Project Management

Agile Project Manager Master Class

This Agile Project Manager Master Class equips professionals with advanced skills in Agile methodologies, focusing on practical applications in project management. Participants will learn to lead Agile teams, manage project backlogs, and deliver value through iterative processes, enhancing their effectiveness in dynamic environments.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

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Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Agile project management is essential for professionals facing rapidly changing project requirements and stakeholder expectations. The inability to adapt can lead to project delays, increased costs, and diminished team morale. This course addresses these challenges by providing participants with the tools to effectively manage Agile projects, enabling them to make informed decisions that enhance project outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction. Participants will learn how to implement Agile frameworks, prioritise tasks, facilitate collaboration, and manage risks, ensuring that they can respond swiftly to changes and deliver high-quality results that meet both organisational goals and client needs.

Engaging in hands-on exercises, participants will simulate real-world scenarios that require them to practice prioritising tasks, facilitating Agile ceremonies, and managing stakeholder communication. By developing these capabilities, attendees will be better prepared to lead successful Agile projects and drive organisational change. The course will also cover advanced risk management strategies tailored for Agile environments, allowing participants to identify and mitigate potential issues proactively. This comprehensive approach ensures that they leave with practical skills and actionable insights that can be applied immediately in their roles, ultimately enhancing their career prospects and contributing to their organisations' success.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a mix of interactive workshops, case studies, and role-playing exercises to deepen understanding of Agile principles. Participants will work in teams to solve project management challenges, using tools like Scrum boards and Kanban systems. Each day includes practical exercises that culminate in tangible outputs, such as project backlogs, sprint plans, and stakeholder communication strategies. These activities are designed to reinforce learning and ensure participants can apply Agile methodologies effectively in their workplaces. By focusing on real-world applications, the course aims to build confidence and competence in managing Agile projects and teams, preparing participants for immediate implementation of their skills.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyse Agile frameworks to determine their suitability for various project types.
Design an Agile project backlog that prioritises tasks based on stakeholder value.
Facilitate Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning and retrospectives, to enhance team collaboration.
Assess team dynamics and identify strategies for improving Agile team performance.
Construct a risk management plan tailored for Agile projects to mitigate potential issues.
Justify the selection of Agile metrics to measure project success and team efficiency.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Project Managers seeking to enhance their Agile skills and methodologies.
Scrum Masters looking to deepen their understanding of Agile practices.
Product Owners aiming to effectively manage product backlogs and stakeholder expectations.
Team Leaders wanting to improve team dynamics and collaboration in Agile environments.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Facilitating Agile ceremonies effectively to enhance team engagement.
Prioritising project tasks based on Agile principles and stakeholder needs.
Managing project risks in an Agile context to ensure successful delivery.
Utilising Agile metrics to evaluate project performance and team productivity.
Coaching teams in Agile practices to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Communicating effectively with stakeholders to align project goals and expectations.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Introduction to Agile Methodologies

Applied activity: In small groups, participants will analyse a case study of a failed project and identify how Agile methodologies could have improved the outcome. They will discuss the roles and processes that would have been applied to enhance project success, focusing on practical applications.

Output: A report outlining the key Agile practices that could have mitigated the project risks.

09:00–09:54Overview of Agile principles and values as per the Agile Manifesto.
09:54–10:48Comparison of Agile frameworks: Scrum, Kanban, and Lean, and their applications.
10:48–11:00Identifying the benefits and challenges of Agile project management.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Identifying the benefits and challenges of Agile project management. (continued)
12:12–13:06Understanding roles in Agile: Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team.
13:06–14:00Exploring the Agile project lifecycle and iterative development processes.

Day 2Building and Managing Agile Backlogs

Applied activity: Participants will create a product backlog for a fictional project, prioritising user stories based on stakeholder input and value delivery. They will present their backlog to the group for feedback and further refinement, simulating real-world stakeholder engagement and decision-making.

Output: A prioritised product backlog with user stories and acceptance criteria.

09:00–09:54Defining user stories and acceptance criteria for Agile projects to ensure clarity.
09:54–10:48Techniques for prioritising the product backlog using MoSCoW and other methods.
10:48–11:00Creating and maintaining a well-structured backlog for effective sprint planning and execution.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Creating and maintaining a well-structured backlog for effective sprint planning and execution. (continued)
12:12–13:06Utilising tools for backlog management and visualisation to enhance transparency.
13:06–14:00Engaging stakeholders in backlog refinement sessions to align expectations.

Day 3Facilitating Agile Ceremonies

Applied activity: Participants will role-play an Agile ceremony, taking turns as facilitators and team members. They will practice techniques for keeping the meeting focused and productive while ensuring all voices are heard, simulating a real Agile environment and enhancing their facilitation skills.

Output: A summary of the meeting outcomes and action items identified during the role-play.

09:00–09:54Understanding the purpose and structure of Agile ceremonies: daily stand-ups, sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives.
09:54–10:48Techniques for effective facilitation of Agile meetings to enhance productivity.
10:48–11:00Strategies for fostering team collaboration and engagement during ceremonies.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Strategies for fostering team collaboration and engagement during ceremonies. (continued)
12:12–13:06Identifying common pitfalls in Agile ceremonies and how to avoid them for better outcomes.
13:06–14:00Documenting outcomes and action items from Agile ceremonies for accountability.

Day 4Managing Agile Teams and Stakeholders

Applied activity: Participants will engage in a simulation where they must navigate a conflict scenario within an Agile team. They will apply conflict resolution techniques and communicate with stakeholders to resolve the issue effectively, ensuring project continuity and team cohesion.

Output: A conflict resolution plan outlining steps taken and lessons learned from the simulation.

09:00–09:54Techniques for building high-performing Agile teams and fostering collaboration among members.
09:54–10:48Understanding team dynamics and the role of emotional intelligence in Agile leadership.
10:48–11:00Strategies for effective stakeholder engagement and communication throughout the project lifecycle.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Strategies for effective stakeholder engagement and communication throughout the project lifecycle. (continued)
12:12–13:06Managing conflicts within Agile teams and resolving issues to maintain momentum.
13:06–14:00Utilising feedback loops to enhance team performance and stakeholder satisfaction.

Day 5Integrating Agile Practices for Project Success

Applied activity: In teams, participants will develop a complete Agile project plan for a fictional project, integrating backlog management, stakeholder communication, and risk strategies. They will present their plan to the class, simulating a project pitch and demonstrating their understanding of Agile integration.

Output: A comprehensive Agile project plan including backlog, risk management, and stakeholder communication strategies.

09:00–09:54Developing a comprehensive Agile project plan that incorporates all learned practices and methodologies.
09:54–10:48Utilising metrics and KPIs to measure Agile project success and team productivity effectively.
10:48–11:00Creating a risk management strategy that aligns with Agile principles to mitigate potential issues.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Creating a risk management strategy that aligns with Agile principles to mitigate potential issues. (continued)
12:12–13:06Designing a continuous improvement plan for Agile teams to foster ongoing development.
13:06–14:00Preparing for Agile project delivery and stakeholder handover to ensure smooth transitions.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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