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In-Depth Information
Examples of such real process weaknesses common to many Agile organi-
zations are the subject of this chapter. If you work in an organization with
an Agile culture I recommend you use the experiences at BOND discussed
here as a starting point for your own discussions. But keep in mind that
each organization is unique, and must be understood within its own busi-
ness context and constraints. Let us start with project management at
BOND.
Section I
Project Management
5.3 Project Management at BOND
Small organizations often start out as the brain-child of just a few individuals
who often maintain a great deal of information about how things are done in
those organizations in just one place—inside their heads. This was the case at
BOND. In the early years, the majority of the project management activities
were carried out by just a few individuals. Because they were small, the same
person often held multiple roles simplifying communication. But in 2003, the
organization was growing rapidly, and it was clear that project management
activities needed to be delegated.
In that same year when I conducted the CMMI gap analysis, this delegation
initiative had already begun. I observed during my interviews in 2003, con-
fusion and concern in the organization with respect to responsibilities. A
number of the next-tier leaders below the owners were being asked to pick
up project management responsibilities. They were unsure exactly what
those responsibilities were. Furthermore, they were unsure how to carry
them out, and particularly concerned because they weren't being relieved of
their previous responsibilities.
Examples of new project management activities included the development
of a project plan, monitoring the project in accordance with the plan, and
knowing when to raise risks to Senior Management.
One specific concern I heard during my gap analysis from multiple potential
new project managers was not just how to develop a plan, but how to scale a
plan appropriately to project-specific conditions. This was important because
