MIS608_Assessment_1_Brief_RsearchReport_Module Due 2.2 Page 1 of 12
Task Summary
“Everything that becomes true starts with a manifesto” – Courtney Love
Manifestos communicate beliefs, aims, intentions and views – they are a philosophy rather than a
method. The Agile Manifesto is the philosophy from which Agile methods and frameworks have
emerged.
This assessment is about ensuring that we understand the thinking or the ‘what’ of Agile in
preparation for learning the methods, practices, tools, and techniques associated with the ‘how’ of
Agile.
You will be required to prepare a report covering the following concepts and areas of knowledge:
1. VUCA
2. The Agile Manifesto
3. The Case for Agile
4. Agile vs. Waterfall
5. A Comparison of Scrum and Kanban
6. The influence of Lean on the Agile philosophy and practices
ASSESSMENT 1 BRIEF
Subject Code and Title
MIS608 – Agile Project Management
Assessment
Research Report on Agile
Individual/Group
Individual
Length
1500 words (+/- 10%)
Learning Outcomes
The Subject Learning Outcomes demonstrated by successful
completion of the task below include:
a) Undertake research to demonstrate an understanding of
Agile concepts, tools and techniques
Submission
Due by 11:55pm AEST Sunday end of Module 2.2.
Weighting
25%
Total Marks
100 marks
MIS608_Assessment_1_Brief_RsearchReport_Module Due 2.2 Page 2 of 12
Context
Because careers in the world of Information Systems require being able to ‘do’, we focus on
techniques which engender capability building. Agile is a complex and multi-facetted discipline.
Because we are preparing you for professional practice in your future workplace – the assessment
pathway takes a laddered approach to your learning to embed theoretical knowledge through active
practice:
1. Assessment 1 – Prepare – Understand theoretical foundations of Agile.
2. Assessment 2 – Reflect – Develop your Agile Mindset and capability to work in an Agile team.
3. Assessment 3 – Perform – An authentic assessment where you will apply the knowledge and skills
you progressively develop in the subject to a business problem using Agile Project Management.
Wk1
Wk2
Wk3
Wk4
Wk5
Wk6
Wk7
Wk8
Wk9
Wk10
Wk11
Wk12
A1
Theoretical
foundations of Agile
A1
Due
A2
Developing your Agile Mindset and
reflecting on
A2
Due
A3
Form Team
Working Agreement
Scrum vs. Kanban
Lead the Team
Setting up Team Board
Backlog
Planning and estimating
Retrospectives
Reviews
Release Planning
A3
Due
Due attention needs to be paid to format, visual presentation and citation discipline (referencing) as
this would be required in leading companies and consultancies which you would apply to in your
future career.
Excellent referencing demonstrates your capability as a researcher – it is evidence that you know
how to find information from appropriate sources and can interpret and synthesise that information
with skill at a Master level.
MIS608_Assessment_1_Brief_RsearchReport_Module Due 2.2 Page 3 of 12
Task Instructions: Your report will require 6 boxes, each one devoted to covering a specific
knowledge area. There is no requirement for an introduction of conclusion using this method – your
word count can be better used in the boxes:
1. Box 1 – VUCA.
To answer this question, you will need to read this article: Baran, B. E., & Woznyj, H. M.
(2021). Managing VUCA. Organizational Dynamics, 50(2), 100787–100787.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orgdyn.2020.100787 which can be accessed via the Torrens online
library. After reading the article, reread the section with the heading “Sending, Assessing,
and Monitoring VUCA”, then go to Table 1. The VUCA Audit and find the 4 matching
questions for this section with the heading ‘To get a sense of one’s own sensing and
monitoring behaviours’. Your organisation may either be your workplace or Torrens
University – you need to tell us which you have selected at the start of your response.
a. Select one of the dimensions of VUCA to explore: Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity
or Ambiguity.
b. Using the four questions referenced above explain how well you are sensing and
monitoring for the dimension that you have chosen within your organisation, and
what you are doing to mitigate the impact of this VUCA dimension on your success.
c. Discuss one agility enhancing practice that you can employ to help you mitigate the
impact of this VUCA dimension on your success
d. Do not forget to reference the article and the questions that you have used.
2. Box 2 – The Agile Manifesto.
Looking at the first principle of the Agile Manifesto – “Our highest priority is to
satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software.”
