ASSESSMENT 1 BRIEF
Subject Code and Title MIS608 - Agile Project Management
Assessment Research Report on Agile
Individual/Group Individual
Length 1500 words (+/- 10%)
Learning Outcomes The Subject Learning Outcomes demonstrated by successful completion of the task below include:
a) Undertake research to demonstrate an understanding of
Agile concepts, tools and techniques
Submission Due by 11:55pm AEST Sunday end of Module 2.2.
Weighting 25%
Total Marks 100 marks
Task Summary
“Everything that becomes true starts with a manifesto” - Courtney Love
Manifestos communicate beliefs, aims, intentions and views - they are a philosophy rather than a method. The Agile Manifesto is the philosophy from which Agile methods and frameworks have emerged.
This assessment is about ensuring that we understand the thinking or the ‘what’ of Agile in preparation for learning the methods, practices, tools, and techniques associated with the ‘how’ of Agile.
You will be required to prepare a report covering the following concepts and areas of knowledge:
1. VUCA
2. The Agile Manifesto
3. The Case for Agile
4. Agile vs. Waterfall
5. A Comparison of Scrum and Kanban
6. The influence of Lean on the Agile philosophy and practices
Context
Because careers in the world of Information Systems require being able to ‘do’, we focus on techniques which engender capability building. Agile is a complex and multi-facetted discipline. Because we are preparing you for professional practice in your future workplace - the assessment pathway takes a laddered approach to your learning to embed theoretical knowledge through active practice:
1. Assessment 1 - Prepare - Understand theoretical foundations of Agile.
2. Assessment 2 - Reflect - Develop your Agile Mindset and capability to work in an Agile team.
3. Assessment 3 - Perform - An authentic assessment where you will apply the knowledge and skills you progressively develop in the subject to a business problem using Agile Project Management.
Wk1 Wk2 Wk3 Wk4 Wk5 Wk6 Wk7 Wk8 Wk9 Wk10 Wk11 Wk12
A1 Theoretical foundations of Agile A1 Due
A2 Developing your Agile Mindset and reflecting on A2 Due
A3 A3 Due
Due attention needs to be paid to format, visual presentation and citation discipline (referencing) as this would be required in leading companies and consultancies which you would apply to in your future career.
Excellent referencing demonstrates your capability as a researcher - it is evidence that you know how to find information from appropriate sources and can interpret and synthesise that information with skill at a Master level.
Task Instructions: Your report will require 6 boxes, each one devoted to covering a specific knowledge area. There is no requirement for an introduction of conclusion using this method - your word count can be better used in the boxes:
1. Box 1 - VUCA.
To answer this question, you will need to read this article: Baran, B. E., & Woznyj, H. M.
(2021). Managing VUCA. Organizational Dynamics, 50(2), 100787–100787.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orgdyn.2020.100787 which can be accessed via the Torrens online library. After reading the article, reread the section with the heading “Sending, Assessing, and Monitoring VUCA”, then go to Table 1. The VUCA Audit and find the 4 matching questions for this section with the heading ‘To get a sense of one’s own sensing and monitoring behaviours’. Your organisation may either be your workplace or Torrens
University – you need to tell us which you have selected at the start of your response.
a. Select one of the dimensions of VUCA to explore: Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity or Ambiguity.
b. Using the four questions referenced above explain how well you are sensing and monitoring for the dimension that you have chosen within your organisation, and what you are doing to mitigate the impact of this VUCA dimension on your success.
c. Discuss one agility enhancing practice that you can employ to help you mitigate the impact of this VUCA dimension on your success
d. Do not forget to reference the article and the questions that you have used.
2. Box 2 - The Agile Manifesto.
Looking at the first principle of the Agile Manifesto – “Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.” How do you believe the Scrum process supports the achievement of this principle? You will need to identify an explore at least four ways that align Scrum to the first principle.
3. Box 3 - Agile vs Waterfall.
For this subject PROJ6000 is a pre-requisite and you will be familiar with the term ‘Scope Creep’. It is likely that you will need to do some additional research into this term for greater clarity and depth in you answer. Now review the 4th Principle of the
Agile Manifesto – ‘Responding to change over following a plan.”
a. Create a definition of scope creep in your own words based on you research (yes references are required).
b. Explain your understanding of the fourth principle of the Agile manifesto backed by evidence of the additional reading you have done to gain this understanding (readings used in class are very good resources for this purpose).
c. In your own words explain whether you think these concepts (scope creep vs.
responding to change over following a plan) could be considered a contradiction, or not!
