SPRITE (Agile Project Management) PMBP_SPR
SMART Projects Rapid Implementation Tracking & Evaluation
This system is used for activity-level planning and tracking to supplement PRISM at a detailed level that otherwise clouds stakeholder reporting. Typically work activities are split across focused sub-projects as an alternative to MS-Project™ and/or similar tools, as SPRITE maintains product-based planning and handles details “as on steroids” to accommodate the most complex implementation initiatives. SPRITE manages traditional row-oriented schedules, and can combine these schedules with column-oriented detailed steps to break down individual line-items for detailed deployment planning across servers, apartment units, or other bundles of work that need coordination and tracking until the full scope of work is delivered. In that detailed context it can also produce required status reporting for the subset of work within the scope of that SPRITE initiative.
Rapid implementation is a generic reference to an Agile-like ability to get things done. Most SPRITE projects are smaller in scope, although not as small as most Agile initiatives: typically we use this approach for a bundle of work in a larger program managed in PRISM or PEARL, or even UPBEAT. We need a certain amount of formality to consolidate status information within the overarching program, something that is often lacking in a “pure” Agile approach. The key to the process is to define SMART goals that ensure the desired results will be achieved”
- Specific = know exactly what each bundle of work represents
- Measurable = having clear criteria to track progress and validate completion
- Attainable = with some effort people can complete the assigned work
- Realistic = an achievement people can, and want to, complete
- Tangible = so generate a sense of accomplishment on completing the work
Unlike “pure” Agile we need a good definition of what is in backlog in order to be fiscally responsible for the resources we use to deliver the desired results. However, we also limit the overhead typical of much larger projects. Besides SMART, the methodology stands for:
- Projects = a time-limited unique endeavor to create a desired result
- Rapid Implementation = most projects are “short” and focused on results
- Tracking & Evaluation = ensure that projects deliver on time and in budget
SPRITE ensures active stakeholder engagement in the definition of SMART goals and in the evaluation of how to best define, and implement, the requirements. To emphasize that we use the product-based planning approach with a focus on implementing the work packages, but that does not diminish the SPRITE functionality.
Some people find it difficult to reconcile Agile concepts with the use of a formal product-based methodology, but in reality this is just a set of focused backlog. Most of the work is bundled on a single product within specific delivery constraints that represent a contributing project. SPRITE manages each project as a separate entity, even though within a specific workbook you can manage many small projects concurrently.
Many small projects are linked through an overarching system such as PRISM, PEARL, or UPBEAT to provide a consolidated view and to use the flexibility of sub-projects to control scope within time and budget constraints, simply by deciding which sub-projects to initiate. SPRITE is a strategic solution to facilitate multiple concurrent initiatives to be run in parallel: it is not run in isolation as suggested for an Agile initiative that can be more challenging to use in building a collaborative project. SPRITE is useful also in a context of implementing multiple sets of functionality that individually relate to different projects: you can use this also to run an integrated QA testing effort across changes for separate projects. In this mode individual SPRITE work packages tend to focus more on teams.
SPRITE is intended to be a tool within an overarching methodology – while this provides flexibility at the SPRITE level it does not compromise the formal methodology, so long as the work effort coding is consistent with the need to consolidate information. That does not preclude you using SPRITE by itself on smaller projects: we recommend that the basic project structure remains true to the overarching methodology, to make it easier for stakeholders to see what progress is being made. We review the basic structure of the methodology
SPRITE has built-in commands for scheduling and budgeting, as well as logical selections to execute schedules selectively. It can also manage detailed project accounting that is just as important for small projects that are a part of a larger initiative. Estimates can be detailed, which is not a common feature of Agile methodology. However, if you use SPRITE as a control process to coordinate an Agile effort it is possible to benefit from the best of both alternatives. The differences are mainly related to the level of formality – Agile has many flavours but for consolidation we need to stick to standards used by the methodology of the host system.
Learning Formats PMAP_SPR
This course is currently available in a classroom setting (public or company private) with approximately 30 contact hours (5 days).
PDF – Certificate Of Completion
Each course offers a certificate of completion that identifies the course, the student, and a brief description of the course. To receive a certificate the student must have attended at least 80% of the course sessions. This personalized certificate is forwarded to the student by Email.
PDF – Course Notebook
Each course includes a notebook in PDF format that provides the minimum knowledge the student must master in order to obtain the certificate. In the notebook you will find references to other study materials. Students receive the notebook by Email when their registration is confirmed.
PDF – Program Overview
An overview of this study program can be downloaded from the website by right-clicking on the program link on the enquiry page.
PDF – Current Training Schedule
A list of upcoming training sessions can be downloaded from the website by right-clicking on the schedule link on the enquiry page.
Registration – Service Providers
To register for any training course please look on the enquiry link page of your service provider (from where you accessed this website). On the page you will find a registration request form where you can order the course that you are interested in. The availability dates will be provided to you, along with payment instructions if you decide to go ahead.
|