Agile frameworks and scaling

The introduction of agile frameworks at team level, such as Kanban or Scrum, brings many advantages and can often be implemented efficiently and successfully in small and self-organised teams.

The aim of all agile frameworks is to deliver an innovative product that ensures sustainable company growth and competitiveness.

But what if several agile teams work together in product development in order to develop the product (portfolio)? And what options are there if an entire organisation is to work together in an agile way?

Scaled frameworks such as SAFe®, LeSS, Scrum@Scale, Nexus or similar provide organisational sub-areas or even entire companies with a defined framework and thus enable a value stream-based approach.

The various agile frameworks are not created equally for every size of organisation and product structure, nor for every level of maturity, and individual adaptation is often necessary.

Are you now asking yourself which is the right agile framework for you or are you already facing the challenge of implementing the far-reaching changes in structure, processes and role design to the necessary extent and at the right speed?

We at LEITWERK Consulting support you in selecting the right agile framework, accompany you during the introduction and create the basis for sustainable utilisation.

Contact us!

What agile frameworks are there?

Based on specific roles, methods and processes, an agile framework describes how agile values and principles can be applied to implement customer requirements in the best possible way. An agile framework enables the organisation to create sustainable value by working on complex challenges and problems with the help of constantly optimised approaches.

Agile principles and values are realised through the coordinated dimensions in the framework. The selection and implementation of the right framework is a key success factor for the company in order to ensure this impact both through individual employees and their interaction in teams within the organisation.

Agile frameworks
What agile frameworks are there?

Scrum
Scrum is one of the best-known agile frameworks and is very popular in product development. It offers clear roles, structures and meetings that enable self-organised and efficient work. Used in small teams, Scrum promotes collaboration and focussing on the most important tasks.
Learn more
Kanban
Kanban is an agile framework that is particularly characterised by its visual representation of work processes. With the help of Kanban boards, the current status of work is made transparent to enable better planning and prioritisation. Bottlenecks are identified in good time and processes can be continuously optimised by the team.
Learn more
OKR
The acronym OKRs stands for Objectives and Key Results and is an agile framework for goal setting. OKRs form a bridge between the long-term vision or strategy of a company and the short-term stages and tasks for achieving objectives. Work is carried out in cycles of two to four months with around three OKR sets (each consisting of one objective and around three to four measurable key results). The OKR framework promotes a common focus as well as communication, transparency and the commitment of all those involved.
Learn more
Scaled Agile framework (SAFe®)
The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®) is one of the most widely used frameworks for agile scaling and has been continuously improved and developed since it was first introduced in 2011. SAFe® is a rigorous framework and is based on the principles of lean management. A distinction is made between four scaling levels: Teams, Programmes, Large Solution and Portfolio. The guidelines of the SAFe® implementation roadmap are based on best practices and provide a clear structure.
Learn more
Large Scale Scrum (LeSS)framework
Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) extends the basic Scrum principle to multiple feature teams working together on a product. The lean model works with the original roles, artefacts and structures of Scrum for agile scaling. If you need more than eight teams, LeSS Huge is used with the additional Area Product Owners.
You can find more information about LeSS here.
Nexus TM framewok
This framework for agile scaling is designed for up to nine teams and aims to minimise dependencies between partial results. The regular Scrum cycle is extended by selected Nexus meetings, rules and result types.
Further information can be found here.

Do you want to keep track of the various frameworks?
Click here to download!

Overview of the frameworks
Click here to download for free!

Want to find out more? Then arrange a free consultation now!

Arrange a free appointment

What is the added value of scaled frameworks?

The limit for an agile team in the Scrum framework is ten people. A Scrum team should not be larger than this in order to ensure the necessary social interactions and thus remain responsive.

However, the development of products or complex customer solutions usually requires more than one team. This gives rise to the following questions: How can several teams work together efficiently? Which overarching ceremonies help to synchronise the necessary coordination? What other roles are useful and necessary? And how can planning processes be designed without producing unnecessary overheads and restricting the organisation's development speed?

In scaled, agile frameworks, we find an answer to how customer centricity and responsive development can be extended to divisional or even company level. Scaled frameworks describe concrete roles, processes and artefacts that enable networked collaboration in a scaled environment, i.e. with more than one team.

Of course, the framework conditions and challenges of using a scaled framework can vary depending on the product and industry. The individual frameworks are also aligned according to different focal points, portfolio sizes, dependencies between the teams and also according to the individual maturity level of an organisation.

Before introducing a framework for agile scaling, it is generally advisable to know your own framework conditions, involve the management level and recognise the implementation of a new working model for what it is: a comprehensive adaptation of processes that requires further development of the corporate culture through the development of an agile mindset.

Our performance promise

//
Identification of the appropriate agile framework
Choosing the right framework is a key success factor when introducing agility. Together with our customers, we analyse the structural framework conditions, requirements and dependencies in the company in order to identify a suitable collaboration model. We then recommend an agile framework that best meets the requirements of both the objective and the framework conditions.
//
Individual customisation
Every organisation is unique. When introducing a framework, we also ensure that we integrate existing practices, adapt standardised framework elements or develop new ones as required. We always focus on ensuring agile modes of action by implementing values and principles.
//
Support for the transformation team
In order to make the extensive change processes sustainable, it is important for us to build an effective team within the organisation. As agile coaches, we support the management team or a dedicated transformation team. We provide impetus through our work and thus create the framework for developing and sustainably implementing effective and creative solutions.
//
Optimal empowerment of all parties involved
The qualification of all those involved in the application of the agile framework is an indispensable basis for successfully achieving the desired benefits. In addition to methodological training, this also involves understanding fundamental principles and values that can be applied pragmatically to day-to-day work. Together with our clients, our trainers identify the right approach to optimally empower both teams and individual employees.
//
Promoting a clear understanding of roles
We support our customers in defining roles and dealing with unfamiliar challenges in their new areas of expertise to ensure that they are firmly established. By promoting proactive, open and organisation-wide communication between the new roles, we can identify the need for clarification at an early stage and respond with suitable measures to ensure a uniform understanding of roles.

Your advantages
Why LEITWERK Consulting?

Everything from a single source
We work with you to analyse your requirements, create a customised concept and support you during the introduction of the agile framework.
Certified experts
In addition to their specialist know-how, which is verified by corresponding certifications, the consultants we employ also have the necessary expertise from practical application to successfully implement your individual requirements.
Combination of agile & classic working methods
We do not focus exclusively on individual agile frameworks, but are also familiar with valuable approaches to traditional project management. We combine working methods in a way that suits your organisation and your employees.
Find out more about hybrid approaches to project management.
Holistic introduction of agile working methods
In order to make the positive effects of agile frameworks tangible throughout the entire company, we support you with our holistic transformation approach in all dimensions of organisational development.
Reduce resistance with small steps
For both managers and employees, introducing agile working methods involves leaving the previous ‘comfort zone’. This can only succeed if management first gains confidence in these changes and this can be communicated to employees together with coaches. We are a partner at your side during this transition.
Experience with change management approaches
We would be happy to work with you to design a new direction for your company or organisation using suitable change management approaches. Of course, we will also support you in the subsequent realisation and implementation of the measures you have decided on.