What are the most effective ways to scale Extreme Programming for large projects?

Extreme Programming (XP) is a popular Agile methodology that emphasizes frequent feedback, continuous delivery, and high-quality code. However, scaling XP for large projects can be challenging, as it requires effective communication, coordination, and collaboration among multiple teams and stakeholders. In this article, you will learn some of the most effective ways to scale XP for large projects, such as:

1 Adopting a nested structure

One way to scale XP is to adopt a nested structure, where each team follows the core XP practices within their own scope, but also aligns with the larger project vision and goals. This way, each team can maintain their autonomy and flexibility, while also ensuring consistency and integration with other teams. A nested structure can also help reduce dependencies, conflicts, and bottlenecks, as teams can self-organize and deliver value independently.

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Maciej Sitko

Technical Architect at KFC
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Merely adopting the nested structure will not remove dependencies. There will be dependencies between teams, both in terms of communication and work. This can make dependencies even worse, because teams would have to wait for each other's delivery to be completed, in order to pick their items. This introduces high lead times. In those cases its important to follow some of the Kent Beck's advice to introduce periodical shared planning or temporary squads which join two teams together to accomplish user feature.

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2 Using a common architecture

Another way to scale XP is to use a common architecture, where all teams share a consistent and coherent design and coding approach. This can help ensure compatibility, interoperability, and maintainability of the code across different teams and modules. A common architecture can also facilitate code reuse, refactoring, and testing, as teams can leverage existing components and frameworks. To achieve a common architecture, teams need to agree on common standards, conventions, and tools, and regularly review and improve their code quality.

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3 Implementing a feedback loop

A third way to scale XP is to implement a feedback loop, where teams collect and respond to feedback from various sources, such as customers, users, stakeholders, and other teams. This can help teams validate their assumptions, identify issues, and improve their products and processes. A feedback loop can also foster a culture of learning, experimentation, and adaptation, as teams can incorporate feedback into their planning, prioritization, and delivery cycles. To implement a feedback loop, teams need to use effective communication channels, tools, and techniques, such as demos, surveys, metrics, and retrospectives.

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Maciej Sitko

Technical Architect at KFC
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What can be useful is the concept of information radiators which is native to other Agile frameworks. Information radiators are displays or other "screaming" means of communicating what the team is currently working on. This way teams can be better aligned.

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4 Leveraging a coach or facilitator

A fourth way to scale XP is to leverage a coach or facilitator, who can help teams adopt and apply the XP principles and practices at scale. A coach or facilitator can provide guidance, support, and training to teams, as well as help resolve issues, conflicts, and impediments. A coach or facilitator can also help teams coordinate and collaborate with other teams and stakeholders, as well as align their work with the project vision and goals. To leverage a coach or facilitator, teams need to establish trust, respect, and openness with them, and seek their feedback and advice regularly.

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Maciej Sitko

Technical Architect at KFC
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It is important that a coach or facilitator needs to have practical engineering knowledge in terms of XP. It needs to be a person who lived and breathed the XP by experience as those practises cannot be learned properly by just reading some theory.

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5 Applying a scaling framework

A fifth way to scale XP is to apply a scaling framework, such as SAFe, LeSS, or Nexus, that can provide a structured and systematic approach to scaling Agile practices across multiple teams and levels. A scaling framework can help teams align their work with the project strategy and value streams, as well as define clear roles, responsibilities, and processes for coordination and collaboration. A scaling framework can also help teams manage dependencies, risks, and trade-offs, as well as optimize their flow and delivery. To apply a scaling framework, teams need to understand its principles, rules, and artifacts, and adapt them to their context and needs.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Steve Fenton

Octonaut
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It always amuses me that we use the term "scaling up" without thinking of the obvious analogy of a kettle. When your kettle "scales up" it becomes inefficient and broken. Why we believe any differently for software delivery is a mystery. Instead of scaling effective processes up to a larger size, break the work down smaller. Years of research demonstrate that project size is one of the biggest predictors of failure. Aim for small autonomous teams working in small batches and you can avoid "scaling up" and breaking.

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Dr Reji Kurien Thomas

I Empower Sectors as a Global Tech & Business Transformation Leader| Stephen Hawking Award| Harvard Leader | UK House of Lord's Awardee | Fellow Royal Society | CyberSec I 168x LinkedIn Top Voice | CCISO CISM
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Provide agile coaching and facilitation to support teams in adopting and adapting XP practices effectively. Use appropriate metrics and reporting tools to track progress, measure value delivery, and identify areas for improvement. Encourage experimentation, innovation, and learning within teams. This allows them to adapt to changing circumstances and find new solutions for scaling challenges. Invest in training, development, and tools necessary to equip teams with the skills and resources needed to scale effectively. Recognize that scaling XP requires flexibility and adaptation. Be prepared to adjust your approach based on the specific needs and challenges of your project.

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What are the most effective ways to scale Extreme Programming for large projects?

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2

3

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5

6

1 Adopting a nested structure

2 Using a common architecture

3 Implementing a feedback loop

4 Leveraging a coach or facilitator

5 Applying a scaling framework

6 Here’s what else to consider

Agile Methodologies

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What are the most effective ways to scale Extreme Programming for large projects?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Adopting a nested structure

2 Using a common architecture

3 Implementing a feedback loop

4 Leveraging a coach or facilitator

5 Applying a scaling framework

6 Here’s what else to consider

Agile Methodologies

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