Abstract:
A method of training team participants to learn XP practices for generating a required application for a customer includes selectively using a combination of numeric, alphanumeric and pictorial puzzles/brain teasers and a set of role play instructions upon the training team participants learning of theoretical aspects of Agile methodology practices. The method delivers twelve programming practice-requirement-skills of: Onsite Customer, Planning Game, Small Iterations, Simple Design, Metaphor, Re-factoring Metaphor-use, Pair-Programming, Collective ownership, Sustainable Pace, Coding Standards, and Testing and Continuous Integration. The learning kit through timed iterations assists in designing, testing and code-release conforming to coding standards. The learning kit assists in producing the required code for the customer within time constraints of several iteration steps which precede code generation. The participants work and learn in team pairs which can be rotated if necessary.

Description:
[0001]    Benefit is claimed under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) to Indian Provisional Application Ser. No. 1894/CHE/2006 entitled “Practical training on Agile (XP) methodologies through combination of alpha-numeric and pictorial puzzles” by Swati Garg, filed on Oct. 12, 2006. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a training method and a learning kit for use by participants to quickly and effectively understand and implement Agile methodology. More particularly, the invention relates to a learning kit for explaining Extreme Programming (XP). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The concept of using learning kits to group-train software practitioners to learn generic software development techniques is used with several advantages. The group-training assists in reinforcing the concepts for suitable development approach using existing established methodologies. One such established software-development methodologies is Agile. Agile is a customer focused development methodology in which customer&#39;s changing requirements are considered and implemented through small iterations of project execution. Agile methodologies are driven by a set of values and principles defined and agreed through www.agilemanifesto.org. Also, Agile is a practical and proven methodology for software project developments because of the very fact that it is instituted by software practitioners. Agile is known to be in formal existence since 2001, and many companies across the glove have derived productivity and quality benefits through the application of Agile methodologies. 
         [0004]    One of the most popular Agile methodologies for software development is known as XP. Typically, XP involves developing software through several small iterations of incremental delivery. The entire project team works in close collaboration with the customer. Generally, XP is performed using the 12 core XP practices named as Metaphor, Onsite customer, Planning Game (which can include activities, such as Release Plan, Iteration Plan, Visual control, and Daily standup meeting), Small Release, Sustainable Pace, Simple Design, Re-factoring, Test First Development, Pair-Programming, Coding Standards, Continuous Integration, and Collective ownership. The XP Team includes key roles, such as Customer, XP Coach, XP Programmers and Testers. The XP Team also includes some more roles, such as Project Manager, Tracker, and Consultant. 
         [0005]    The customer&#39;s requirements in the XP projects are expressed as “Story Cards”, i.e., the story cards represent a fully implementable feature/functionality defined in the user terms. The story cards are basic building blocks for software development through XP. Relationship among story cards is defined by the business rules of the customer&#39;s business domain. Several story cards that relates to each other can form different sub systems that can influence the final system ultimately. The story cards are primarily written by customer and well understood by the project team before implementation. The customer may give several story cards to start the project; however, the team can limit the number of story cards to a smaller number for implantation in any given iteration by selecting high priority story cards. The customer can also change or add story cards at the end of any iteration. 
         [0006]    Available learning approaches for coaching teams in learning software development practices, such as XP methodology through a learning kit addresses the XP practices with varying degrees of success and efficacy. The current learning approaches do not cover all 12 core XP practices, which explain XP in a seamless manner. Further the current techniques do not encompass XP practices such as Metaphor, Test First Development, Simple Design, Re-factoring, Coding Standards and Continuous Integration. Furthermore, the current learning techniques are technology dependent and require considerable computing power to execute them. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present approach provides a learning kit for teaching and understanding the Agile methodologies, such as XP, wherein 12 different XP practices are covered by selectively using the iterations, numeric, alphanumeric and pictorial puzzles/brain teasers that are being driven in a guided manner. In the form of a learning kit, the present approach enables a software project team to stay focused towards delivery of high quality software to a customer while accommodating changing needs of the customer and reducing the time taken to mark the final deliverables. 
         [0008]    This subject matter (Extra Power Game-Learning Kit) explains the XP in an experiential, retrospective and fun driven manner. This Learning Kit is very unique for the following key reasons:
       It covers at least 12 XP practices in a seamless manner.   There is no existing learning kit that encompasses following XP practices:
           1 Metaphor   2. Test First Development   3. Simple Design   4. Re-factoring   5. Coding Standards   6. Continuous Integration   
           This learning kit does not depend on any specific technological background.   There is no computer aid needed while executing it (though computer simulation is possible) and   It involves very little cost in terms of inventory for the learning kit creation and repeated execution.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0020]    A more detailed understanding of the invention may be had from the following description of exemplary embodiments to be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawing where: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  an example flow chart that illustrates a method of training team participants in learning Agile methodology for generating a required application. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 2-4  illustrate story cards created for learning according to the teachings of the present subject matter. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is an example true live picture that illustrates a final solution obtained by one of the subgroups that participated in the learning kit execution. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. 
         [0025]    The present invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the present invention is not unnecessarily obscured. 
         [0026]    The terms “training technique”, “learning kit”, and “XP game” is used interchangeably throughout the document. The term “application” refers to a desired outcome of the present technique. For example, the desired outcome of the present technique is as shown in  FIG. 5 . Furthermore, the terms “game,”, “Extra Power Game-Learning Kit” and “XP Game-Learning Kit” are used interchangeably throughout the document. 
         [0027]    In the following example Extra Power Game-Learning Kit is conducted substantially after completing the theoretical session on XP practices. However, this learning kit can also be performed independently or differently, for those who already have good understanding of the theoretical aspects of XP, in a separate session or by an individual study using available reading material on XP. Detailed structure of the present subject matter (Extra Power Game-Learning Kit) is covered in the following paragraphs. 
         [0028]    With specific reference to the exemplary process  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the flowchart process and decision elements are associated with a corresponding reference number. For details on the decision elements, the following explanation is provided: 
         [0029]    The process  100  begins with forming multiple subgroups using training team participants. In these embodiments, each subgroup plays a predetermined number of roles to be performed by the training team participants. In these embodiments, the predetermined number of roles is substantially less than the number of training team participants. The predetermined number of roles can include roles, such as customer, Agile coach, faculty/instructor, consultant, Agile team and so on. Also in these embodiments, all the training team participants (the number of participants in one session may vary) in the training workshop are divided into smaller primary groups of equal size (for example, 6 to 8 members per group) to initiate the Extra Power Game-Learning Kit. Each subgroup may have 3 role plays to be preformed by the training team participants. Exemplary role play can be namely a customer (played by one member of the group), an XP coach (played by different members of the subgroup for different iteration. Each member within the subgroup may be given a chance to act as the XP coach in at least 1 iteration) and the XP team (played by all members of the subgroup—other than the member playing as the customer). In some embodiments, the role of the XP Manager and Tracker is assumed with the member who plays as the XP coach. The faculty/instructor (can be one or more individuals) of training workshop session plays the role of a consultant. 
         [0030]    At step  120 , a separate role play group is formed using at least one team participant from each subgroup to prepare differently from each of the remaining subgroup participants. In some embodiments, after the primary groups are formed to run Extra Power Game-Learning Kit, the respective group&#39;s members who are assuming to play role of customer are requested to come out of their group. The representative from each primary group from a secondary group so that they can be prepares differently than the rest of the members of their primary group. 
         [0031]    At step  130 , the st of role play instructions is handed over to each team participant by an associated faculty/instructor. In these embodiments, the faculty/instructor of the training workshop enables the customer role-play preparation by handing over following artifacts to respective members within the secondary group. In some embodiments, direct solution is not included in these instructions. If the members playing as customer are curious to know the actual solutions for the sake of understanding then the training session instructor can show them some examples of the solution keys described in later sections.
       Following illustrate an exemplary written set of role play instructions that may be handed over by the associated faculty/instructor to each member of the customer role play group:
           a. Go back to join in the group that represents your XP team,   b. Show 10 story cards to the team,   c. Start with the prime requirements by expressing that these stories that need to be implemented based on certain business reasons (rules) that connects these stories.   d. Use metaphor: Say it&#39;s like solving ‘Sudoku’.   e. Tell the business rules are:
               i. Rule 1: Arrange 4 numbers (1, 2, 3, and 4) in the fields of an array of 4×4 fields so that no number repeats in a row, column or block of 4 fields in each quadrant.   ii. Rule 2: Starting from lower right corner of the grid, all the numbers must fall in corners in clockwise manner.   iii. Rule 3: For the central square of fields. All numbers must follow anticlockwise pattern and no number must repeat on any diagonal.   iv. A copy of the picture below can be given to team to explain the above said business rules and to facilitate the architecture that follows ‘Sudoku’ as metaphor.   
               
