Learn how to extend Agile methods to multiple teams to ensure a collective approach to company-wide goals.

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  • Duration

    7 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Understand scaling in an Agile environment

On this seven-week course, you’ll be introduced to scaling in an Agile environment to help you bring Agile methods to different teams within your organization.

Scaling Agile creates a collaborative approach across teams to work more efficiently toward the same company goal.

You’ll learn how to identify and discuss scaling challenges in an organization before understanding how to strategize ways to address and overcome these challenges.

Explore Agile scaling frameworks

Building on your knowledge of Agile frameworks, you’ll explore specific scaling frameworks such as Scrum@Scale, DaD, SAFe, LeSS, and Nexus.

You’ll compare and contrast these frameworks and methodologies before gaining hands-on experience as you learn how to apply them.

Discover the best practices for applying a scaled Agile framework

Using real-world examples, you’ll gain insights into best practices and lessons learned when applying a scaling framework.

With this knowledge, you’ll be able to explore the role of managers and scaling coaches in a scaled Agile environment.

Learn how to advocate for the use of scaling Agile practices

Finally, you’ll learn the strategies you can use to advocate for the use of scaling Agile practices in your organization.

Guided by a collection of industry experts, you’ll create scaling Agile journals with resources and plans for future use.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Introduction to Scaling Frameworks

    • Course introduction

      In this activity, you will be introduced to the FutureLearn platform, and the content that will be covered during this course. You will also get an overview of the topics covered during the first week of this course.

    • Scaling Agile

      In this activity, we explore some common challenges associated with scaled Agile and learn about the high-level scaling goals of some of the leading scaling frameworks.

    • Week wrap up

      In this activity, you'll have the opportunity to test your knowledge of the topics covered during the week. You will also be provided with a summary of the week's learning, and some insight on what to expect in the new week.

  • Week 2

    Scrum@Scale and DaD

    • Welcome to the week

      Moving into the second week of this course, this activity will give you an overview of the topics that will be covered during this week.

    • Scrum@Scale

      In this activity, we dive deeper into the Scrum@Scale framework, which focuses on the transformation of the organizational culture in which teams operate.

    • Disciplined Agile Delivery (DaD)

      In this activity, we learn how the DaD framework removes organizational barriers between development teams and other departments in an organization, and coordinates and aligns the work of Agile Scrum teams.

    • Week wrap up

      In this activity, you'll have the opportunity to test your knowledge of the topics covered during the week. You will also be provided with a summary of the week's learning, and some insight on what to expect in the new week.

  • Week 3

    SAFe - Part 1

    • Welcome to the week

      Moving into the third week of this course, this activity will give you an overview of the topics that will be covered during this week.

    • SAFe core competencies

      In this activity, we learn how the core competencies of the SAFe framework can be beneficial in helping organizations stay competitive through large-scale agile implementation.

    • Agile Release Train (ART)

      In this activity, we learn how SAFe utilizes the concept of Agile Release Train (ARTs) for teams to integrate their work together to ensure continuous system integration.

    • Week wrap up

      In this activity, you'll have the opportunity to test your knowledge of the topics covered during the week. You will also be provided with a summary of the week's learning, and some insight on what to expect in the new week.

  • Week 4

    SAFe - Part 2

    • Welcome to the week

      Moving into the fourth week of this course, this activity will give you an overview of the topics that will be covered during this week.

    • SAFe core values

      In this activity, we will continue our exploration of the SAFe framework by discussing SAFe core values, and focusing on the three core values that are most beneficial to SAFe effectiveness.

    • SAFe principles

      In this activity, we will continue our exploration of the SAFe framework by discussing SAFe core principles and focusing on some key SAFe principles that are crucial for project success.

    • Week wrap up

      In this activity, you'll have the opportunity to test your knowledge of the topics covered during the week. You will also be provided with a summary of the week's learning, and some insight on what to expect in the new week.

  • Week 5

    LeSS and Nexus

    • Welcome to the week

      Moving into Week 5 of this course, this activity will give you an overview of the topics that will be covered during this week.

    • Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS)

      In this activity, we will explore Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS) as a framework for scaling Agile development to multiple teams.

    • Nexus

      In this activity, we will explore the Nexus framework that supports the concept of multiple scrum teams working from a common backlog to create an integrated product.

    • Week wrap up

      In this activity, you'll have the opportunity to test your knowledge of the topics covered during the week. You will also be provided with a summary of the week's learning, and some insight on what to expect in the new week.

  • Week 6

    The Manager's Role in a Scaled Agile Environment

    • Welcome to the week

      Moving into Week 6 of this course, this activity will give you an overview of the topics that will be covered during this week.

    • Management roles and practices

      In this activity, we will explore the manager’s roles and practices in the scaled Agile environment.

    • Week wrap up

      In this activity, you'll have the opportunity to test your knowledge of the topics covered during the week. You will also be provided with a summary of the week's learning, and some insight on what to expect in the new week.

  • Week 7

    Agile Coaching

    • Welcome to the week

      Moving into the final week of this course, this activity will give you an overview of the topics that will be covered during this week.

    • The Agile Coach

      In this activity, we explore the need for Agile coaching to help organizations identify problems and provide strategies to achieve better results with agile transformation and scaling.

    • Course wrap up

      In this activity, you'll have the opportunity to test your knowledge of the topics covered during the week, by completing a graded test and applying what you have learned to a task.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Compare and contrast Agile scaling frameworks and methodologies.
  • Identify and discuss scaling challenges in an organization and strategize ways to address/overcome these challenges.
  • Recognize the manager’s role in a scaled Agile environment.
  • Discuss strategies to advocate for the use of scaling Agile practices in an organization.
  • Identify a coaching stance that aligns with a specific role or project’s needs.
  • Create scaling Agile journals with resources and plans for future use.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for those with an understanding of Agile who are looking to scale the practices to larger teams.

It will be most beneficial for programmers or project managers.

Who will you learn with?

Agile IT Project Manager for Medical Devices managing several mobile applications.

Consultant focused on improving organizations ability to deliver value effectively using tools such as Agile, Lean, Systems Coaching (ORSC), Business Process Improvement/BPM, and Design Thinking

Who developed the course?

University of California, Irvine

Established in 1962, the University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education (UCI DCE) has served the lifelong learning needs of individuals, organizations, and the community on a local, regional, and global scale.

  • Established

    1965
  • Location

    Irvine, USA
  • World ranking

    Top 100Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn