Q: What is the difference between Agile project management and Waterfall project management?

If you're already in a project management role, you may be familiar with a more traditional management approach called Waterfall. Waterfall project management uses a linear process: Each phase of the project flows into the next one, like a waterfall. With this approach, one task is finished before another one is started. Agile project management is different because it is iterative, meaning the team is working on different parts of the project at the same time and project processes can be repeated many times throughout the project, incorporating feedback at every stage. Agile can be more effective than traditional project management because resources are used simultaneously in smaller time frames, called sprints. This iterative model means customer and stakeholder feedback is gathered more frequently and less time is spent creating documentation or waiting for something to be completed.

Question 1

What is Agile project management?

Accepted Answer

Agile is an approach to project management that breaks down a large project into smaller, manageable time frames, called sprints. Teams can work on multiple parts of a project concurrently, which can make Agile more effective than traditional project management because resources can be used simultaneously and feedback is gathered and incorporated more frequently. In addition, Agile teams stay organized and efficient because they spend less time creating documentation or waiting for something to be completed.

Question 2

What is the difference between Agile project management and Waterfall project management?

Accepted Answer

If you&#x27;re already in a project management role, you may be familiar with a more traditional management approach called Waterfall. Waterfall project management uses a linear process: Each phase of the project flows into the next one, like a waterfall. With this approach, one task is finished before another one is started. Agile project management is different because it is iterative, meaning the team is working on different parts of the project at the same time and project processes can be repeated many times throughout the project, incorporating feedback at every stage. Agile can be more effective than traditional project management because resources are used simultaneously in smaller time frames, called sprints. This iterative model means customer and stakeholder feedback is gathered more frequently and less time is spent creating documentation or waiting for something to be completed.

Question 3

Why enroll in Google Agile Essentials?

Accepted Answer

Agile project management is a sought-after skill across industries. In Google Agile Essentials, you’ll earn a certificate to showcase your skill set to your network and employers. Whether you’re a current or aspiring project manager, you’ll get the skills necessary to propel projects to new heights. In under 10 hours, you’ll get hands-on experience using agile methodologies and building Scrum artifacts. Through videos, readings and resources, you’ll learn how to create a powerhouse Agile team, unleash efficiency with organization, and apply in-demand project management practices.

This self-paced course is accessible to everyone and is designed to fit into busy schedules. You don’t need any technical experience to begin, and the skills you’ll learn can be applied to a variety of roles across industries. After completing the course, you can add your credential to your resume to display expertise to current and future employers.

Question 4

Who is Google Agile Essentials for?

Accepted Answer

Google Agile Essentials is for anyone who wants to bring order to their work to deliver projects faster, no previous knowledge or experience required.  It is created for those who are ready to become more organized and efficient, executing projects faster and driving results. With Google Agile Essentials, you can develop the essential agile skills you need to be successful in today’s workplace, allowing you to apply skills to explore a new field or enhance your current work.

Question 5

What does this Agile Specialization teach?

Accepted Answer

<text variant="body1">Google Agile Essentials teaches you the foundations of the agile project management philosophy. You’ll learn about the principles of Agile and take a deeper look at a popular framework, Scrum. At the end of the course, you’ll be able to prioritize tasks, adapt to changes and deliver results iteratively. You’ll understand how to build, run and organize your team by implementing Scrum events and creating artifacts.

Question 6

What hands-on activities will I complete in the Google Agile Essentials Specialization?

Accepted Answer

In Google Agile Essentials, you will gain practical experience building Scrum artifacts like product and sprint backlogs. You will also practice estimation, creating sprint plans, running a sprint retrospective and writing recaps.

Question 7

What courses are included in the Google Agile Essentials curriculum?

Accepted Answer

Google Agile Essentials includes 3 courses:
1. Foundations of Agile Project Management
2. Implement the Scrum Framework
3. Organize Projects and Measure Productivity with Scrum

Question 8

What will I get when I finish Google Agile Essentials?

Accepted Answer

Upon completion, you can take a final graded assessment to earn a certificate that can be displayed on your resume, social media profiles, and email signature. Having a certificate from Google is a concrete way to show current and future employers your competency in this essential skill set, like leading Scrum teams, creating artifacts, and running sprints.

Question 9

Does this prepare me for a job?

Accepted Answer

Google Agile Essentials helps you build the skills to turn complex projects into manageable tasks, collaborate with your team better, and get more done faster.

Project management skills can help anyone, but if you’re looking for deeper knowledge in the field, check out Google Career Certificates at grow.google/certificates, which can help you prepare for entry-level roles in three to six months.

Question 10

How is Google Agile Essentials different from the Google Project Management Certificate?

Accepted Answer

The Google Project Management Certificate is designed to teach learners the skills they need to get a job as a project manager within 3-6 months, no experience required. It teaches learners how to manage projects efficiently and effectively, using traditional and agile methods. Agile project management is covered in one of the six courses in the Google Project Management Certificate. You can learn more and enroll at grow.google/projectmanagement.
While the Google Project Management Certificate teaches the skills that one needs to get a job as a project manager, Google Agile Essentials dives into one primary concept, Agile project management, in a shorter period of time. In under 10 hours, you will learn about popular agile frameworks under the agile umbrella and take a deeper look at one of the most popular frameworks, Scrum.

Question 11

Who designed the Google Agile Essentials course?

Accepted Answer

Google Agile Essentials was designed and built by subject-matter experts at Google with decades of experience from the project and program management job fields. This course is created to equip learners with theoretical and practical knowledge and real-life problem solving skills to be successful in applying agile project management practices across any field.

Question 12

Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

Accepted Answer

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Question 13

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Accepted Answer

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Question 14

Is financial aid available?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Can I take the course for free?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot take this course for free. 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. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Question 16

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

Accepted Answer

This Specialization doesn&#x27;t carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.