               
 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 
                   
                             
                     
                         
                         
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     v. Rule 4: Add letters (a, b, c, d) to each number placed within the array in such a way that each number gets association with each letter only once (For example 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) and no letter repeats in a row, column or block of 4 fields in each quadrant. 
                   
                 
                 f. Tell the team that I want to achieve the ‘Extra Power’. The numbers arranged on one of the diagonal must fetch the highest number when arranged in exponential order starting from top corner [For example: (((2) 3 ) 4 ) 1 ]. At the end of architecture the team should be able to inform which one is the ‘Extra Power’ diagonal. 
                 g. Do not share following details unless the team asks you relevant questions to get this information out. 
                 h. If they ask then tell about your priority. Tell them that each story card has a unique identifier ((1a, 1b, . . . 4c, 4d—the letters in each story represents the priority of story, ‘a’ for priority 1 stories, ‘b’ for priority 2 stores, ‘c’ and ‘d’ for lower priority). 
                 i. If the team asks the basis for priority then tell that it is based on business value that is defined by the end customer. 
                 j. If they ask that who is the end customer then reply that end customer is an educational institute that wants to use the outcome for teaching purpose. 
                 k. If team then tell them about coding standards:
               Follow the alternate case letters (For Example: AlTeRnAtE).   The story card located at top left corner must start with small case letter.   Continue to follow the alternate case letter across the row. (For Example: SoLuTiOnOnE, sOlUtIoNtWo)   Based on the last letter of the right hand side solution of the row above, the left hand side solution of the subsequent row must follow the alternate case letter, (For Example: if the right hand side solution of the row above is SoLuTiOnFoUr then the next row&#39;s left hand side solution must be written as ‘SoLuTiOnFiVe)   
             
                 l. If team asks then tell them about writing the test cases. Tell them that all ‘Should be’ and ‘Must be’ condition have to be tested. Give example that if the story card is as below:
               ‘Picture’: the solution must be 2 words. The first word must be 5 letters and second word must be 4 letters. The 3rd letter of first word should be is ‘E’ and the 2nd letter of second word should be ‘I’.   The test case for this story is ‘ — — E — — ’ ‘_I — — ’.   
             
                 m. If the team ask for the consultant: You can agree to provide the consultant help free of cost for 75% of planned work is done during the iteration, otherwise consultant involvement will incur a 50% loss of points against that activity. Except architecture phase do not agree for consultant, rather tell the team to de-scope. Provide consultant only if they have failed to achieve the solution in 2 iteration. 
                 n. Do not accept the story that is not integrated in the business rules alphanumeric grid. 
                 o. Continue to observe the teams&#39; activities: Especially coach&#39;s activities and assign the points in the assessment sheets based on the performance. 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0059]    At step  140 , any doubt each team participant may have is clarified by the associated faculty/instructor. In some embodiments, participants of the ‘customer role play’ secondary group can ask clarifications to the faculty of the training workshop. In these embodiments, the faculty prepares themselves using all the answer keys to role play as consultant provided to them to answer any questions asked by the training team participants. On completion of the ‘customer role play’ preparation, this secondary group is dissolved and all the members of this group have to resume back in their primary group as the customer of the respective primary groups. 
         [0060]    At step  145 , created story cards are handed over to the customer role play group. At step  150 , members from the customer role play group rejoin their respective primary groups and then hands over the story cards to respective team participants in each subgroup. In some embodiments, the story cards are predefined story cards as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the story cards are presented in a hand written form including puzzles. Some intentional mistakes are introduced in these story cards to trigger the dialogues between team and customer. The priority of each story card may be defined with the help of labels ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’ and d’. Wherein the label ‘a’ can represent the highest priority. 
         [0061]    At step  160 , an assessment sheet is handed over to each member in the separate customer role play group so that each team participant playing the customer role can assess their associated subgroup&#39;s performance. 
         [0062]    Following are some example assessment sheets for respective groups: 
         [0063]    Score card for coach&#39;s performance during the Planning phase/Architecture iteration: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Score (10 or 
               
               
                   
                 Criteria to score - 10 point if the criterion is 
                 Zero for each 
               
               
                 S. No. 
                 met, ‘zero’ if the criterion is not met 
                 criterion) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 1 
                 He/she is ensuring that team communicates 
                   
               
               
                   
                 with customer to understand the look and feel 
               
               
                   
                 of story card. 
               
