Dependencies in Agile Teams
In Agile project management, dependencies refer to the relationships between work items (e.g., features, stories, tasks) that require one item to be completed before another can start or be completed (Planview, 2024). Dependencies can arise within a single team (intra-team), between multiple teams working on the same product backlog (inter-team), or when a team requires external support (extra-team).
Types of Dependencies
Intra-Team Dependencies
Intra-team dependencies occur within a single team and can include:
Key Facts
- Definition: Dependencies are the relationships between work items, such as features, stories, or tasks, that require one item to be completed before another can start or be completed.
- Types of Dependencies: There are different types of dependencies that agile teams may encounter, including:
- Intra-team dependencies: Dependencies within a single team, where certain work items or tasks are dependent on each other.
- Inter-team dependencies: Dependencies that arise when multiple teams are working from the same product backlog, requiring coordination and sequencing of work across teams.
- Extra-team dependencies: Dependencies that occur when a scrum team requires assistance or support from another team, department, or external vendor to complete their work.
- Challenges: Dependencies can present challenges to agile teams, as they can introduce delays, bottlenecks, and coordination issues. It is important to identify and manage dependencies effectively to ensure smooth project execution.
- Dependency Management: Agile teams should actively manage dependencies to minimize their impact. Some strategies for dependency management include:
- Reworking and decomposing work items to make them more independent of each other.
- Identifying and addressing potential risks created by dependencies during sprint planning.
- Coordinating and communicating with other teams through scrum-of-scrums meetings or designated ambassadors.
- Seeking delivery commitments from external contributors and monitoring their progress closely.
- Dependency Visualization: Visualizing dependencies can help teams understand and manage them more effectively. Agile project management tools often provide features for visualizing and tracking dependencies between work items.
- Dependencies between work items that must be completed sequentially
- Dependencies between tasks within a sprint
Inter-Team Dependencies
Inter-team dependencies arise when multiple teams are working on the same product backlog. These dependencies require coordination and sequencing of work across teams.
Extra-Team Dependencies
Extra-team dependencies occur when a scrum team requires assistance from another team, department, or external vendor to complete their work.
Challenges of Dependencies
Dependencies can introduce challenges to Agile teams, such as:
- Delays and bottlenecks
- Coordination issues
- Reduced agility and flexibility
Dependency Management
Agile teams should actively manage dependencies to minimize their impact. Strategies for dependency management include:
- Reworking and decomposing work items to make them more independent
- Identifying and addressing potential risks during sprint planning
- Coordinating and communicating with other teams through scrum-of-scrums meetings or ambassadors
- Seeking delivery commitments from external contributors and monitoring their progress
Dependency Visualization
Visualizing dependencies can help teams understand and manage them more effectively. Agile project management tools often provide features for visualizing and tracking dependencies between work items.
Conclusion
Dependencies are an inherent part of Agile project management. By identifying, managing, and visualizing dependencies, Agile teams can reduce their impact and improve project execution.
References
Planview. (2024). Agile Teams: Dependency Management and Visualization. Retrieved from https://www.planview.com/resources/guide/what-is-agile-program-management/agile-teams-dependency-management-visualization/
Scrum Alliance. (n.d.). Managing Dependencies in Scrum. Retrieved from https://resources.scrumalliance.org/Article/managing-dependencies-scrum
Simpliaxis. (n.d.). Effective Management of Dependencies in Agile Projects. Retrieved from https://www.simpliaxis.com/resources/managing-dependencies-in-agile
FAQs
What is a dependency in Agile?
A dependency in Agile is a relationship between two or more work items (e.g., features, stories, tasks) where one item must be completed before another can start or be completed.
What are the different types of dependencies in Agile?
There are three main types of dependencies in Agile: intra-team, inter-team, and extra-team.
Why are dependencies a challenge in Agile?
Dependencies can introduce challenges in Agile, such as delays, bottlenecks, and reduced agility and flexibility.
How can Agile teams manage dependencies?
Agile teams can manage dependencies by identifying them early, reworking and decomposing work items to make them more independent, and coordinating and communicating with other teams.
How can Agile teams visualize dependencies?
Agile teams can visualize dependencies using dependency mapping tools or features in Agile project management software.
What are some tips for managing dependencies in Agile?
Some tips for managing dependencies in Agile include:
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- Identify dependencies early
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- Rework and decompose work items to make them more independent
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- Coordinate and communicate with other teams
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- Seek delivery commitments from external contributors
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- Monitor progress closely
What are the benefits of managing dependencies in Agile?
The benefits of managing dependencies in Agile include:
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- Reduced delays and bottlenecks
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- Improved coordination and communication
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- Increased agility and flexibility
What are some common tools for managing dependencies in Agile?
Some common tools for managing dependencies in Agile include:
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- Dependency mapping tools
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- Agile project management software
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- Scrum boards
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- Kanban boards