Software Engineering Institute

Learning is a key enabler of a successful organizational transformation. Introducing Agile knowledge to key staff can build a shared understanding and alignment in challenging, highly regulated environments. This training channel leverages best of breed resources with SEI subject matter expertise in a flexible online format for virtual and remote team education.

As an FFRDC, the SEI offers training to transition our applied research and experience working with government organizations. Each SEI Agile Virtual Schoolhouse delivery is customized to address the learning and organizational goals of the audience. We often recommend that the virtual learning begins with introduction to the Agile/Lean principles that inform organizational change. We then build upon those fundamentals by exploring how to implement principles into software-intensive programs.

The SEI Agile Virtual Schoolhouse is a sequence of Learning Packages. Each Learning Package has two key elements: a custom self-study assignment of curated learning resources and a live classroom lecture/discussion session.

Leaders and staff of software-intensive government programs who wish to learn more about how Agile principles can be applied in a government setting.

At the completion of the course, learners will be aware of:

• the unique challenges of Agile in highly regulated environments
• essential terms and concepts that facilitate communication between stakeholders
• practical examples of changes when applying Agile

This is a sample of an SEI Agile Virtual Schoolhouse delivery of five Learning Packages, which could be scheduled over a five-week timeframe. Additional Agile-related topics are available upon request to address specific organizational needs.

1. Agile in the DoD Landscape

This first learning package looks at Agile from the perspective of the Department of Defense (DoD) and its journey toward adopting Agile principles and methods in DoD programs, large and small.

2. Agile/Lean Principles Deep Dive

This learning package focuses on how Agile and Lean principles can inform practices in DoD programs and how principle-driven Lean Product Development concepts apply to software-intensive environments.

3. Oversight vs. Insight in Agile Government Settings

This is an introduction to things that are different from the Program Office viewpoint when working with a contractor using Agile and Lean methods, including the distinction between oversight and insight.

4. Agile and Requirements

This session addresses models and techniques for addressing the unique challenges of transition to an Agile requirements mindset in large-scale systems-of systems contexts.

5. Agile and Testing

This learning package focuses on how Program Offices can (indeed must) move from a traditional testing strategy in order to reap the benefits of Agile development.

This is a series of Learning Packages. Each Learning Package focuses on an aspect of Agile implementation and consists of 2 elements:

Self-Study Assignment

This is a curated collection of publicly available resources on the Learning Package topic. The SEI will provide an assignment guide document with links to and descriptions of these materials. Participants are invited to view videos and read publications that introduce key insights.

Live Virtual Class

An SEI subject matter expert will deliver a two-hour online lecture and facilitate group discussion. This live interaction provides a richer exploration of the subject matter introduced in self-study. Because the instructor can interact with virtual students in real-time, this class can leverage collaboration tools such as chat and polling to enable participants' engagement.

This course has no prerequisites.

The SEI can adapt this delivery mode to many commonly used video collaboration tools (such as Skype for Business, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams). We've found that leveraging capabilities of these tools enriches learning, but we also plan for alternate means of connection if participants encounter technical issues.

Virtual Schoolhouse Learning Package deliveries can be scheduled on a cadence that meets the needs of your organization. We recommend an audience of 20 to 50 learners for the series of Learning Package deliveries, unless otherwise limited by the delivery platform.