               
                 2 
                 He/she is ensuring that the team clarifies 
               
               
                   
                 doubts of business rules. 
               
               
                 3 
                 He/she is guiding the team to make the high 
               
               
                   
                 level plan and estimate for implementation in 
               
               
                   
                 iterative approach. 
               
               
                 4 
                 He/she is guiding team to utilize the remaining 
               
               
                   
                 time for creating the architecture. 
               
               
                 5 
                 He/she is guiding the team for using simple 
               
               
                   
                 design approach. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0064]    Score card for Team&#39;s performance during the Planning phase/Architecture iteration: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Score 
               
               
                 S. No. 
                 Criteria to score 
                 (Tick as applicable) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 1 
                 Architecture achieved 
                 Give 100 points 
               
               
                 2 
                 Consultant&#39;s help after 75% of work done 
                 Just tick 
               
               
                 3 
                 Consultant&#39;s help before 75% of work 
                 Reduce half points 
               
               
                   
                 done 
               
               
                 4 
                 Coach&#39;s score 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0065]    Score card for coach&#39;s performance during the Stories implementation iterations: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Score (10 or 
               
               
                   
                 Criteria to score - 10 point if the criterion is 
                 Zero for each 
               
               
                 S. No. 
                 met, ‘zero’ if the criterion is not met 
                 criterion) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 He/she is ensuring that team focus on iteration 
                   
               
               
                   
                 planning. 
               
               
                 2 
                 He/she is ensuring that the team follows visual 
               
               
                   
                 tracking. 
               
               
                 3 
                 He/She is guiding the team to follow daily 
               
               
                   
                 stand up meeting. 
               
               
                 4 
                 He/she is guiding team towards pair 
               
               
                   
                 programming. 
               
               
                 5 
                 He/she is guiding the team for promoting 
               
               
                   
                 coding standards. 
               
               
                 6 
                 He/she is facilitating re-factoring 
               
               
                 7 
                 He/she is promoting collective ownership 
               
               
                 8 
                 He/she is promoting test first development 
               
               
                 9 
                 He/she is using metaphor. 
               
               
                 10 
                 He/She is promoting continuous integration 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0066]    Scoring mode for Team&#39;s performance during the Story Cards Implementation iterations: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 S. No. 
                 Description 
                 Score 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 1 
                 Solving priority 1 stories 
                 25 
               
               
                 2 
                 Solving priority 2 stories 
                 20 
               
               
                 3 
                 Solving stories below priority 2 
                 10 
               
               
                 4 
                 Meeting iteration&#39;s story selection logic 
                 25 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0067]    Score card for Team&#39;s performance during the Story Cards Implementation iterations: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Score 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (Tick as 
               
               
                 S. No. 
                 Criteria to score 
                 applicable) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 1 
                 Number of priority 1 stories completed 
                   
               
               
                 2 
                 Number of priority 2 stories completed 
               
               
                 3 
                 Number of stories below priority 2 
               
               
                   
                 completed 
               
               
                 4 
                 Consultant&#39;s help after 75% of work done 
                 Just tick 
               
               
                 5 
                 Consultant&#39;s help before 75% of work done 
                 Give half points 
               
               
                 6 
                 Coach&#39;s score 
                 Sum 
               
               
                 7 
                 Iteration&#39;s story selection logic met 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0068]    At step  170 , the game is played per the set of role play instructions and the created story cards iteratively by the team participants until the required application is achieved by any one of the subgroups. In some embodiments, rest of the primary groups members are handed over the following instructions to prepare as ‘XP teams’ and ‘XP coaches’:
       a. Each team will have 1 member playing the role of customer, who will also maintain score of team.   b. Time boxing of 10 minutes will be followed for all activities during the game. First 10 minutes will be the planning phase; next 10 minutes will be the architecture iteration after which the story cards implementation iteration will start. Each iteration starts with estimation (Approximately 2 minutes) and ends with acceptance by customer (Approximately 1 minute).   c. Between each time box we will have 5 minutes change over. Change over minutes will be used for explanation and understanding of activities with respect to the real life project execution scenarios. Change over minutes will be used for selection of next coach, ‘stop iteration’ message and confirmation of stories completed.   d. Team must ask questions to customer if they need clarity on story cards or test cases or coding standards. Team will be writing test case for respective story cards.   e. If team is not able to achieve the architecture or solve a story then they can ask for external consultant&#39;s help (Customer will wear the hat of consultant—team may incur some cost for external help. They must settle the cost with customer during the release planning.)   f. Team must participate in daily standup meeting. Stand-up meeting will be called every three minutes. (Participants: 1 person from each pair and Agile coach). The team members reply 3 questions: What has s/he done so far? (Answer: Story card number: Started, in progress) What does s/he plans to do? (Answer: Story card number: In progress, finish). What is stopping/road block (Answer: None, need help from consultant)   g. As you become coach you need to ensure that visual tracking mechanism is followed. Use the story board/visual tracking chart to show the movement of story cards. (In the starting all story cards will be in the Backlog queue. As soon as the story card is picked for solution then it is considered to be in ‘In Progress Queue’ unless the testing and integration is completed. The story card is moved in to the ‘Release’ queue for customer acceptance at the end of iteration).   h. Team must keep the customer informed about all decisions that they make.   i. Following is an example scoring model that can be used to score during the game:       
 