How do you believe the Scrum process supports the achievement of this principle?
You will need to identify an explore at least four ways that align Scrum to the first
principle.
3. Box 3 – Agile vs Waterfall.
For this subject PROJ6000 is a pre-requisite and you will be familiar with the term
‘Scope Creep’. It is likely that you will need to do some additional research into this
term for greater clarity and depth in you answer. Now review the 4th Principle of the
Agile Manifesto – ‘Responding to change over following a plan.”
a. Create a definition of scope creep in your own words based on you research (yes –
references are required).
b. Explain your understanding of the fourth principle of the Agile manifesto backed by
evidence of the additional reading you have done to gain this understanding
(readings used in class are very good resources for this purpose).
c. In your own words explain whether you think these concepts (scope creep vs.
responding to change over following a plan) could be considered a contradiction, or
not!
MIS608_Assessment_1_Brief_RsearchReport_Module Due 2.2 Page 4 of 12
4. Box 4 – The Case for Agile.
Review the Cutter Consortium case in this reading – Measey, P. (2015). Agile foundations :
Principles, practices and frameworks. BCS Learning & Development Limited. Retrieved from
https://ebookcentral-proquestcom.torrens.idm.oclc.org/lib/think/reader.action?docID=1759633&ppg=47:
a. Which Agile approach is Cutter Consortium – example 1 aligned to? Use the
evidence in the table to support why you say this.
b. Which Agile approach is Cutter Consortium – example 2 aligned to? Use the
evidence in the table to support why you say this.
c. What is the specific impact on quality of both approaches? Include specific figures to
back your position and explain why you believe this quality outcome was achieved.
d. What was the specific impact on budget of both approaches? Include specific figures
to back your position and explain why you believe this cost outcome was achieved?
e. Why do you believe this Agile has this effect?
5. Box 5 – Kanban.
To answer this question – first watch this video from your class learning resources:
Rose, D. (2018, April 12). Kanban [Video file]. Retrieved
from https://www.linkedin.com/learning/agile-foundations/kanbanoverview?autoAdvance=true&autoSkip=false&autoplay=true&resume=false&u=567
44473
a. Create a copy of the Kanban video that is shown in the video with the
appropriate labels.
b. What is the alternative name that Scrum Teams give to the Kanban?
c. Describe what the purpose is of the in the furthest left column. What does it
contain, and how are its contents sequenced? Why is this significant?
d. What is the purpose of the yellow sticky notes? What is usually written on
these yellow sticky notes?
e. How are the yellow sticky notes used to limit Work in Progress (WIP)?
f. Write a brief description of how the scrum team can use the Kanban for
‘walking the board’ in the process of their daily stand-ups to remain on track.
g. How do you plan to use this tool in your group assessment?
6. Box 6 – The Influence of Lean on Agile philosophy and practice.
Kaizen is a very well-known Lean philosophy which originated in Lean manufacturing.
Transparency, Adaptation and Inspection are the three pillars of Scrum. It is suggested that
you consult some of the texts like Measey (2015) and undertake addition research of your
own to answer the following questions:
a. Describe and explain the three pillars of Scrum.
b. Describe and explain the Lean concept of Kaizen.
c. Explain how the three pillars on Scrum contribute to the achievement of Scrum.
MIS608_Assessment_1_Brief_RsearchReport_Module Due 2.2 Page 5 of 12
Visual Appeal and Format
1. Your report will need to be designed and completed in Word format – alternative package
solutions (e.g. Canva) may not be used as they do not meet the university’s submission criteria.
2. A cover page will be required which must include the following information:
a. Subject Code
b. Subject name
c. Assessment number
d. Assessment title
e. Class CRN
f. Learning Facilitator’s name
g. Student name
h. Student number (‘A’ number)
3. The report must use font Arial or Calibri 11 point and be line spaced at 1.15 for ease of reading.
4. You may use a tables or text boxes to create your six boxes based on what best meets your
needs. You must pay careful attention to layout and how items fit on the pages.
5. When diagrams or tables are used, due attention should be given to placement.
6. Diagrams or tables must carry the appropriate captioning.
7. A reference list is to be included on a separate page which meets the format requirements of
the APA 7th Edition Referencing Guide.
