The Evolution of Agile Project Management

APMG Version 3 is here!

The Agile Project Management (AgilePM®) framework has long been a cornerstone for organizations striving to enhance their project delivery through agile methodologies. With the release of APMG Version 3, the framework has undergone its most significant transformation in a decade, promising to deliver even greater value and efficiency to project teams worldwide.

Key Changes and Enhancements

Enhanced Learning and Assessment Experience: One of the standout features of APMG Version 3 is the improved learning and assessment experience. The new version introduces immersive simulations at the Practitioner level, providing a more interactive and engaging way for learners to grasp the concepts. This shift aims to move from merely delivering products to delivering value, emphasizing outcomes over outputs.

Shift from Project Management to Project Leadership: APMG Version 3 places a stronger emphasis on project leadership, rather than just management. This change is reflected in the updated guidance on Agile Leadership, which is based on the Agile Business Consortium's nine principles. The framework now highlights the roles of the Business Visionary, Solution Architect, and Project Manager, each focusing on different aspects of the project to ensure a holistic approach to leadership.

From Process to People: Recognizing the importance of human collaboration and creativity, the new version shifts its focus from rigid processes to people-centric approaches. Enhanced guidance on collaboration and communication aims to foster a more dynamic and adaptive project environment. The framework reduces the emphasis on detailed product descriptions, now relegated to an appendix, to avoid the bureaucratic feel that often hampers agile projects.

Integration of Scrum: Scrum, a popular agile framework, is now at the heart of team-level product development in APMG Version 3. The integration of Scrum language and philosophy into AgilePM ensures that teams can leverage the strengths of both methodologies. This includes adopting terms like Sprint Backlog and Sprint, and an explicit focus on empiricism. Additionally, the framework provides enhanced guidance for scaling multi-team projects, making it more adaptable to larger, complex projects.

From Theory to Practice: The new version emphasizes practical application over theoretical knowledge. The Foundation-level training focuses on understanding agile principles, while the Practitioner level is dedicated to putting these principles into practice. This approach ensures that learners are not only knowledgeable but also capable of applying their skills in real-world scenarios.

Skillsoft Global Knowledge APMG Courses

Skillsoft Global Knowledge offers a range of courses designed to help professionals transition from AgilePM Version 2 to Version 3. These courses cover the key changes and enhancements in the new version, providing learners with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in agile project management. The courses include:

• AgilePM Foundation: This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the AgilePM framework, covering the fundamentals of agile project management and the key changes in Version 3.
• AgilePM Practitioner: Building on the Foundation course, the Practitioner course focuses on the practical application of agile principles, including immersive simulations and real-world scenarios.
• AgilePM Transition: Specifically designed for those familiar with Version 2, this course highlights the differences and new features in Version 3, ensuring a smooth transition for experienced practitioners.

Overall, APMG Version 3 represents a significant evolution in agile project management. With a strong focus on delivering value, enhancing leadership, and integrating Scrum, Skillsoft Global Knowledge's courses provide the perfect platform for professionals to stay ahead of the curve and master the new framework.