         [0000]                                                  S. No.   Description   Score                                1   Achieving the architecture   100       2   Solving priority 1 stories   25       3   Solving priority 2 stories   20       4   Solving stories below priority 2   10       5   Meeting iteration&#39;s story selection logic   25       6   Coach - iteration criteria implemented (per line item)   10                    
Following are some specific example instructions that can be followed during the game:
 
         [0078]    Example Instruction for Coach: Specific to Planning Phase and Architecture Iteration
       a. Ensure that team communicates with customer to understand the look and feel of story card.
           Tell the team to listen to customer.   As soon the customers explanation is over then tell the team to ask how priority1, priority2 and lower priority is depicted by customer.   Tell the team to ask on what basis customer has decided the priority.   Tell the team to ask about the coding standards to solve these stories.   Tell the team to ask the customer how to test these stories.   Tell the team to not to jump on solution at this point in time.   
           b. Ensure that the team clarifies doubts of business rules.
           Ask the customer about metaphor. The metaphor is ‘Sudoku’ because the customer will use this as guiding principle for implementation of business rules.   Ask the team to check with customer that what will take if they are not able to achieve the architecture within the time box. Suggest team to negotiate for consultants help.   
           c. Guide the team to make the high level plan and estimate for implementation in iterative approach.
           Ask them to plan that first they must device the number grid (1, 2, 3, 4 number Sudoku) and then they must go about filling in the letters in Sudoku manner (a, b, c, d).   Keep them away from planning too much in advance. Tell that we should be able to handle combination of 4+/− story per iteration.   
           d. Guide the team to utilize the remaining time of planning phase for creating the architecture.   e. Guide the team for using simple design approach during architecture activities.
           Ask the team to first create the number grid   Then suggest them to start filling the letters using the simple order of a, b, c, d in the first row.   Later the complexity will evolve by itself due to game rule of Sudoku.   Ask the team to find out which of the diagonal is ‘Extra power’. The ‘Extra power is achieved when the numbers arranged on one of the diagonal fetch the highest number when arranged in exponential order starting from any corner [For example: (((2) 3 ) 4 ) 1 ].   
               
 
         [0098]    Example Instructions for Coach: Specific to Story Cards Implementation Iterations:
       a. Guide team to stay focused on iteration planning. Suggest them to pick story cards based on customer priority and technical relationship. Suggest them to include estimation for story card analysis, writing test case, writing answers by following coding standards, continuous integration and re-factoring.
           Ask the team to use the technical relationship of stories within a row, so that each row will show up as a subsystem ready.   Ask the team to inform customer that due to technical dependencies team has chosen a different set of stories than all high business value ones.   
           b. Follow visual tracking: use the team chart to show the movement of story cards. As you become Agile coach you need to ensure that visual tracking mechanism is followed. Use the story board/visual tracking chart to show the movement of story cards. (In the starting all story cards will be in the Backlog queue. As soon as the story card is picked for solution then it is considered to be in ‘In Progress Queue’ unless the testing and integration is completed. The story card is moved in to the ‘Release’ queue for customer acceptance at the end of iteration/time box.)
           Suggest the team to de-scope if they have chosen too much to do in the current time-box.   
           c. Follow daily stand up meeting: Stand-up meeting is called every three minutes. Since first 2 minutes of iteration has gone in estimation, your first call of stand up meeting will be at 5 th  minute. Similarly the next stand up meeting will occur at 8 th  minute. Effectively you will conduct 2 daily stand-up meetings in each of the implementation iteration. (Participants: 1 person from each pair and Agile coach). The team members reply 3 questions: what has he/she done so far? (Answer: Story card number; Started, in progress) What does he/she plans to do? ((Answer: Story card number; In progress, finish). What is stopping/road block (Answer: Need help from Consultant)   d. Use metaphor to guide the team. The metaphor is Sudoku.   e. Promote pair programming. Ask two people to work together to have online review of coding standards (The coding standard: All solutions must be written in alternate case letter across the row. (For Example: SoLuTiOnOnE, sOlUtIoNtWo))   f. Promote test first development: Suggest the team to write the test case before they write the solution for story card.   g. Promote adherence to coding standards.   h. Facilitate re-factoring; Mostly there will be instances of deviation from coding standards. Suggest the team to re-factor at regular intervals to maintain the good quality of solutions (code).   i. Promote collective ownership by suggesting everybody to participate in re-factoring.   j. Promote continuous integration. As soon as a story card solution is ready, ensure that it is joined to other available story cards using the adhesive tape.       
 
         [0112]    In some embodiments, the faculty/instructor (can be one or more individuals) of training workshop session plays the role of Consultant. He/She can provide help to all the primary groups on need basis (The need has to be agreed by the member who is playing the role of customer for that primary group). The consultant will have all the solutions for combination of numeric, alphanumeric and pictorial puzzles/brain teasers that are used in the Learning kit. Solutions, for given example, of the invention (Extra Power Game-Learning Kit) are listed as below: 
         [0113]    Following can be the solution key for possible numeric grid that can be created by the team based on the business rules shared by the customer. For details on customer&#39;s business rules refer to the above described instructions. 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0114]    It can be seen that the Extra Power diagonal is starting from the left hand side top corner by fetching the exponential value of (((3) 4 ) 2 ) 1  or (((3) 2 ) 4 ) 1 =6561. 
         [0115]    The other diagonal values are as below:
       The diagonal starting from upper right corner brings values of (((4) 3 ) 1 ) 2  or (((4) 1 ) 2 ) 2 =4096   The diagonal starting from lower left corner brings values of (((2) 1 ) 3 ) 4  or (((2) 3 ) 1 ) 4 =4096   The diagonal starting from lower right corner brings values of (((1) 2 ) 4 ) 3  or (((1) 4 ) 2 ) 3  =1       
 
