Concepts
This becomes even more crucial when working with Agile project management, a methodology that promotes flexibility, collaboration, and customer satisfaction.
In the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) exam, one of the key areas covered is developing a high level vision and supporting objectives to establish a common understanding of various project increments such as products, deliverables, releases and iterations. Doing so helps align stakeholder expectations and fosters trust.
I. Establishing a High-Level Vision
A high-level vision sets a clear direction and purpose for the project. It delineates the overall goals, providing team members and stakeholders clarity on what they are aiming for. In an Agile project, the vision can evolve as the project unfolds. It’s essential that the vision remains understandable, memorable and engaging to maintain focus and alignment.
Let’s take an example. In setting a vision for a mobile app development project, the vision could be: “Creating an intuitive, user-friendly mobile app that effectively streamlines business operations.”
II. Developing Supporting Objectives
While the vision outlines the project’s ultimate goal, supporting objectives provide the step-by-step roadmap to achieving this vision. These objectives are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that align with the vision.
Let’s continue with the previous example. If the vision is to create a user-friendly mobile app for business operations, a supporting objective could be: “Develop an intuitive user interface for the app within three sprints.”
III. Aligning Stakeholders’ Expectations.
Stakeholder expectations need to be aligned with the project’s vision and objectives. This involves regular communication and engagement to ensure all stakeholders understand, support, and work towards the same vision.
In Agile projects, stakeholders can see the product grow incrementally; this transparency can help ensure everyone is on the same page.
IV. Building Trust.
Trust is paramount in Agile projects. Promoting transparency, keeping commitments, demonstrating competency and communicating regularly are keys in building trust. For instance, if a deliverable is expected in a particular iteration, ensure it is delivered within the promised timeframe.
V. Understanding Project Increments in Agile Methodology.
Understanding the various project increments (products, deliverables, releases, and iterations) and their role in Agile methodology is vital.
- Products: These are the tangible outputs of a project. In the context of our mobile app project, it is the completed mobile app.
- Deliverables: These are outputs produced during each project phase. In Agile, these could be prototypes or design mock-ups.
- Releases: These refer to the working version of the product, ready for customer use.
- Iterations: Also known as sprints, iterations are short, time-boxed periods where specific tasks are completed.
In conclusion, establishing a shared vision of the various project increments, coupled with strong supporting objectives, is foundational in aligning stakeholder expectations and trust. This shared understanding paves the way for successfully navigating the Agile project landscape – a key competency assessed in the PMI-ACP exam.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: The first step in setting a shared vision in a project is building trust among stakeholders.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: While building trust is important, the first step is usually to develop a high-level vision and supporting objectives to give direction to the stakeholders and align their expectations.
In an Agile Project, the shared vision should be established:
- A) Before starting the project
- B) After starting the project
- C) During the project
Answer: A) Before starting the project
Explanation: The shared vision is established in the initial stages of a project to align stakeholders’ expectations and their understanding of the project’s goals and deliverables.
True or False: A high-level vision is not necessary in Agile projects.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: A high-level vision is important in Agile projects to provide direction and focus, and to help ensure consensus and agreement among stakeholders.
Who among the following stakeholders should be involved in developing the shared vision?
- A) Project Manager
- B) Project Team
- C) Clients
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: All major stakeholder groups including the project manager, project team, and clients should collaborate in developing the shared project vision.
True or False: Having a shared vision can make it easier to change direction or pivot during a project.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: A shared vision sets a flexible guide that allows for changes or pivots by constantly re-aligning stakeholders to the core objectives of the project.
Multiple Select: Setting a shared vision in a project allows for:
- A) Clear definition of roles and responsibilities
- B) Enhanced team alignment and collaboration
- C) Increased trust among stakeholders
Answer: B) Enhanced team alignment and collaboration, C) Increased trust among stakeholders
Explanation: A shared vision enhances alignment, collaboration, and trust among stakeholders but does not specifically define roles and responsibilities.
True or False: A shared vision does not validate and transform business needs into a project reality.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: A shared vision helps to validate and transform business needs into a project reality by aligning the goals of the stakeholders and ensuring everyone is working towards the same end result.
What is the ultimate goal of a shared vision in Agile projects?
- A) Reduce Costs
- B) Increase productivity
- C) Meet stakeholders’ expectations
Answer: C) Meet stakeholders’ expectations
Explanation: The ultimate goal of a shared vision is to meet stakeholders’ expectations by aligning project goals with their needs.
True or False: In any Agile project, the shared vision is defined solely by the project manager.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: The shared vision is a collaborative endeavor, involving input from all key stakeholders, not just the project manager.
Developing a high-level vision helps to:
- A) Recognize the need for change
- B) Minimize project risks
- C) Define change strategies
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Developing a high-level vision helps stakeholders understand the need for change, minimizes project risks, and aids in defining change strategies.
This is a fantastic post! Establishing a shared vision truly helps in aligning stakeholders’ expectations.
Absolutely agree! Without a shared vision, projects can easily go off-track.
Can anyone share practical tips on how to develop a high-level vision?
I appreciate this insight. Trust-building is often overlooked but is so essential for any project.
How do you ensure that the vision remains aligned throughout different project increments?
Great post! Can someone elaborate on how to build trust among stakeholders?
High-level vision and supporting objectives must be clearly documented and revisited often.
Nice blog! This really helps in preparing for the PMI-ACP exam.