MIS608_Assessment_1_Brief_RsearchReport_Module Due 2.2 Page 6 of 12
Referencing
There are requirements for referencing this report using APA referencing style. It is expected that
you reference any appropriate resources that were used in class and that you include five additional
resources in the relevant subject areas based on readings and further research.
You are required to use DOIs, URLs and page and para numbers to reflect your capability and
standing as a Masters level researcher.
It is essential that you use appropriate APA style for citing and referencing research. Please see more
information on referencing here http://library.laureate.net.au/research_skills/referencing
Submission Instructions
Submit Assessment 1 via the Assessment link in the main navigation menu in MIS608 Agile Project
Management. The Learning Facilitator will provide feedback via the Grade Centre in the LMS portal.
Feedback can be viewed in My Grades.
Academic Integrity Declaration
It is required that the below statement must be adhered to and added to your cover page:
I declare that except where I have referenced, the work I am submitting for this assessment task is
my own work. I have read and am aware of Torrens University Australia Academic Integrity Policy
and Procedure viewable online at http://www.torrens.edu.au/policies-and-forms
I am aware that I need to keep a copy of all submitted material and their drafts, and I will do so
accordingly.
Signed by: Date:
MIS608_Assessment_1_Brief_ResearchReport_Module Due 2.2 Page 7 of 12
Assessment Rubric
Assessment
Attributes
Fail
(Yet to achieve
minimum standard)
0-49%
Pass
(Functional)
50-64%
Credit
(Proficient)
65-74%
Distinction
(Advanced)
75-84%
High Distinction
(Exceptional)
85-100%
Visual Appeal and
Format
Cover Page
3%
No cover page is included.
Cover page is included but is
missing most information.
Cover page is included but
is missing key information.
Cover page is included with
most required information.
Cover page is included with
all required information.
Format
6%
Incorrect font and size is
used with poor line
spacing and large gaps in
pagination or tables, or
diagrams run over onto
the next page
unnecessarily. Reference
list does not start on a
new page
Either incorrect font and size
is used or poor line spacing
and large gaps in pagination.
Reference list does not start
on a new page.
Some errors in font use and
line spacing. Some
pagination problems.
Reference list starts on a
new page
Minor errors in font,
spacing and format.
Reference list starts on a
new page
Font, spacing and format
are in accordance with the
requirements of the
assignment brief.
Reference list starts on a
new page and applies the
appropriate hanging indent
technique
Spelling & Grammar
6%
Many errors in spelling or
grammar obscure
meaning of what student
has written.
Spelling or grammar has
errors but meaning remains
clear.
Minor spelling or grammar
errors.
No errors in spelling or
grammar.
No errors in spelling or
grammar.
Word Count
3%
Does not adhere to the
word count requirement
of 1500 words (greater
than +/- 20%)
Does not adhere to the word
count requirement of 1500
words (+/- 20%)
Adheres to the word count
requirement of 1500 words
(+/- 10%)
Adheres to the word count
requirement of 1500 words
(+/- 10%)
Adheres to the word count
requirement of 1500 words
(+/- 5%)
MIS608_Assessment_1_Brief_ResearchReport_Module Due 2.2 Page 8 of 12
VUCA
Knowledge &
understanding
3%
Demonstrates a poorly
developed understanding
of VUCA – cannot identify
an aligned VUCA
dimension and
appropriate
recommended approach.
Demonstrates a functional
knowledge of VUCA – selects
inappropriate perspectives
with low relevance, the
incorrect VUCA dimension
and/or approach is selected
Demonstrates proficient
knowledge of VUCA by
selecting an appropriate
perspective, the correct
VUCA dimension and
approach
Demonstrates advanced
knowledge of VUCA by
selecting and, identifying
the correct VUCA
dimension with good
reasons and explains the
link between the
recommended approach
and Agile.
Demonstrates exceptional
knowledge of VUCA and
the most appropriate
dimension for the selected
challenge and identifying
the correct approach to
address the challenge and
how Agile contributes to
addressing the dimension.
Analysis and
application with
synthesis of new
knowledge
7%
Limited synthesis and
analysis.
Demonstrated analysis and
synthesis of new knowledge
with application.
Well-developed analysis
and synthesis with
application of
recommendations linked to
analysis/synthesis.