4. Box 4 - The Case for Agile.
Review the Cutter Consortium case in this reading - Measey, P. (2015). Agile foundations : Principles, practices and frameworks. BCS Learning & Development Limited. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquestcom.torrens.idm.oclc.org/lib/think/reader.action?docID=1759633&ppg=47:
a. Which Agile approach is Cutter Consortium – example 1 aligned to? Use the evidence in the table to support why you say this.
b. Which Agile approach is Cutter Consortium – example 2 aligned to? Use the evidence in the table to support why you say this.
c. What is the specific impact on quality of both approaches? Include specific figures to back your position and explain why you believe this quality outcome was achieved.
d. What was the specific impact on budget of both approaches? Include specific figures to back your position and explain why you believe this cost outcome was achieved?
e. Why do you believe this Agile has this effect?
5. Box 5 - Kanban.
To answer this question – first watch this video from your class learning resources: Rose, D. (2018, April 12). Kanban [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/learning/agile-foundations/kanban-
overview?autoAdvance=true&autoSkip=false&autoplay=true&resume=false&u=567
44473
a. Create a copy of the Kanban video that is shown in the video with the appropriate labels.
b. What is the alternative name that Scrum Teams give to the Kanban?
c. Describe what the purpose is of the in the furthest left column. What does it contain, and how are its contents sequenced? Why is this significant?
d. What is the purpose of the yellow sticky notes? What is usually written on these yellow sticky notes?
e. How are the yellow sticky notes used to limit Work in Progress (WIP)?
f. Write a brief description of how the scrum team can use the Kanban for
‘walking the board’ in the process of their daily stand-ups to remain on track.
g. How do you plan to use this tool in your group assessment?
6. Box 6 - The Influence of Lean on Agile philosophy and practice.
Kaizen is a very well-known Lean philosophy which originated in Lean manufacturing. Transparency, Adaptation and Inspection are the three pillars of Scrum. It is suggested that you consult some of the texts like Measey (2015) and undertake addition research of your own to answer the following questions:
a. Describe and explain the three pillars of Scrum.
b. Describe and explain the Lean concept of Kaizen.
c. Explain how the three pillars on Scrum contribute to the achievement of Scrum.
Visual Appeal and Format
1. Your report will need to be designed and completed in Word format - alternative package solutions (e.g. Canva) may not be used as they do not meet the university’s submission criteria.
2. A cover page will be required which must include the following information:
a. Subject Code
b. Subject name
c. Assessment number
d. Assessment title
e. Class CRN
f. Learning Facilitator’s name
g. Student name
h. Student number (‘A’ number)
3. The report must use font Arial or Calibri 11 point and be line spaced at 1.15 for ease of reading.
4. You may use a tables or text boxes to create your six boxes based on what best meets your needs. You must pay careful attention to layout and how items fit on the pages.
5. When diagrams or tables are used, due attention should be given to placement.
6. Diagrams or tables must carry the appropriate captioning.
7. A reference list is to be included on a separate page which meets the format requirements of the APA 7th Edition Referencing Guide.

Referencing
There are requirements for referencing this report using APA referencing style. It is expected that you reference any appropriate resources that were used in class and that you include five additional resources in the relevant subject areas based on readings and further research.
You are required to use DOIs, URLs and page and para numbers to reflect your capability and standing as a Masters level researcher.
It is essential that you use appropriate APA style for citing and referencing research. Please see more information on referencing here http://library.laureate.net.au/research_skills/referencing
Submission Instructions
Submit Assessment 1 via the Assessment link in the main navigation menu in MIS608 Agile Project Management. The Learning Facilitator will provide feedback via the Grade Centre in the LMS portal. Feedback can be viewed in My Grades.
Academic Integrity Declaration
It is required that the below statement must be adhered to and added to your cover page:
I declare that except where I have referenced, the work I am submitting for this assessment task is my own work. I have read and am aware of Torrens University Australia Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure viewable online at http://www.torrens.edu.au/policies-and-forms
I am aware that I need to keep a copy of all submitted material and their drafts, and I will do so accordingly.
Signed by: Date:
Assessment Rubric
Assessment Attributes Fail
(Yet to achieve minimum standard) 0-49% Pass
(Functional)
50-64% Credit
(Proficient) 65-74% Distinction
(Advanced)
75-84% High Distinction
(Exceptional)
85-100%
Visual Appeal and Format
Cover Page
3% No cover page is included. Cover page is included but is missing most information. Cover page is included but is missing key information. Cover page is included with most required information. Cover page is included with all required information.
