Retrospective: Lessons Learned from Agile Applications in PM and FM

Industry: Manufacturing

Keywords: Agile, Change Management, Lessons Learned, Project Management

Level: Basic

Retrospective: Lessons Learned from Agile Applications in Project Management and Functional Management -- Adopting an Agile Mindset. A short statement that seems simple enough, but what does that really mean? If a team adopts the Agile Mindset, they are a collaborative, cross-functional team that implements fast feedback channels and is willing and able to change direction. In essence, the team adopts the ability to respond to change, remains customer-centric in development, has fast, frequent feedback and has predetermined quality considerations.

Agile was formally launched in 2001 by software developers as a way to quickly speed up the software development process. Planning what work will be accomplished according to a timeline while continuously delivering value to the customer is a major characteristic of Agile. Agile’s success has spread and increased the approach and application to areas beyond the software development process.

This presentation will discuss lessons learned from more than five years of experience on Agile Projects and in Agile Functional Organization. It will compare different Agile ceremonies and how tailoring and flexibility have played a critical role in adopting an Agile Mindset. After attending this presentation, you will be able to relate these lessons learned to your projects and your ability to adapt to the customer’s need and continue to deliver value.

-- Approved for Public Release: NG23-1982. © 2023 Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Thomas V. Lease

Sr. Chief Engineer, NGC, Crooksville, MD, USA

Tom is a Senior Chief Engineer in the Mission Systems Continuous Improvement (MSCI) group. He has worked for Northrop Grumman since November, 2004. Prior to working for MSCI group, he worked in Systems Engineering as the Manager of the Mission Systems Engineering – Specialty Engineering group and as a Risk and Opportunity Manager for various programs & proposals. In addition, Tom has worked in Manufacturing Operations as an Advisory Industrial Engineer.

His previous work experience also includes working as a Mechanical Engineer in nuclear power, working as an Industrial Engineer in healthcare, and working as a Project Manager in training systems & integration. He graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and The University of Memphis with a MS in Industrial & Systems Engineering.

He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Maryland and Virginia, a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), and a Certified Master Black Belt.