Agile Software Development | Glossary

Definition

Agile Software Development collectively is a term for a set of methods and practices that are based on the principles/values of the Agile Manifesto. The evolution of the solutions takes place through collaboration of self-organizing, cross-functional teams that utilize the appropriate contextual practices.

It originates in the late 1990’s, where the first gained public attention, as being processes that were a mixture of both old and new ideas, and emphasized collaboration between development team and business stakeholders..

Further Reading

  • “Agile Project Management” (book), by  Jim Highsmith.

 

Agile Coach | Glossary

Definition

An Agile Coach is the individual responsible for helping individuals, or teams adopt and improve Agile methods. His/her responsibility is to help people rethink and change the way they go about the process of development. The Coach’s role involves both training and consulting. He/She is involved with the organization in transformation after the training is over, as well.

The Coach’s responsibility is also to help the teams apply Agile/ Lean thinking to context specific environments and challenges, and eventually adapt methodology towards challenging the existing environment. All of this taken together, makes the Coach into an effective change agent.

Further Reading

  •  “Coaching Agile Teams: A Companion for ScrumMasters, Agile Coaches, and Project Managers in Transition (Addison-Wesley Signature Series (Cohn))”(book), by Lyssa Adkins.