Agile themes that are managed as a program
Agile project portfolios can be divided into smaller themes depending on the needs of separate lines of business. A theme delivering more than one product and using multiple scrum teams is managed as an Agile program. Agile programs require the services of an Agile program manager as well as a scrum master per scrum team. The Agile program manager is a Scrum master with experience in using Scaled Agile Frame work (SAFe) methodologies.
This individual is responsible for understanding the progress of individual scrum teams as well as championing the principles in the delivery of minimum viable product for the overall program. For larger programs an architectural team may also be assigned to provide technical guidance to the individual scrum teams and minimize technical debt. An Agile program will also require the services of an overall Product Owner who is responsible for aligning the program backlog with product feature delivery in the individual scrum teams. Within an Agile program, individual projects can be adjusted to move features to other teams and cancel sprints if needed.
The Agile program scrum master is responsible for the following activities:
- Track and coordinate all program dependencies
- Lead communication across the individual Scrums
- Manage program level issues and risks
- Lead the teams in efforts to consistently improve delivery and define what is done.
Recommended Further Reading
The following materials may assist you in order to get the most out of this course: