Agile Project Management (Theory and Practice)



Overview

The Oxford Agile and Practical Workshop course, which is held over two days, is for anyone with an interest in completing projects quickly and efficiently. It will provide you with a clear understanding of the leading Agile method (Scrum) and the key ideas, techniques, tools, behaviours and ways of thinking that can make it work for you.

About Agile

Agile is effective because it focusses on continual learning and adaptation. It is an evolutionary approach to getting things done. Traditional projects depend on a definition of requirements – a clear statement of each aspect of the work that needs to be done – but Agile approaches accept that you can't know all of those requirements until you start work and start to learn about the problem.

Traditional project management puts a significant emphasis on management of risk. Agile, on the other hand, avoids such risks by reacting quickly, efficiently and in a controlled manner to deal with problems and issues as they arise.

Agile is not just 'free-form' or 'random'. Agile has a well-developed discipline of tools, techniques, behaviours and thinking that drive progress towards a successful project conclusion. The Oxford Agile course will enable you to understand and use those key techniques of Agile Project Management.

Programme details

Agile Project Management – theory day (Day 1)

  • An introductory case study of failing project that was transformed by applying Agile
  • 12 Principles of the Agile Manifesto – and what they mean for your projects
  • An introduction to Scrum – the most widely adopted Agile Method
  • Definition of ‘Done’
  • Scrum Values
  • Team roles in Scrum – ScrumMaster, Product Owner, Team
  • Team communication and team size
  • Structure of Agile Scrum projects
  • Building understanding through User Stories
  • Estimating tasks and effort
  • Tracking your project to a successful conclusion
  • Servant Leadership : Key skills of the expert ScrumMaster

Agile Project Management - practical workshop (Day 2)

This is a hands-on day where you will work on a small Agile project to put into practice what you have learnt on the theory part of this course.

There will be full tutor support throughout the day and lots of opportunity to discuss the subject and ask any questions you might have.

Attending Your Course 

Further details will be emailed to you two weeks ahead of your course, which will include registration information. 

Please get in touch if you have not received this information within five working days of the course start date.  

In the meantime, you may wish to plan your travel: Travel information 

Digital Certification

To complete the course, you will be required to attend and participate in all of the sessions on the course in order to be considered for a certificate. Participants who complete the course will receive a link to download a University of Oxford digital certificate. Information on how to access this digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course.

The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will also be able to download your certificate or share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Description Costs
1. Standard course fee £875.00

Payment

Fees include course materials, tuition, refreshments and lunches. The price does not include accommodation.

All courses are VAT exempt.

Register immediately online 

Click the “book now” button on this webpage. Payment by credit or debit card is required.

Request an invoice

If you require an invoice for your company or personal records, please email the course administrator. Please do not send card or bank details by email.​

Tutor

Dr Rob Collins

Tutor

Dr Rob Collins

Visiting Fellow

Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford

Dr Rob Collins is a visiting fellow of Kellogg College Oxford and regularly teaches courses at the University – both through Continuing Professional Development and through the Computing Laboratory.

As well as his academic teaching work Dr Collins regularly provides consultancy to industry in the area of Business Process Excellence and Systems Engineering.  He gained his Black Belt Certification in Lean Six Sigma from Lockheed Martin – the world's largest Systems Engineering company and a world-leader in advanced technology.

As well as his undergraduate degree in Physics and Computing, Dr Collins holds a PhD completed within a Psychology Department. Dr Collins’ PhD focussed on training, psychology and processes for introducing complex technology into learning environments. Dr Collins’ completed an MBA in 2012 at Henley Business School. He thus has a strategic business view as well as deep understanding and practical experience of hands-on process improvement in technology and service.

Application

If you would like to discuss your application or any part of the application process before applying, please click Contact Us at the top of this page.

Level and demands

Intended Audience

Agile Project Management is used by small businesses and large, in both the private and public sectors. This course is relevant for both new and experienced project managers who want to build their knowledge and understanding of this important and powerful new approach to Project Management. The course is relevant to both IT and non-IT practitioners, is non-technical in its approach and assumes no prior knowledge in this subject area.

Accommodation

Although not included in the course fee, accommodation may be available at our on-site Rewley House Residential Centre. All bedrooms are en suite and decorated to a high standard, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.

To check prices, availability and to book rooms please visit the Rewley House Residential Centre website. 

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support