Using statistically significant research and large-scale case studies, noted methods expert Craig Larman presents the most convincing case ever made for iterative development. Larman offers a concise, information-packed summary of the key ideas that drive all agile and iterative processes, with the details of four noteworthy iterative methods: Scrum, XP, RUP, and Evo.

1. Introduction. Software Is New Product Development. What's Next? Web Resources. 2. Iterative Evolutionary. Iterative Development. Risk-Driven and Client-Driven Iterative Planning. Timeboxed Iterative Development. During the Iteration, No Changes from External Stakeholders. Evolutionary and Adaptive Development. Evolutionary Requirements Analysis. Early “Top Ten” High-Level Requirements and Skillful Analysis. Evolutionary and Adaptive Planning. Incremental Delivery. Evolutionary Delivery. The Most Common Mistake? Specific Iterative Evolutionary Methods. What's Next? Recommended Readings. 3. Agile. Agile Development. Classification of Methods. The Agile Manifesto and Principles. Agile Project Management. Embrace Communication and Feedback. Programming as If People Mattered. Simple Practices and Project Tools. Empirical vs Defined & Prescriptive Process. Principle-Based versus Rule-Based. Sustainable Discipline: The Human Touch. Team as a Complex Adaptive System. Agile Hype? Specific Agile Methods. What's Next? Recommended Readings. 4. Story. What's Next? 5. Motivation. The Facts of Change on Software Projects. Key Motivations for Iterative Development. Meeting the Requirements Challenge Iteratively. Problems with the Waterfall. What's Next? 6. Evidence. Summary. Research Evidence. Early Historical Project Evidence. Standards-Body Evidence. Expert and Thought Leader Evidence. A Business Case for Iterative Development. The Historical Accident of Waterfall Validity? What's Next? Recommended Readings. 7. Scrum. Method Overview. Lifecycle. Workproducts, Roles, and Practices. Values. Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings. Sample Projects. Process Mixtures. Adoption Strategies. Fact versus Fantasy. Strengths versus “Other”. History. What's Next? Recommended Readings. 8. Extreme Programming. Method Overview. Lifecycle. Workproducts, Roles, and Practices. Values. Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings. Sample Projects. Process Mixtures. Adoption Strategies. Fact versus Fantasy. Strengths versus “Other”. History. What's Next? Recommended Readings. 9. Unified Process. Method Overview. Lifecycle. Workproducts, Roles, and Practices. Values. Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings. Sample Projects. Process Mixtures. Adoption Strategies. Fact versus Fantasy. Strengths versus “Other”. History. What's Next? Recommended Readings. 10. Evo. Method Overview. Lifecycle. Workproducts, Roles, and Practices. Values. Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings. Sample Projects. Process Mixtures. Adoption Strategies. Fact versus Fantasy. Strengths versus “Other”. History. What's Next? Recommended Readings. 11. Practice Tips. Project Management. Environment. Requirements. Test. 12. Frequently Asked Questions. Question List. Questions and Answers. 13. Bibliography.

Agile/iterative methods: From business case to successful implementation This is the definitive guide for managers and students to agile and iterative development methods: what they are, how they work, how to implement them—and why you should. Using statistically significant research and large-scale case studies, noted methods expert Craig Larman presents the most convincing case ever made for iterative development. Larman offers a concise, information-packed summary of the key ideas that drive all agile and iterative processes, with the details of four noteworthy iterative methods: Scrum, XP, RUP, and Evo. Coverage includes: Compelling evidence that iterative methods reduce project risk Frequently asked questions Agile and iterative values and practices Dozens of useful iterative and agile practice tips New management skills for agile/iterative project leaders Key practices of Scrum, XP, RUP, and Evo Whether you're an IT executive, project manager, student of software engineering, or developer, Craig Larman will help you understand the promise of agile/iterative development, sell it throughout your organizationaeand transform the promise into reality.

Agile and iterative methods have emerged as the most popular approaches to software development, and with good reason. Research (examined and cited in detail within this book) shows that iterative methods reduce the risk of failure, compared to traditional models of development. This book is an efficient introduction for both managers and practitioners that need a distilled and carefully organized learning aid for the hands-on practices from planning to requirements to testing and the values that define these methods. The author also provides evidence of the value of switching to agile and iterative methods. By studying this book, the reader will learn to apply the key ideas in agile and iterative development, the details and comparison of four influential iterative methods (Scrum, Extreme Programming, Evo, and the Unified Process), answers to frequently asked questions, and important related management skills. The book's goal is quality information that can be quickly understood and applied.

A no-nonsense introduction to the highlights of agile and iterative software development methods from a noted software expert. The latest teachings from noted software development expert Craig Larman Provides managers and practitioners alike with a summary of the key ideas of agile development, and evidence for its value Details the four most important iterative methods: Extreme Programming, Scrum, the Rational Unified Process, and Evo