The Department of Computer Science organized a five-day hands-on workshop titled “Deep Dive into Agile” exclusively for second-year BCA students. The objective was to equip students with industry-relevant knowledge and skills in Agile project management, with a strong focus on the Scrum framework. Spanning 10 hours, the workshop bridged the gap between academic theory and practical implementation, thereby preparing students for Agile-centric roles in the IT industry. Ms. Vaishali Amonkar, a seasoned Agile Practitioner, industry expert and GTA Chairperson (Women Wing) facilitated the sessions. Her rich experience and interactive teaching style provided students with valuable insights into Agile values, roles, events, and artifacts, supported by practical exercises, simulations, and case studies.
The primary objective of the workshop was to introduce students to Agile methodologies and underscore their growing significance in the modern IT landscape. It aimed to provide participants with a thorough understanding of the Scrum framework and its practical applications through real-world case studies and interactive activities. By engaging students in hands-on learning, the workshop sought to develop essential skills such as collaboration, effective team dynamics, and iterative project management. Ultimately, the program was designed to prepare students for Agile-centric roles in the software development industry by equipping them with the knowledge and experience required to thrive in dynamic, fast-paced project environments.
Day-wise Session Plan and Coverage
Day 1: Introduction to Agile (2 Hours) – 22/02/2025
- Evolution of software development methodologies
- Limitations of the traditional Waterfall model
- Introduction to Agile and its growing significance
- Agile Manifesto and the 12 Agile principles
- Benefits and challenges of Agile adoption
Day 2: Overview of Agile Frameworks (1.5 Hours) – 01/03/2025
- Overview of Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and Extreme Programming (XP)
- Comparative analysis of Agile methodologies
- Situational application and suitability of different frameworks
- Key differences between Scrum and Kanban
Day 3: Deep Dive into Scrum – Part I (2 Hours) – 15/03/2025
- Key roles: Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team
- Scrum events: Sprint, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Retrospective
- Scrum artifacts: Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment
Day 4: Deep Dive into Scrum – Part II (2 Hours) – 19/03/2025
- Concepts of Timeboxing, Story Points, and Burndown Charts
- Task prioritization and story point estimation using Planning Poker
- Interactive simulation: Creating and managing a sample Scrum board
Day 5: Agile Implementation in Real-World Projects (2.5 Hours) – 03/04/2025
- Agile project lifecycle in industry settings
- Case Study: Planning a Manali Trip using Agile
- Success stories and challenges in Agile implementation
- Quality management within Agile projects
- Role of a Quality Manager and ISO practices in Agile
- Simulation activities: Sprint Planning, Execution, and Review
- Use of Agile tools (e.g., Trello or mock Jira boards)
- Emphasis on teamwork, adaptability, and continuous feedback
A total of 51 SY BCA students (27 males and 24 females) participated in the workshop, contributing to collaborative discussions, group activities, and Agile simulations, thereby enhancing the overall learning experience through varied perspectives and team dynamics.
Expected Outcomes of the Activity
By the end of the workshop, students were able to articulate the core values and principles of Agile methodology and effectively identify and compare various Agile frameworks. They developed a sound understanding of the Scrum process, including the roles, events, and artifacts involved, and successfully simulated its application in practical scenarios. The workshop enabled students to apply Agile thinking to real-world projects, enhancing their problem solving and planning abilities. Additionally, they gained hands-on experience with industry-standard Agile tools and practices, which bolstered their technical proficiency. Importantly, the workshop also strengthened their collaboration, communication, and iterative development skills—essential competencies for working in dynamic, team-based software environments.
