Introduction to Agile Methods

Introduction to Agile Methods

This course is part of Agile Systems Engineering Specialization

Instructor: J. Morgan Nicholson

Included with

Learn more

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Learn the weaknesses in the SE Waterfall model
Learn how agile methods help technical projects adapt to change

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Agile Systems Engineering Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

This course is aimed to teach systems engineers Agile methods can be utilized to help overcome weaknesses in the Systems Engineering process in environments with high rates of change. This course will provide an overview of Waterfall model weaknesses, how agile helps to overcome these weaknesses, and the basics of Scrum, the most popular Agile methodology used in Systems Engineering applications.

This module introduces the Waterfall model and Agile methodologies in systems engineering and software development. Learners will examine the strengths, weaknesses, and implications of documentation, customer collaboration, requirements volatility, and risk management in these approaches.

What's included

12 videos1 assignment

12 videos Total 36 minutes

Revisiting the Waterfall Model 4 minutes
Weaknesses in the Waterfall Model 3 minutes
The Risk of Static Up-Front Requirements 2 minutes
Traditional Risk Management Shortfalls 4 minutes
Template Zombies 4 minutes
The Agile Manifesto 2 minutes
Individuals and Interactions Over Processes and Tools 2 minutes
Working Software Over Comprehensive Documentatio 4 minutes
Customer Collaboration Over Contract Negotiation 5 minutes
Responding to Change Over Following a Plan 2 minutes
Agile Principles 2 minutes
Agile Development 3 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 1 Quiz 30 minutes

This module explores the integration of Agile practices into systems engineering, emphasizing risk management, discipline, iterative development, and adaptability. Learners will also compare Agile and Waterfall approaches, focusing on testing, integration, and uncertainty management.

What's included

8 videos1 assignment

This module provides a deep dive into the Scrum framework, including its roles, ceremonies, and pillars. Learners will explore the responsibilities of Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and Development Teams while connecting Scrum to lean thinking and self-management principles.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment

This module addresses the challenges and opportunities of applying Scrum and Agile practices to large-scale systems engineering projects. Learners will study scaling issues, communication across teams, backlog management, and the balance between agility and system complexity.

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 assignment

8 videos Total 23 minutes

Overview of the Sprint 3 minutes
Sprint Planning 3 minutes
Daily Scrum 2 minutes
Sprint Review 2 minutes
Sprint Retrospective 2 minutes
The Product Backlog 4 minutes
The Agile Systems Engineer 2 minutes
Challenges in Agile Systems Engineering Projects 4 minutes

1 reading Total 10 minutes

Product Backlog Items 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 4 Quiz 30 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

J. Morgan Nicholson

University of Colorado System

5 Courses 1,168 learners

Offered by

University of Colorado System

Explore more from Mechanical Engineering

Logical Operations
Introduction to Agile and Scrum Methodologies
Course
IBM
Introduction to Agile Development and Scrum
Course
University of Colorado System
Agile Systems Engineering
Specialization
University of Minnesota
Agile Software Development
Course

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Learn more

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Explore degrees

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.