This is part 4 of a 10-part series I am writing on Agile Project Management, by Jim Highsmith.

This chapter introduces the agile project management model which incorporates the agile principles. It is a simple model based on five phases: Envision, Speculate, Explore, Adapt, and Close. These are not serial phases, but a fluid set of phases within which the agile project operates (although the Close phase only occurs once during any given project).

The first stage, Envision, is where the product scope, schedule, and team decisions are made. Speculate develops a rough plan for iteration delivery and feature breakdown. Explore delivers tested features in useful increments to the customer. Adapt takes feedback into consideration to modify any product features or project plans. Finally, the Close phase concludes all project work and celebrates the project’s completion.