         [0119]    It can be seen that there is a prominent difference in the number in the ‘grey’ cells. If the team fails to devise alphanumeric solution based on the business rule explained by the customer then they can ask for the help from the training faculty/instructor who is playing the role of consultant. The faculty can offer the one of the solution listed based on the ‘digit’ corresponding to the ‘grey’ cell in team&#39;s numerical solution. 
         [0120]    Below are the example keys of most preferred solutions for devising the alphanumeric grid that would work as the architecture for the overall solution of the Extra Power-Learning Kit. 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0121]    However, it is possible to create several other combinations of alphabetical characters within purview of the business rules shared by the customer to the team; two such example solutions are listed below: 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0122]    In some embodiments, if the team succeed in designing an alphanumeric grid that is valid according to the business rules defined by the customer where in the solution is not same as the any one of the preferred solutions as listed above then the Team and the coach losses the points that are awarded against the simple design practice. 
         [0123]    At step  170 , Following are some example solutions keys for story cards shown in  FIGS. 2-4 :
     1   a.  Critical path     1   b.  Magic circle     1   c.  Round the clock     1   d.  Fish tank     2   a.  Retrospective     2   b.  Tea cup     2   c.  Face to face     2   d.  Book worm     3   a.  Chain letter     3   b.  Light weight     3   c.  Keyboard     3   d.  Web search     4   a.  Gold plating     4   b.  Check list     4   c.  Search engine     4   d.  World wide web   
 
         [0140]    At step  180 , each subgroups&#39;s performance is assessed by an associated team participant playing the customer role. In some embodiments, the faculty/instructor can show some of the solutions to members who are doing customer role play to build understanding of desired outcome of the execution of the Extra Power Game-Learning Kit. 
         [0141]    At step  185 , the method  100  determines whether the current playing iteration number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of playing iterations. In some embodiments, the faculty/instructor (can be one or more individuals) of the training workshop ensures that the time boxed iterations (10 minutes per iteration in the given example of this invention) are followed by all participants. The faculty observes the activities performed by the each group and at the end of each iteration explains the learning achieved by each group. The member playing as customer for respective group performs assessment at the end of every iteration. 
         [0142]    Based on the determination at step  185 , the method  100  goes to step  195  and concludes the method of training the team participants if current playing iteration number is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of playing iterations. The method  100  goes to step  190  if the current playing iteration number is not equal to the predetermined number of playing iterations. At step  190 , the method  100  determines whether a final solution of the required application is generated. Based on the determination at step  190 , the method goes to step  195  and concludes the training of the team participants if the final solution to the required application is generated. Based on the determination at step  190 , the method goes back to step  170  and repeats steps  170 - 195  if the final solution to the required application is not generated. In some embodiments, the team participants of the training workshop continue to play the game (i.e., the Extra Power Game-Learning Kit) until one of the primary groups achieve the end solution of the learning kit.  FIG. 5  shows sample end solution that can be achieved at the end of playing the above-described game. In some embodiments, the faculty may stop further execution if no team is able to achieve the end solution however all the learning are well conveyed to participants through a few run of iterations in the given/available time to run the Learning Kit. Upon concluding the game based on the above-described process the training team participants would have understood almost all the 12 XP practices. 
         [0143]    Following tables outline the example learning achieved by the training team participants upon playing the above-described game (Extra Power Game-Learning Kit). 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE I 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Lists learning offered based on listed XP practices (using the given example of 
               
               
                 this invention) while playing the first iteration (planning phase) and the second iteration 
               
               
                 (architecture iteration) activities of Extra Power Game - Learning Kit. The listed activities 
               
               
                 of Extra Power Game - Learning Kit in the following table-1 offer a better understanding 
               
               
                 of corresponding XP Practices: 
               
             
          
           
               
                 S. No. 
                 XP Practice 
                 Learning Kit Activity 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 Onsite Customer 
                 One dedicated participant plays role of ‘Onsite Customer’. He/She is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 made available with the group (team) on full time basis to provide 
               
               
                   
                   
                 required inputs, answer the questions, change/add story cards and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 negotiate for consultants&#39; availability. 
               
               
                 2 
                 Planning Game 
                 Team at high level understands the details (business rules and the 
               
               
                   
                 (Release Plan) 
                 story cards) shared by customer and decides road map to go forward. 
               
               
                 3 
                 Small Release 
                 The fixed time boxed iterations of 10 minutes duration are defined to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 take the Extra Power Game - Learning Kit to its completion. 
               
               
                 4 
                 Metaphor 
                 In this example of Extra Power Game - Learning Kit the team uses 
               
               
                   
                   
                 ‘Sudoku’ as metaphor. This metaphor helps the team to devise the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 high level architecture. Then team picks the story cards for the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 iterations in a manner that relates to ‘Sudoku’ rules as defined by the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 customer. The team continues to follow the ‘Sudoku’ as guiding 
               
               
                   
                   
                 principle while working towards completion of ‘Extra Power - Learning 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Kit’. 
               
               
                 5 
                 Simple Design 
                 The simplest approach is followed to create the architecture based on 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the business rules defined by customer. 
               
               
                 6 
                 Collective ownership 
                 Everybody in the team participates to create the architecture based 
               
               
                   
                   
                 on the business rules defined by customer. 
               
               
                 7 
                 Sustainable Pace 
                 The team participates in estimation and decides number of required. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 The team tries to achieve the plan in iteration time. Overwork and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 under utilization is avoided. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Learning is offered towards listed XP practices (using the given example of this 
               
               
                 invention) while playing the story cards implementation iterations&#39; activities of Extra 
               
               
                 Power Game - Learning Kit. In other words, the listed activities of Extra Power Game - 
               
               
                 Learning Kit offer understanding of corresponding XP Practices in the table below. 
               
             
          
           
               
                 S. No. 
                 XP Practice 
                 Learning Kit activity 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 Onsite 
                 One dedicated participant plays role of ‘Onsite Customer’. He/She is made 
               
               
                   
                 Customer 
                 available with the group (team) on full time basis to provide required 
               
               
                   
                   
                 inputs, answer the questions, change/add story cards and negotiate for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 consultants&#39; availability. 
               
               
                 2 
                 Planning 
                 The team makes a high level execution plan (Release Plan) in customers 
               
               
                   
                 Game 
                 presence based on the inputs provided during the first iteration (Planning 
               
               
                   
                 (Release 
                 phase). 
               
               
                   
                 Plan, 
                 Team members pick story cards to implement in the iteration. They 
               
               
                   
                 Iteration 
                 estimate the time/effort required for implementation of selected story 
               
               
                   
                 Plan, Visual 
                 cards. 
               
