Agile Development Helps DMHRSi Improve Time to Market

The Defense Health Service System Program Executive Office has expanded its Program Management methodology to include Agile with SCRUM. SCRUM is part of the Agile software development family; a group of software development methodologies based on iterative and incremental development, where requirements and solutions evolve through collaboration between self-organizing, cross-functional teams. Agile methodologies emphasize:

 

•           Teamwork

•           Frequent deliveries of working software

•           Close customer / deliver team collaboration

•           Frequent feedback loops

•           and the ability to respond quickly to change

 

Scrum (short for “scrummage”) is a rugby term in which the team members gather around the ball to restart the game. In software development, Scrum helps our teams deliver the most important capabilities, per the client, in the shortest amount of time, and then reset to start work on the next high priority items. Working software is created in short time boxes called “sprints” and is ready for demonstration and release in 2-4 week cycles.

 

The DHSS PEO, Dr. Dan Magee has initiated a program to institutionalize Agile within the PEO. An Agile Coach is working with PEO staff to develop a plan for Agile with SCRUM adoption throughout DHSS. Defense Medical Human Resources System internet (DMHRSi) is the first team to start utilizing SCRUM methodology to deliver mission critical application updates to users in a timely manner. The DMHRSi team used the agile methodology in November and December 2011 to support changes to how DMHRSi manages Privacy Act data. Two 5-member teams (led by a Scrum Master) independently conducted two sprint sessions.

 

In addition, the DMHRSi Information Management team has participated in Product Ownership training and has been key to the successful implementation of SCRUM. According to Mr. Michael Hopper, Director of Human Capital for IM, "Our initial experience with agile development was extremely enlightening. It was very helpful, from a functional user's perspective, to listen to daily conversations among developers regarding their progress as well as be readily available to answer questions they had. It kept the process moving forward and we worked as team to ensure DMHRSi users get what they need. I am encouraged by the initial results."

 

After the sessions were complete, both teams felt that the methodology increased participation in the development cycle and slightly decreased the development cycle. The DMHRSi team is incorporating lessons learned from previous sprint sessions to continue to adapt and improve the Agile process in DHSS PEO.

 

“The agile methodology provides DHSS with great strategy to help us organize and focus our efforts,” says Mr. Michael Smith, DHSS Deputy Program Manager for Resources, “we plan to use the Agile methodology for new releases in 2012.”