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Kanban Methodology

System for visualizing work, limit work-in-progress.

Kanban is an Agile methodology that is used to manage work by balancing demands with available capacity, and by improving the handling of system level bottlenecks. It enables a team to visualize work, limit work-in-progress, and maximize efficiency.
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Kanban is a lean workflow management method that originated in Toyota's manufacturing processes and has been adapted for knowledge work and software development. The core principle of Kanban is visualizing work, limiting work in progress (WIP), and maximizing flow. At its foundation, Kanban uses a board with columns representing different stages of a process. Work items move from left to right across the board as they progress. This visual representation helps teams see bottlenecks, workload distribution, and overall flow efficiency. Key principles of Kanban include: 1. Visualize the workflow - Create a visual model of work and workflow using a Kanban board. 2. Limit WIP - Constrain how many items are in progress at each workflow stage to avoid overloading the system. 3. Manage flow - Monitor and optimize the smooth movement of work items through the system. 4. Make process policies explicit - Clearly define how work moves through the system. 5. Implement feedback loops - Regular reviews, metrics analysis, and continuous improvement discussions. 6. Improve collaboratively - Use models and scientific methods to implement improvements. Kanban is typically less prescriptive than other agile frameworks like Scrum. It doesn't require specific roles, ceremonies, or timeboxed iterations. Teams can apply Kanban to their existing processes and gradually refine them. Metrics commonly used in Kanban include lead time, cycle time, throughput, and cumulative flow diagrams. These help teams measure efficiency and identify improvement opportunities. Kanban works well for teams with varying priorities, maintenance work, or support activities. It's highly adaptable and can be used alongside other methodologies. The PMI-ACP recognizes Kanban as a valuable agile practice that promotes visualization, flow management, and continuous improvement in project work.

Kanban is a lean workflow management method that originated in Toyota's manufacturing processes and has been adapted for knowledge work and software development. The core principle of Kanban is visua…

Concepts covered: Flow Management, Explicit Policies, Visualization, Pull System, Feedback Loops, Service Delivery, Improvement Culture, Work In Progress Limit, Lead and Cycle Time, Kanban Boards, Collaboration, Customer Focused

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PMI-ACP - Kanban Methodology Example Questions

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Question 1

During a project, there's a noticeable lack of creative solutions being suggested during brainstorming sessions. As a Scrum Master, how could you stimulate creativity and foster collaboration among the team?

Correct Answer: Introduce new brainstorming techniques and encourage open-ended discussions to foster new ideas.

The best way to stimulate creativity and foster collaboration among a team, according to Agile principles, is to introduce new brainstorming techniques and encourage open-ended discussions. These methods allow for the free flow of ideas and allow every team member to contribute, which can lead to more creative and innovative solutions. Demanding more ideas without guidance does not foster a supportive environment, but instead can create pressure and stifle creativity. Ignoring the need for creative solutions and sticking with traditional methods also goes against the Agile principle of adapting and innovating in the face of complexity. Penalizing team members who don't contribute creative ideas would discourage participation and create a negative atmosphere, which is detrimental to collaboration and creativity.

Question 2

Your team's cycle time has suddenly spiked, causing project delivery delays. Which of the following should not be a reason for the spike in cycle time?

Correct Answer: The team is using Agile methodologies

The spike in cycle time should not be due to 'The team is using Agile methodologies'. In fact, Agile methodologies aim to reduce the cycle time and increase the efficiency of project delivery. They promote continuous improvement, face-to-face communication, and flexibility in responding to changes, which should lead to shorter cycle times, not longer ones. Here's why the other answers could lead to a spike in cycle time: 'There are bottlenecks in the team's development processes' could lead to increases in cycle time, as workflow obstructions slow the progression from start to finish. 'There are too many work items in progress simultaneously' could also spike cycle time, as spreading focus too thin can slow down overall progress. Lastly, 'The team's tools or equipment need to be updated or repaired' could be a valid cause of increased cycle time, as outdated or nonfunctional tools could considerably slow down work speed.

Question 3

During your weekly meeting, a team member suggests a better way to visualize workflow and identify potential bottlenecks. Which of the following Agile visualization tools is he likely suggest?

Correct Answer: Kanban board

The best answer in this context is the 'Kanban board'. A Kanban board is a project management tool designed to help visualize work, limit work-in-progress, and maximize efficiency. It helps to identify bottlenecks in a workflow and offers a clear and transparent view of the current state of a project, which makes it an ideal choice of tool in an Agile environment. The other proposed options, while being valid data visualization tools, are not typically used in the context of visualizing workflow and identifying bottlenecks in an Agile setup. A Histogram is more for statistical distribution visualization rather than workflow. A Scatter Plot is typically used to identify trends or correlations in data sets. A Burn down chart, on the other hand, is used to represent work left to do versus time, but it's not ideal for visualizing the entire workflow.

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