Guide on The Agile Manifesto

The Agile Manifesto is a concise statement of the core values and guiding principles that Agile project teams should adhere to. Written in 2001 by 17 practitioners of what has come to be known as the Agile Methodology, the Agile Manifesto represents a dramatic departure from traditional project management methodologies.

Why is it important?
The Agile Manifesto matters because it shifts the focus from following fixed plans and emphasizes customer satisfaction, team collaboration, effective response to change, and delivery of working software. Understanding this is crucial for any project team aiming to work using Agile methodologies.

What is it?
The Agile Manifesto states:
1. Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
2. Working software over comprehensive documentation
3. Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
4. Responding to change over following a plan

How does it work?
These principles guide Agile teams in their decision-making process. They provide a lens through which to evaluate options and determine the best course of action. This provides the agility for which Agile methodologies are named.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on The Agile Manifesto
1. Understand and memorize the 4 values of the Agile Manifesto.
2. Recap the 12 Agile principles that support these values.
3. Be aware that the Agile Manifesto values do not mean the disregard of the items on the right (e.g., Processes and tools, comprehensive documentation), but they suggest valuing the items on the left more (e.g., individuals and Interactions, working software).
Remember, in an exam scenario, clear understanding and correct application of the Agile Manifesto values and principles will be tested rather than rote memorization.