How to move from business analyst to product owner
Even before the pandemic disrupted traditional business models, more and more organisations were seeing the value in agile methodologies and specialised frameworks like Scrum. But in addition to the business itself transforming, we’re seeing the need for roles to change as well – particularly the role of business analyst (BA). Here, we explore why it
The most valuable project management skills for 2021 and beyond
Even before COVID-19 turned the business world on its head, rapid globalisation and hyper-connectivity were transforming the day-to-day for organisations. As we accelerate into 2021, Mike Boutel, PM-Partners’ Head of Training, considers the critical capabilities project managers need to arm themselves with in order to navigate the challenging road ahead. After the global pandemic threw
The evolution of business analysts in Agile teams
For organisations to survive they must keep evolving and maturing according to market demands. In many cases this has led to a concerted shift towards agile business practices – whether that’s through an Agile delivery approach or embracing an agile culture. The result of this shift is that many roles need to change in order
Project management: the difference between Agile and Waterfall
PM-Partners Agile Learning Consultant and Facilitator Quinn Dodsworth explores what sets these two methodologies apart and explains why you always need a fit-for-purpose approach to project management in order to get the best results. Agile and Waterfall explained A cursory glance online at the value of waterfall projects will return mixed reviews. The most prevalent,
The best agile tool for businesses is collaboration
As organisations work through the economic devastation of COVID-19 and individuals leave their personal bunkers, many are wondering how to work in this new market. Even more importantly, they are trying to figure out how to become more productive in a post-COVID environment. Jump online and you’ll find a plethora of blogs and advocates urging
Big A Agile vs small a agile
When it comes to Agile implementation, many organisations seem to think they have some level of experience and understanding of what that could look like. “Ah yes, Agile” we hear management say. I’ve heard it works for those guys over there – the IT guys who wear those stripy socks – but it’s not really
The Agile Maturity Continuum
The Agile journey is one that many organisations have started on, with an increasingly widespread adoption of Agile frameworks and processes with varying degrees of success. Some organisations seem to effortlessly and continually build their capabilities whilst many similar initiatives seem to stall or run out of steam before really realising any benefits. Focussing on
The Lean Agile Kanban Scrum Scrumban Debate
Terms such as agile, agility, lean, Kanban, Scrum, Scrumban, ‘just enough’, responsive, adaptive, iterative and incremental have infiltrated our project and BAU environments, regardless of industry and type of organisation. Agile is no longer just for IT; Lean is no longer just for manufacturing. But what do these terms mean? How do they fit together?
What is Agile – philosophy and principles
Agile. Agility. What really is agile? What are the values and philosophy behind it? What is an agile mindset or agile way of thinking? What agile methods, tools and techniques are available? What are the common agile roles? These are some of the topics we explore in a series of articles looking at demystifying agile*.
Kanban: A Sign of the Times
Kanban, particularly Kanban boards seem to be emerging as the ‘norm’, even expected, in today’s dynamic business environment. But what value does Kanban bring to projects and business as usual? Let’s look beyond the hype and buzzwords and understand the true value of the Kanban Method. What is Kanban? The word Kanban can literally be












