-to-use tools, including equations and templates in Excel format, are provided in a handy workbook which can be accessed through the author's website.

280 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2004