Defence & Aerospace
Lightweight ART Launch
The challenge:
There was a desire from the client to launch an Agile Release Train in four weeks, and did not want or need a huge number of coaches and specialists to support this.
Solution:
Using a fast start methodology one consultant over a period of two days a week delivered introduction sessions, backlog building sessions and SAFe training to the relevant people, teams, customers and suppliers who were involved in the ART launch.
Following a successful first PI the client wanted to extend the ART to more teams for the second PI this involved onboarding an additional five teams, providing them with ongoing training, coaching and support.
The ARTs customer is delighted now having a clear way of making demand clear to the teams and a transparent understanding of how much work is underway at each Planning Interval.
Mark Manfredi “Working with Dave made it clear that we didn’t need a cast of thousands to support our ART launch activities. His knowledge of SAFe and the constraints of working in the Defence industry meant he quickly built confidence with the teams, suppliers and customers.”
Number of UK Sites
2
ART Team Growth
4-9
Time to Value
Weeks to Days
Building Capability
The challenge:
The client faced budgetary constraints and had a strong desire to break free from dependency on external consultancies for Agile and SAFe training.
Solution:
Championed the internal Agile Practice by upskilling the internal resources through a tailored learning program blending training with real-world application. Set up a Community of Practice so that the internal team could have more impact than external resources alone. Co-trained with the internal SPC community, ensuring support was on hand and they understood they key points to be communicated with learners. In 12 months transitioned from training provided solely by external resource to training provided by internal resource.
This not only reduced costs (class of 20, c. 20k externally provided – delivered for less than 2k when delivered in house) and removed a key point of failure but has empowered the team to sustain and evolve their Agile Practice independently. Learners reported having real examples from their peers within the company they work in meant they could relate better on how to implement agile within their own teams.
Client Quote - “Having Dave Bishop as Agile Consultant allowed Leonardo Electronics UK to progressively implement Agile and SAFe principles within the company in a rational and controlled manner.
Using a friendly and no-nonsense approach, whilst understanding the many constraints of a heavily regulated industry, Dave has successfully created and trained a cohort of Agile specialists, as well as developed the Agile mindset and increased the SAFe knowledge base at all and every level within Leonardo.
Thanks to the SPCs that Dave nurtured, coached and supported consistently during his time, Leonardo Electronics UK has a comprehensive internal SAFe training capability allowing the continuous and flexible growth of Agile and SAFe learning at a fraction of the costs.
Leonardo Electronics UK has now a sound base to progress with the expansion of SAFe Agile within its numerous Line of Business, ultimately demonstrating efficiency and delivery to its Customers and Partners.”