DCG-SMS – Helping to make Agile work in the public sector
Evidence shows that an Agile approach to software development can rapidly and remarkably transform the value delivered from software, reducing waste and improving efficiency. The UK Government is keen to see public sector IT projects leverage the many benefits of Agile, while the Institute of Government sees Agile as a viable way forward for IT projects burdened with a history of failure and soaring price tags.
But realizing the benefits of Agile has proved a challenge to many organisations which do not have the right groundwork in place, says software process specialists, DCG-SMS. So to support public sector managers making the transition to Agile, DCG-SMS and the British Computer Society have produced a guidance booklet entitled, “AGILE IT – How can agile approaches to IT meet the evolving needs of the public sector?”
The booklet outlines the principles behind Agile, explains how to effect the full business benefits and provides advice to help the public sector avoid some of the common pitfalls associated with the implementation of Agile.
“An Agile approach to software development can deliver up to four times the return on investment realised from projects using more traditional approaches,” said Sue Rule, Managing Director of DCG-SMS. “We know that Agile implemented the right way from the start has rapidly and remarkably transformed the value delivered from software, but there are Agile initiatives which have failed to sustain the momentum needed to realize full business benefit, despite early successes.
“The booklet seeks to give an overview of what makes the difference between making a rapid and really significant impact on results delivered, and struggling to get off the ground.”
Agile projects accept and work with change in order to deliver a solution which meets real business requirements. Effective Agile therefore requires strong communication between the users and the software development team in order to understand and evolve requirements, prioritise backlogs and manage delivery in a timely, efficient and cost-effective manner.
At an open webinar forum run by DCG-SMS on 27th March 2013, many of the commonly experienced issues raised related to lack of training and support for those taking on new roles and responsibilities. Knowledgeable support is essential at an early stage for both the business and the development team in order to addresses key issues such as entrenched management behaviours and hierarchies, and to clarify the essential role played by stakeholders in delivering the right outcome.
“To achieve the full benefit of Agile, the business organisation needs to understand and embrace the key principles behind it. That represents a major change initiative for the public sector,” says DCG-SMS Managing Director Alan Cameron, a former civil servant. “The Civil Service and the Industry must work together to maximize the opportunities presented by effective Agile methods. The booklet represents a call to action to enable effective Agile practices within the government sector.”
The booklet has been published by publicservice.co.uk and is available from bit.ly/agilegovit