               
                   
                 control, 
                 Visual control: the coach uses the story board to show the movement of 
               
               
                   
                 Standup 
                 story cards (In the starting all story cards will be in the Backlog queue. As 
               
               
                   
                 Meeting) 
                 soon as the story card is picked for solution then it is considered to be in 
               
               
                   
                   
                 ‘In Progress Queue’ unless the testing and integration is completed. The 
               
               
                   
                   
                 story card is moved in to the ‘Release’ queue for customer acceptance at 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the end of iteration). 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Stand-up meeting is called every three minutes. (Participants: 1 person 
               
               
                   
                   
                 from each pair and Agile coach). The team members reply 3 questions: 
               
               
                   
                   
                 What has he/she done so far? (Answer: Story card number: Started, in 
               
               
                   
                   
                 progress) What does he/she plans to do? ((Answer: Story card number: In 
               
               
                   
                   
                 progress, finish). What is stopping/road block (Answer: Need help from 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Consultant). 
               
               
                 3 
                 Small 
                 The fixed time boxed iterations of 10 minutes duration are defined to take 
               
               
                   
                 Release 
                 the Extra Power Game - Learning Kit to its completion. 
               
               
                 4 
                 Simple 
                 The simplest approach is followed to create the architecture based on the 
               
               
                   
                 Design 
                 business rules defined by customer. 
               
               
                 5 
                 Refactoring 
                 It is triggered due to the coding standards that call for inputs from evolving 
               
               
                   
                   
                 solution of neighboring stories. 
               
               
                 6 
                 Metaphor 
                 In this example of Extra Power Game - Learning Kit the team uses 
               
               
                   
                   
                 ‘Sudoku’ as metaphor. This metaphor helps the team to devise the high 
               
               
                   
                   
                 level architecture. Then team picks the story cards for the iterations in a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 manner that relates to ‘Sudoku’ rules as defined by the customer. The 
               
               
                   
                   
                 team continues to follow the ‘Sudoku’ as guiding principle white working 
               
               
                   
                   
                 towards completion of ‘Extra Power - Learning Kit’. 
               
               
                 7 
                 Pair 
                 The team works on each story card by pairing up. Pairs rotate from 
               
               
                   
                 Programming 
                 iteration to iteration as one of them has to move out to take up the Agile 
               
               
                   
                   
                 coach role. One pair finishes 1 story card before working on next story 
               
               
                   
                   
                 card. If a pair can not resolve a card then they ask other team members 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and finally they decide to take help from consultant. 
               
               
                 8 
                 Collective 
                 Everybody in the team participates to re-factor the story cards within the 
               
               
                   
                 ownership 
                 architecture and ensures that they do not break anything else. 
               
               
                 9 
                 Sustainable 
                 The team participates in estimation and decides number of required. The 
               
               
                   
                 Pace 
                 team tries to achieve the plan in iteration time. Overwork and under 
               
               
                   
                   
                 utilization is avoided. 
               
               
                 10 
                 Coding 
                 All solutions (code) for implementing respective story cards must be 
               
               
                   
                 Standards 
                 devised through proper coding standards. Customer defines the coding 
               
               
                   
                   
                 standards to the team. Alternate case letters are used as the Coding 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Standards. 
               
               
                 11 
                 Testing 
                 All ‘must be’ and ‘Should be’ conditions within story cards are utilized for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 writing the test case. The test case are devised based on thorough 
               
               
                   
                   
                 understanding of story cards and solution (Code) is devised against the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 test case. 
               
               
                 12 
                 Continuous 
                 The story card in iteration is considered for scoring only if the story card for 
               
               
                   
                 Integration 
                 which the solution is devised, is integrated (placed at the appropriate 
               
               
                   
                   
                 position in the business rule&#39;s alphanumeric grid (with the help of adhesive 
               
               
                   
                   
                 tape) on immediate and continuous basis. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0144]    Following is an exemplary list of inventory that can be used by each participating group for playing the above example game (Extra Power Game-Learning Kit):
       a. 2-3 plain paper sheets to devise the architecture and final copy of architecture to be referred   b. 3-4 plain papers for story cards   c. 1 Adhesive tape to integrate the story cards   d. 1 scissor for cutting the tape   e. 3-4 pencils and erasers   f. 1 A-2 card sheet for visual tracking chart   g. 1 pack of small post-it to show the movement of story cards   h. 1 Instruction sheet per participant to set the ground for game       
 
         [0153]    Overview of an embodiment of the Learning Kit: Extra Power as aforesaid is a learning kit that is used to coach the software practitioners and leaders by selectively using combination of numeric, alphanumeric/pictorial puzzles and brain teasers for adopting the XP methodology. This is a fun driven, inspirational, experiential and retrospective learning approach which helps participants to identify the weak areas in their approach towards adopting the Agile (XP) methodology before the real life software project execution. The learning kit is designed keeping in mind the team work involved, creative thinking and other human aspects that enable the ‘discipline in chaos’ behavior for a successful software project execution. The learning kit takes about 2 hours practically to implement with a participant group and encompass all twelve XP practices within. It is designed in a technology independent manner while maintaining a simple and close vision of the technology world. Even though the above Agile methodology learning kit is explained with reference to learning XP practices, one can envision using the above learning kit to learn other Agile methodologies, such as Feature Driven Development, Dynamic System Development Methods, Agile Unified Process, EVO, and Crystal Methods. 
         [0154]    Market leaders in Agile implementation/consulting and training have so far conducted training focused on only some aspects such as planning, estimation, collaboration and communication. It does not appear that all 12 XP practices within a single practical learning kit selectively using alphanumeric/picture puzzles and timed iterations have been implemented by other market leaders in an approach that is technology-independent. The present technology-independent approach using combination of numeric, alphanumeric/pictorial puzzles and brain teasers enables participants from entirely different or no technical background/s to participate and effectively learn XP concepts. 
         [0155]    The details on key structural differences of the present subject matter (Extra Power Game-Learning Kit) as compared to the existing Learning Kits (available in several internet sites, class room trainings offered by different vendors and subject matter books) are shown in the table below: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Is it a 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 How is it handled 
                 new way 
               
               
                 S. 
                   
                 in the present 
                 of 
                 In what sense 
               
               
                 No. 
                 Structural difference criteria 
                 Learning kit? 
                 implementation? 
                 is it unique? 
                 Remarks 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A 
                 Coverage of all 12 practices of 
                 Inventor has used 
                 Yes 
                 It is the only 
                 Other kits from 
               
