Agile is a term that encompasses several frameworks, software development practices, and management best practices. It represents a set of values and a collection of methods for managing and delivering projects in an incremental and iterative way. Agile was introduced in the form of the Agile Manifesto in 2002, but its roots run much deeper; one of its most significant predecessors is Scrum.
Scrum provides a clear framework for teams, including roles, tools, necessary meetings, and more. However, it is not a rigid methodology. In Scrum (and Agile in general), customer feedback is the most critical aspect of the project. Thus, it is the company’s responsibility to create an environment where teams can implement changes as quickly as possible. Another essential feature is the self-organizing nature of Scrum teams—team members should make decisions about project development independently, with minimal bureaucratic procedures.
Agile was initially created for the software industry. Over the years, it has almost become the standard for software companies, with most IT organizations using it in some form. However, non-IT companies have also adopted Agile. This adoption is partly driven by the growing trend of digitalization, which requires many companies to develop their own software.
However, Agile is not limited to software development; its principles can be applied to various projects, such as design or marketing, especially in volatile environments that do not require strict adherence to rules and regulations. For instance, while Agile may not be suitable for highway construction, it can be highly effective when creating the design of a new automobile model. Real-world examples demonstrate that Agile can be applied almost anywhere—from fighter jet development (Saab) to banking (Barclays) and railway services (Deutsche Bahn).
Agile has quickly evolved from a set of values embraced by individual teams to a mindset adopted by giant corporations. It is now widely recognized that the Agile transformation of a company is not an executive’s whim but a necessity. Today’s world is characterized by rapid change and growing uncertainty, which means even the largest companies must adapt quickly to new realities or risk obsolescence. When a firm adopts Agile as its organizational philosophy, it must transform every internal process, including its culture and structure. This transformation is a slow and challenging process, but it is essential for achieving a consistent flow of quality products, satisfying customers, and maintaining high competitiveness.