Thoroughly developed and
creative analysis and
synthesis with application
of the VUCA model and
justified recommendations
linked to analysis/synthesis.
Highly sophisticated and
creative analysis, synthesis
of new with existing
knowledge.
MIS608_Assessment_1_Brief_ResearchReport_Module Due 2.2 Page 9 of 12
The Agile Manifesto
Knowledge &
understanding
5%
Demonstrates a partially
developed understanding
of the Agile Manifesto but
does not demonstrate the
alignment between the
Agile manifesto and
Scrum
Demonstrates a functional
knowledge of the Agile
Manifesto and attempts to
demonstrate the alignment
between the Agile manifesto
and Scrum
Demonstrates proficient
knowledge of the Agile
Manifesto by clearly
demonstrating the
alignment between the
Agile manifesto and Scrum
Demonstrates proficient
knowledge of the Agile
Manifesto by identifying
four ways in which Scrum
aligns with the agile
Manifesto.
Demonstrates exceptional
knowledge of the Agile
Manifesto by identifying
four ways in which Scrum
aligns with the agile
Manifesto describing the
best context within which
the framework would offer
maximum value.
Agile vs. Waterfall
Knowledge &
understanding
5%
Demonstrates a partially
developed understanding
of the Agile and Waterfall
approaches to project
management.
Demonstrates a functional
knowledge of the Agile and
Waterfall approaches to
project management.
Demonstrates proficient
knowledge of the Agile and
Waterfall approaches to
project management.
Demonstrates proficient
knowledge of the Agile and
Waterfall approaches to
project management.
Demonstrates exceptional
knowledge of the Agile and
Waterfall approaches to
project management.
The Case for Agile
Knowledge &
understanding
5%
Demonstrates a partially
developed understanding
of the benefits of Agile.
Demonstrates a functional
knowledge of the benefits of
Agile.
Demonstrates proficient
knowledge of the benefits
of Agile.
Demonstrates proficient
knowledge of the benefits
of Agile.
Demonstrates exceptional
knowledge of the benefits
of Agile.
Evaluation of
information selected to
support the presented
argument
4%
Limited understanding of
key concepts represented
in the case study
Resembles a recall or
summary of key ideas from
case studies in general.
Demonstrates a capacity to
explain and apply relevant
concepts.
Well demonstrated capacity
to explain and apply
relevant concepts.
Excellent capacity to
explain and apply relevant
concepts to the selected
case study.
MIS608_Assessment_1_Brief_ResearchReport_Module Due 2.2 Page 10 of 12
Scrum and Kanban
Knowledge &
understanding
5%
Demonstrates a poorly
developed understanding
of Kanban and cannot
articulate any functional
steps.
Demonstrates a functional
knowledge and
understanding of Kanban and
can articulate the some of
the functional steps.
Demonstrates proficient
knowledge and
understanding of Kanban
and can articulate all the
functional steps
Demonstrates advanced
knowledge and
understanding of Kanban,
articulates all of the steps
and can describe their
purpose.
Demonstrates advanced
knowledge and
understanding of Kanban,
articulates all of the steps
well while describing their
purpose and can
demonstrate the value of
the tool in a group project
setting
Analysis and
application of new
knowledge
4%
Limited synthesis and
analysis.
Demonstrated analysis and
synthesis of new knowledge
with application.
Well-developed analysis
and synthesis with
application of
recommendations linked to
analysis/synthesis.
Thoroughly developed and
creative analysis and
synthesis with application
of the scrum/Kanban
models and justified
recommendations linked to
analysis/synthesis.
Highly sophisticated and
creative analysis, synthesis
of new knowledge about
Scrum and Kanban with
existing knowledge based
on prior group assessment
activity to arrive at a
practical application of
theoretical knowledge.
The Influence of Lean
on Agile philosophy
and practice.
Knowledge &
understanding
5%
Demonstrates a poorly
developed understanding
of Lean and cannot
articulate any sound
understanding of the
concept in question.