               
                   
                 Extreme Programming in a 
                 combination and 
                   
                 Learning Kit 
                 different vendors 
               
               
                   
                 single practical learning kit. 
                 overlapping thread 
                   
                 that covers all 
                 have only focused on 
               
               
                   
                   
                 of alpha-numeric 
                   
                 12 XP Practices 
                 ‘planning game’, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and pictorial 
                   
                 in a technology 
                 ‘short release’ and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 puzzles/brain 
                   
                 independent 
                 ‘onsite customer’ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Teasers to create a 
                   
                 manner (No 
                 practices. There is no 
               
               
                   
                   
                 close connection of 
                   
                 computer is 
                 single or combination 
               
               
                   
                   
                 all 12 practices of 
                   
                 required while 
                 of learning kits 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Extreme. 
                   
                 learning the 
                 available for covering 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Programming in a 
                   
                 Extreme 
                 all XP practices. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 single practical 
                   
                 Programming 
                 Only, there could be 
               
               
                   
                   
                 learning kit. 
                   
                 using this 
                 some learning 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Learning Kit) 
                 modules to cover the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 concepts on ‘Pair 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Programming’, ‘Re- 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 factoring’ and 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 ‘Continuous 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Integration’. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Is it a 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Brief 
                 How is it handled 
                 new way 
               
               
                   
                 XP 
                 description of 
                 in the present 
                 of 
                 In what sense 
               
               
                 B 
                 Practice 
                 the XP Practice 
                 Learning kit? 
                 implementation? 
                 is it unique? 
                 Remarks 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 Metaphor 
                 All stakeholders 
                 In ‘Extra Power 
                 Yes 
                 In Extra Power 
                 No example is found 
               
               
                   
                   
                 should have 
                 Game - Learning 
                   
                 Game - 
                 of an existing 
               
               
                   
                   
                 common vision 
                 Kit the 
                   
                 Learning Kit, 
                 learning kit that can 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and mission 
                 participating 
                   
                 the customer 
                 closely exhibits the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 toward the 
                 group/team uses 
                   
                 and team use a 
                 ‘Metaphor’ practice 
               
               
                   
                   
                 delivery. They 
                 ‘Sudoku’ ® as 
                   
                 metaphor such 
                 of ‘Extreme 
               
               
                   
                   
                 should be able to 
                 metaphor to 
                   
                 as ‘Sudoku’. 
                 Programming’. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 relate to the 
                 represent the 
                   
                 Throughout the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 whole picture in 
                 business rules. This 
                   
                 execution of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 their respective 
                 metaphor helps the 
                   
                 this learning kit, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 purview. 
                 team to devise the 
                   
                 all stakeholders 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 high level 
                   
                 can experience 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 architecture. Then 
                   
                 the advantage 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 the team picks 
                   
                 of the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 story cards for the 
                   
                 ‘Metaphor’ 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 iterations in a 
                   
                 practice within 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 manner that relates 
                   
                 Extreme 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 to ‘Sudoku’ rules. 
                   
                 Programming. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 The team continues 
                   
                 The metaphor 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 to follow ‘Sudoku’ 
                   
                 of Extra Power 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 as the guiding 
                   
                 Game - 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 principle while 
                   
                 Learning Kit 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 working towards 
                   
                 helps the team 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 completion of the 
                   
                 to devise the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Extra Power Game - 
                   
                 high level 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Learning Kit. 
                   
                 architecture. It 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 enables the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 customer to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 verify the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 architecture 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 devised by the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 team. Then the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 team picks the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 story cards for 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 the iterations in 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 a manner that 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 relates to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 metaphor rules. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 The team 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 continues using 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 guidance from 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 the metaphor 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 throughout. 
               
               
                 2 
                 Test First 
                 The unit test 
                 All ‘must be’ and 
                 Yes 
                 The Test First 
                 No example is found 
               
               
                   
                 Development 
                 cases must be 
                 ‘should be’ 
                   
                 Development 
                 of an existing 
               
               
                   
                   
                 written before 
                 conditions within 
                   
                 defined in Extra 
                 learning kit that 
               
               
                   
                   
                 developing the 
                 story cards (A fully 
                   
                 Power Game - 
                 exhibits a technology 
               
               
                   
                   
                 code to ensure 
                 implementable 
                   
                 Learning Kit is 
                 independent, close 
               
               
                   
                   
                 that the 
                 feature/functionality 
                   
                 independent of 
                 relationship with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 application 
                 defined in the 
                   
                 any software 
                 ‘Test First 
               
               
                   
                   
                 under 
                 user terms) are 
                   
                 technology. 
                 Development’ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 development is 
                 utilized for writing 
                   
                 Extra Power 
                 practice of ‘Extreme 
               
               
                   
                   
                 thoroughly 
                 the test case. The 
                   
                 Game - 
                 Programming’. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 tested, starting 
                 test cases are 
                   
                 Learning Kit is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 from the unit 
                 devised based on a 
                   
                 designed in a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 testing level. 
                 thorough 
                   
                 way that 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 understanding of 
                   
                 enforces the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 story cards and, the 
                   
                 participants to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 solution (Code) is 
                   
                 write the test 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 devised against the 
                   
                 cases before 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 test case. 
                   
                 devising the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 solutions for 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 respective story 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 cards. 
               
               
                 3 
                 Simple 
                 Architecture 
                 The approach to 
                 Yes 
                 The Simple 
                 No example is found 
               
               
                   
                 Design 
                 should be made 
                 create and maintain 
                   
                 Design practice 
                 of an existing 
               
               
                   
                   
                 modular and 
                 the ‘simple design’ 
                   
                 of Extreme 
                 learning kit that 
               
               
                   
                   
                 design should be 
                 is introduced 
                   
                 Programming 
                 exhibits technology 
               
               
                   
                   
                 kept simple to 
                 through the 
                   
                 covered as part 
                 independent, close 
               
               
                   
                   
                 meet the 
                 instructions that 
                   
                 of Extra Power 
                 relationship with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 requirements of 
                 that are given to 
                   
                 Game - 
                 ‘Simple Design’ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 given iteration 
                 the groups/teams 
                   
                 Learning Kit is 
                 practice of ‘Extreme 
               
               
                   
                   
                 only. 
                 (who are executing 
                   
                 independent of 
                 Programming’. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 the Extra Power 
                   
                 any software 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Game - Learning 
                   
                 technology. The 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Kit) prior to start of 
                   
                 pointers are 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 the iteration. 
                   
                 provided in 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 terms of written 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 instructions to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 participating 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 groups/teams 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 With the help of 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 the instruction, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 the respective 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 group/team 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 moves toward 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 leveraging the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 simple design 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 concept of 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Extreme 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Programming. 
               