Format
6% Incorrect font and size is used with poor line spacing and large gaps in pagination or tables, or diagrams run over onto the next page
unnecessarily. Reference
list does not start on a
new page Either incorrect font and size is used or poor line spacing and large gaps in pagination. Reference list does not start on a new page. Some errors in font use and line spacing. Some pagination problems. Reference list starts on a
new page Minor errors in font, spacing and format. Reference list starts on a
new page Font, spacing and format are in accordance with the requirements of the assignment brief.
Reference list starts on a new page and applies the appropriate hanging indent technique
Spelling & Grammar
6% Many errors in spelling or grammar obscure meaning of what student has written. Spelling or grammar has errors but meaning remains clear.
Minor spelling or grammar errors.
No errors in spelling or grammar.
No errors in spelling or grammar.
Word Count
3% Does not adhere to the word count requirement of 1500 words (greater than +/- 20%) Does not adhere to the word count requirement of 1500 words (+/- 20%)
Adheres to the word count requirement of 1500 words
(+/- 10%)
Adheres to the word count requirement of 1500 words
(+/- 10%)
Adheres to the word count requirement of 1500 words
(+/- 5%)
VUCA
Knowledge &
understanding
3% Demonstrates a poorly developed understanding of VUCA - cannot identify
an aligned VUCA dimension and appropriate recommended approach. Demonstrates a functional knowledge of VUCA - selects inappropriate perspectives with low relevance, the incorrect VUCA dimension and/or approach is selected
Demonstrates proficient knowledge of VUCA by selecting an appropriate perspective, the correct VUCA dimension and approach
Demonstrates advanced knowledge of VUCA by selecting and, identifying the correct VUCA dimension with good reasons and explains the link between the recommended approach and Agile.
Demonstrates exceptional knowledge of VUCA and the most appropriate dimension for the selected challenge and identifying the correct approach to address the challenge and how Agile contributes to addressing the dimension.
Analysis and application with synthesis of new knowledge
7% Limited synthesis and analysis.
Demonstrated analysis and synthesis of new knowledge with application.
Well-developed analysis and synthesis with application of recommendations linked to analysis/synthesis.
Thoroughly developed and creative analysis and synthesis with application of the VUCA model and justified recommendations linked to analysis/synthesis.
Highly sophisticated and creative analysis, synthesis of new with existing knowledge.
The Agile Manifesto
Knowledge &
understanding
5% Demonstrates a partially developed understanding of the Agile Manifesto but does not demonstrate the alignment between the
Agile manifesto and
Scrum Demonstrates a functional knowledge of the Agile Manifesto and attempts to demonstrate the alignment between the Agile manifesto and Scrum
Demonstrates proficient knowledge of the Agile Manifesto by clearly demonstrating the alignment between the Agile manifesto and Scrum
Demonstrates proficient knowledge of the Agile Manifesto by identifying four ways in which Scrum aligns with the agile Manifesto.
Demonstrates exceptional knowledge of the Agile Manifesto by identifying four ways in which Scrum aligns with the agile Manifesto describing the best context within which the framework would offer maximum value.
Agile vs. Waterfall
Knowledge &
understanding
5% Demonstrates a partially developed understanding of the Agile and Waterfall approaches to project management. Demonstrates a functional knowledge of the Agile and Waterfall approaches to project management. Demonstrates proficient knowledge of the Agile and Waterfall approaches to project management. Demonstrates proficient knowledge of the Agile and Waterfall approaches to project management. Demonstrates exceptional knowledge of the Agile and Waterfall approaches to project management.
The Case for Agile
Knowledge &
understanding
5% Demonstrates a partially developed understanding of the benefits of Agile. Demonstrates a functional knowledge of the benefits of Agile. Demonstrates proficient knowledge of the benefits of Agile. Demonstrates proficient knowledge of the benefits of Agile. Demonstrates exceptional knowledge of the benefits of Agile.
Evaluation of information selected to support the presented
argument
4% Limited understanding of key concepts represented in the case study Resembles a recall or summary of key ideas from case studies in general. Demonstrates a capacity to explain and apply relevant concepts. Well demonstrated capacity
to explain and apply relevant concepts. Excellent capacity to explain and apply relevant concepts to the selected case study.