Demonstrates a functional
knowledge and
understanding of Lean and
can articulate a sound
understanding of the concept
in question
Demonstrates proficient
knowledge and
understanding of Lean and
can articulate a good
understanding of the
concept in question
Demonstrates advanced
knowledge and
understanding of Lean and
can articulate a good
understanding of the
concept with well
developed examples and
arguments
Demonstrates advanced
knowledge and
understanding of the
difference between Lean
and can articulate a good
understanding of the
concept with excellent
examples and arguments
MIS608_Assessment_1_Brief_ResearchReport_Module Due 2.2 Page 11 of 12
Use of academic and
discipline conventions.
Formal tone& use of
first party perspective
4%
Poorly written with
informal tone, using first
person pronouns (I, my,
we, me, us) and does not
adhere to the assignment
brief of the requirements
for a short business
report.
Written according to
academic genre as per the
assignment brief. Minor
errors in the use of first
person pronouns (I, my, we,
me, us).
Written according to
academic genre as per the
assignment brief.
Well-written and adheres to
the academic genre as per
the assignment brief.
Expertly written and
adheres to the academic
genre as per the
assignment brief.
Effective
Communication
10%
Presents information.
Specialised language and
terminology is rarely or
inaccurately employed.
Communicates in a readable
manner that largely adheres
to the given format.
Generally employs specialised
language and terminology
with accuracy.
Communicates in a
coherent and readable
manner that adheres to the
given format. Accurately
employs specialised
language and terminology.
Communicates coherently
and concisely in a manner
that adheres to the given
format. Accurately employs
a wide range of specialised
language and terminology.
Communicates eloquently.
Expresses meaning
coherently, concisely and
creatively within the given
format. Discerningly selects
and precisely employs a
wide range of specialised
language and terminology.
Referencing
10%
Some unresolved Safe
Assign flags in the body of
the assessment < 15%
References include
sources not publicly
available, foreign
language references.
Some unresolved Safe Assign
flags in the body of the
section < 10%
References used sparsely and
poorly related to concept
where they are serving as
evidence.
Some unresolved Safe
Assign flags in the body of
the section < 5%
References used
intermittently and
inappropriately and appear
to be used to support the
requirement for referencing
rather than evidence of
research.
No unresolved Safe Assign
flags in the body of the
section
Sound use of appropriate
references which
demonstrate evidence of
research and integrative
practice
No unresolved Safe Assign
flags in the body of the
assessment.
Excellent use of
appropriate references
which demonstrate
evidence of research and
integrative practice.
MIS608_Assessment_1_Brief_ResearchReport_Module Due 2.2 Page 12 of 12
Appropriate use of
credible resources
10%
Demonstrates
inconsistent and
inadequate use of good
quality, credible and
relevant resources to
support and develop
ideas. Highly reliant on
ephemeral websites. Does
not use materials shared
in class.
Demonstrates consistent use
of credible and relevant
research sources to support
and develop ideas. Mainly
uses ephemeral websites.
Does not use materials
shared in class.
Demonstrates consistent
use of credible and relevant
research sources to support
and develop ideas. Uses
texts and materials that
have been used in class
Consistently demonstrates
expert use of good quality,
credible and relevant
research sources to support
and develop appropriate
arguments and statements.
Uses texts and materials
that have been used in class
and shows evidence of
reading beyond the key
reading.
Demonstrates expert use of
high-quality credible and
relevant research sources
to support and develop
arguments and position
statements. Uses texts and
materials that have been
used in class and shows
extensive evidence of
reading beyond the key
reading.
Correct citation of
resources using APA
style of referencing
5%
No use of in-text
references, or no
reference list at the close
of the report. There are
many mistakes in using
the APA style including no
page and para numbers,
no DOIs or URLs.
Little use of in-text
referencing, or inadequate
references consulted and
added to references at the
close of the report. There are
some mistakes in using APA
style including no page and
para numbers, no DOIs or
URLs.
Good use of in-text
referencing and
appropriate number of
references used and listed
in the reference list. There
are only minor errors in
using the APA style
including no page and para
numbers, no DOIs or URLs.
Very good use of in-text
referencing. All in-text
references match with
references listed in the
reference list. There are no
mistakes in using the APA
style. DOIs and URLs to
sources are used, with
minor errors, and page and
para numbers are included.
Excellent and meticulous
use of in-text referencing
with all in-text references
matching with references
listed in the reference list.
There are no mistakes in
using the APA style. DOIs
and URLs to sources are
expertly used, with no
errors, and page and para
numbers are accurately
included
