Implementation of SMART framework in Agile

What is Agile?

Agile is a method of managing a project with the intent to create and respond to change.
It involves breaking down the project tasks into many smaller phases and pieces to develop it in a flexible and adaptive way.

Agile provides flexibility to adaptation, frequent changes, and better visibility with respect to the development and tracking of the deliverable.

What is SMART?

Mr. George T. Doran coined the term SMART during the early 1980s. It helped the Project Managers(PMs) to create clear and measurable objectives for the project. SMART is a project management methodology used to manage a project in a very effective and smart way.
SMART goals are very specific and time-bound which helps a project team to plan and execute a project with specific set of objectives in a defined timeframe.

What SMART actually defines:

S – Specific – The goals defined should be very specific, and the scope should be clear
M – Measurable – The goal should be measurable and properly defined, and the progress should be trackable
A – Achievable – The goal defined should be achievable and realistic
R – Relevant – The goal should be aligned with other larger goals of the organization
T – Time-Bound – The goal should have a specified timeline to measure its success or failure.

The SMART strategy helps to increase the success rate of a project during the planning phase itself.

Let’s understand how SMART is involved in all the phases of Project development, we will understand different phases where SMART goals are involved The following are the phases where SMART Goals can be set –

1. SMART Goals during project commencement(Kick Offs)
2. SMART Goals during the project planning phase
3. SMART Goals for project Implementation/Development phase
4. SMART Goals for project Monitoring/run & maintenance phase
5. SMART Goals for the project closure phase

SMART Objectives during Project Commencement:

The SMART goals during the commencement or initial phase of the project focus on gathering the required information and organizing it in such a manner that it should present a clear pipeline to the tech team about the planned deliverables.

Setting up SMART objectives during the initiative phase of the project will ultimately reduce the total applicable timelines and would require less to and fro documentation and conversation.

SMART Objectives during Project Planning:

The SMART goals during the project planning phase will help to properly plan the project plans like what is to be done, how it is to be done, when it is to be done, what resources and timelines are required, analyzing the risks during the development and the applicable budget.
Proper planning helps to prioritize the tasks and goals based on the project requirements.

SMART Objectives during Project Implementation:

SMART goals during the project implementation or execution help the entire team to achieve the tasks and deliverables easily.

During the project execution, the progress and pipeline of the project can be monitored through various resources like the Gantt Chart, which shows the proper project schedule. If the goal is properly scheduled and aligned, it is quite easy to measure and track the progress during the execution phase.

SMART Objectives during the project monitoring:

SMART project monitoring helps track progress and growth and manages the probability of risk that can occur in the project. It helps to adapt to the proactive changes as and when required.

SMART project monitoring may include maintaining a project progress tracker and regular tracking of project timelines and budgets to ensure that expectations are properly met with reality.

SMART Objectives during project closure:

SMART project closure helps to justify if the project was a success or failure with respect to the timelines, budget, and resource utilization. It should focus on documenting the lessons learned during the complete project journey.

SMART project closure should focus on learning from the mistakes, and task management done during the project commencement to the project closure journey. It helps to learn from one’s own mistakes and reference the same for better planning of upcoming projects.

Conclusion

The SMART framework in agile is important in order to keep track of project progress and helps the team to focus on the right task at the right team. It helps to manage the work efficiently and effectively with respect to time management and resources.

SMART Agile helps to set clear & measurable objectives that are aligned with their goal and objectives by ensuring that they are achievable with the provided resources and timelines. If you still have any questions, leave a comment and join the discussion.