Scrum and Kanban
Knowledge &
understanding
5% Demonstrates a poorly developed understanding of Kanban and cannot articulate any functional steps. Demonstrates a functional knowledge and understanding of Kanban and can articulate the some of the functional steps. Demonstrates proficient knowledge and understanding of Kanban and can articulate all the functional steps Demonstrates advanced knowledge and understanding of Kanban, articulates all of the steps and can describe their purpose. Demonstrates advanced knowledge and understanding of Kanban, articulates all of the steps well while describing their purpose and can demonstrate the value of the tool in a group project setting
Analysis and application of new knowledge
4% Limited synthesis and analysis. Demonstrated analysis and synthesis of new knowledge with application. Well-developed analysis and synthesis with application of recommendations linked to analysis/synthesis. Thoroughly developed and creative analysis and synthesis with application of the scrum/Kanban models and justified recommendations linked to analysis/synthesis. Highly sophisticated and creative analysis, synthesis of new knowledge about Scrum and Kanban with existing knowledge based on prior group assessment activity to arrive at a practical application of theoretical knowledge.
The Influence of Lean on Agile philosophy and practice.
Knowledge & understanding
5% Demonstrates a poorly developed understanding of Lean and cannot articulate any sound understanding of the concept in question. Demonstrates a functional knowledge and understanding of Lean and can articulate a sound understanding of the concept
in question Demonstrates proficient knowledge and understanding of Lean and can articulate a good understanding of the concept in question Demonstrates advanced knowledge and understanding of Lean and can articulate a good understanding of the concept with well developed examples and arguments Demonstrates advanced knowledge and understanding of the difference between Lean and can articulate a good understanding of the concept with excellent examples and arguments
Use of academic and discipline conventions.
Formal tone& use of first party perspective
4% Poorly written with informal tone, using first person pronouns (I, my, we, me, us) and does not adhere to the assignment brief of the requirements for a short business report. Written according to academic genre as per the assignment brief. Minor errors in the use of firstperson pronouns (I, my, we, me, us). Written according to academic genre as per the assignment brief. Well-written and adheres to the academic genre as per the assignment brief. Expertly written and adheres to the academic genre as per the assignment brief.
Effective
Communication
10% Presents information. Specialised language and terminology is rarely or inaccurately employed. Communicates in a readable manner that largely adheres to the given format.
Generally employs specialised language and terminology with accuracy. Communicates in a coherent and readable manner that adheres to the given format. Accurately employs specialised language and terminology. Communicates coherently and concisely in a manner that adheres to the given format. Accurately employs a wide range of specialised language and terminology. Communicates eloquently. Expresses meaning coherently, concisely and creatively within the given format. Discerningly selects and precisely employs a wide range of specialised language and terminology.
Referencing
10% Some unresolved Safe
Assign flags in the body of the assessment 15%
References include sources not publicly available, foreign language references. Some unresolved Safe Assign flags in the body of the
section 10%
References used sparsely and poorly related to concept where they are serving as evidence. Some unresolved Safe
Assign flags in the body of the section 5%
References used intermittently and inappropriately and appear to be used to support the requirement for referencing rather than evidence of research. No unresolved Safe Assign flags in the body of the section
Sound use of appropriate references which demonstrate evidence of research and integrative practice No unresolved Safe Assign flags in the body of the assessment.
Excellent use of appropriate references which demonstrate evidence of research and integrative practice.
Appropriate use of
credible resources
10% Demonstrates inconsistent and inadequate use of good quality, credible and relevant resources to support and develop ideas. Highly reliant on ephemeral websites. Does not use materials shared in class. Demonstrates consistent use of credible and relevant research sources to support and develop ideas. Mainly uses ephemeral websites. Does not use materials shared in class. Demonstrates consistent use of credible and relevant research sources to support and develop ideas. Uses texts and materials that have been used in class Consistently demonstrates expert use of good quality, credible and relevant research sources to support and develop appropriate arguments and statements. Uses texts and materials that have been used in class and shows evidence of reading beyond the key reading. Demonstrates expert use of high-quality credible and relevant research sources to support and develop arguments and position statements. Uses texts and materials that have been used in class and shows extensive evidence of reading beyond the key reading.
Correct citation of resources using APA
style of referencing
5% No use of in-text references, or no reference list at the close of the report. There are many mistakes in using the APA style including no page and para numbers, no DOIs or URLs. Little use of in-text referencing, or inadequate references consulted and added to references at the close of the report. There are some mistakes in using APA style including no page and para numbers, no DOIs or URLs. Good use of in-text referencing and appropriate number of references used and listed in the reference list. There are only minor errors in using the APA style including no page and para numbers, no DOIs or URLs. Very good use of in-text referencing. All in-text references match with references listed in the reference list. There are no mistakes in using the APA style. DOIs and URLs to sources are used, with minor errors, and page and para numbers are included. Excellent and meticulous use of in-text referencing with all in-text references matching with references listed in the reference list. There are no mistakes in using the APA style. DOIs and URLs to sources are expertly used, with no errors, and page and para numbers are accurately included