Agile Software Development in a Staged-Gate Environment 
Don Opperthauser
Managing Partner
AgileTek LLC

Introduction:

There is growing interest in an acceptance of agile development methods. Many software professionals interested in agile methods work in organizations that have linear processes variously referred to as waterfall, plan-driven, or staged-gate processes. There is a general perception that agile methods cannot be deployed effectively in an organization with a mandated staged-gate process. We have found that it is possible to map an agile methodology into a staged-gate process while retaining the essential characteristics of both and remaining true to the mandated process. We believe there would be significant interest in learning how we have done this.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will understand how to go about introducing agile development methods into a staged-gate corporate computing environment.

Outline:

• Background
  • The purpose of process
  • Momentum toward agile development
  • Need for control and governance provided by state-gate processes
  • Motivation for combining agile and staged-gate processes
• Creating an Agile-Friendly Staged-Gate Process
  • Create flexibility by use of a complexity matrix
  • Allow for a major requirements stage and gate to be at an appropriate level for agile development
  • Define “mini gates” for requirements and design review at each iteration
• Obstacles to Agile/Staged-Gate Integration
  • Ambiguity about agile development among software development staff
  • Lack of executive commitment
  • An unreasonably rigid staged-gate process
  • Antagonism between business people and process people
• Approaching Agile/Staged-Gate Integration
  • Understand the objectives of the staged-gate process
  • Develop relationships with the proponents and authors of the staged-gate process
  • Map the processes in a collaborative fashion
  • Be prepared to be flexible
• A Case Study (A Fortune 50 Company)
  • Background of the project
  • The mandatory staged-gate process
  • The reason agile methods were essential
  • The revised agile methodology that satisfied the staged-gate process

Biography:

Don Opperthauser has been in software development since 1979 as programmer, project manager, account manager, methodology consultant, and business owners. He has consulted with a number of companies regarding the integration of agile methods into existing processes including companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies. These consulting engagements have been across a wide variety of industries such as aerospace, chemicals, telecommunications, and electronics. Don is currently managing partner of AgileTek LLC, a custom software development and consulting company based in the Chicago area.