               
                 4 
                 Coding 
                 The project team 
                 All solutions 
                 Yes 
                 The coding 
                 No example is found 
               
               
                   
                 Standards 
                 must not deviate 
                 (code) for 
                   
                 standards 
                 of an existing 
               
               
                   
                   
                 from coding 
                 implementing 
                   
                 defined in Extra 
                 learning kit that 
               
               
                   
                   
                 standards. 
                 respective story 
                   
                 Power Game - 
                 exhibits technology 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 cards must be 
                   
                 Learning Kit 
                 independent, close 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 devised through 
                   
                 are independent 
                 relationship with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 proper coding 
                   
                 of any software 
                 ‘Coding Standards’ 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 standards. 
                   
                 technology. The 
                 practice of ‘Extreme 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Customer defines 
                   
                 coding 
                 Programming’. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 the coding 
                   
                 standards are 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 standards to the 
                   
                 designed to be 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 team. The coding 
                   
                 simple and error 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 standards are 
                   
                 free during 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 written in the 
                   
                 implementation. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 instruction sheet 
                   
                 Clear focus on 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 for customer. 
                   
                 importance of 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 coding 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 standards is 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 maintained 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 while executing 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 the learning kit. 
               
               
                 5 
                 Re- 
                 Software code 
                 It is triggered due 
                 Yes 
                 It is triggered 
                 No example is found 
               
               
                   
                 factoring 
                 should be 
                 to the coding 
                   
                 during the 
                 of an existing 
               
               
                   
                   
                 continuously 
                 standards-rules 
                   
                 course very 
                 learning kit that 
               
               
                   
                   
                 refined across 
                 that call for inputs 
                   
                 naturally, so 
                 exhibits technology 
               
               
                   
                   
                 iterations to 
                 from evolving 
                   
                 that participants 
                 independent, close 
               
               
                   
                   
                 increase the 
                 solution of 
                   
                 do not loose 
                 relationship with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 code quality and 
                 neighboring 
                   
                 from coding 
                 ‘Re-factoring’ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 retain 
                 stories. 
                   
                 standards-rules 
                 practice of ‘Extreme 
               
               
                   
                   
                 maintainability. 
                   
                   
                 while delivering 
                 Programming’. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 fast solutions 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 against iterative 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 implementation 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 of the story 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 cards. 
               
               
                 6 
                 Continuous 
                 Any new piece 
                 The story card in 
                 Yes 
                 The Continuous 
                 No example is found 
               
               
                   
                 Integration 
                 of code written 
                 iteration is 
                   
                 Integration 
                 of an existing 
               
               
                   
                   
                 should be 
                 considered for 
                   
                 defined in Extra 
                 learning kit that 
               
               
                   
                   
                 immediately 
                 scoring only if the 
                   
                 Power Game - 
                 exhibits technology 
               
               
                   
                   
                 integrated and 
                 story card for 
                   
                 Learning Kit is 
                 independent, close 
               
               
                   
                   
                 tested to ensure 
                 which the solution 
                   
                 independent of 
                 relationship with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 that it does not 
                 is deviced is 
                   
                 any software 
                 ‘Continuous 
               
               
                   
                   
                 break anything 
                 integrated (placed 
                   
                 technology. The 
                 Integration’ practice 
               
               
                   
                   
                 else, or else, the 
                 at the appropriate 
                   
                 integration 
                 of ‘Extreme 
               
               
                   
                   
                 solution should 
                 position in the 
                   
                 mechanism 
                 Programming’. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 be made 
                 business rule&#39;s 
                   
                 defined in Extra 
               
               
                   
                   
                 available 
                 alphanumeric grid 
                   
                 Power Game - 
               
               
                   
                   
                 immediately. 
                 (with the help of 
                   
                 Learning Kit 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 adhesive tape) on 
                   
                 enables the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 an immediate and 
                   
                 participating 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 continuous basis. 
                   
                 teams to learn 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 through 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 experience of 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 problems and 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 loss in quality 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 due to late 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 integration. 
               
               
                 7 
                 Collective 
                 Everybody in 
                 Base on the 
                 No 
                 Not unique 
                 The ‘Collective 
               
               
                   
                 ownership 
                 the learn must 
                 business rules 
                   
                   
                 ownership’ practice 
               
               
                   
                   
                 take ownership 
                 shared by the 
                   
                   
                 of ‘Extreme 
               
               
                   
                   
                 of complete 
                 customer, 
                   
                   
                 Programming’ is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 success and 
                 everybody in the 
                   
                   
                 covered in a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 failure. They 
                 team participates to 
                   
                   
                 technology 
               
               
                   
                   
                 should ensure 
                 create the 
                   
                   
                 independent fashion 
               
               
                   
                   
                 that they do not 
                 architecture. Also 
                   
                   
                 within other available 
               
               
                   
                   
                 break anything 
                 everybody in the 
                   
                   
                 learning kits. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 else while 
                 team participates to 
                   
                   
                 However it is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 making their 
                 re-factor the story 
                   
                   
                 presented in a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 changes. 
                 cards within the 
                   
                   
                 different approach 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 business rule&#39;s 
                   
                   
                 through Extra Power 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 alphanumeric grid 
                   
                   
                 Learning Kit. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 and ensures that 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 they do not break 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 anything else. 
               
               
                 8 
                 Onsite 
                 Customer being 
                 One dedicated 
                 No 
                 Not unique 
                 The ‘Onsite 
               
               
                   
                 Customer 
                 made available 
                 member from each 
                   
                   
                 Customer’ practice or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (physically) with 
                 group of 
                   
                   
                 ‘Extreme 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the development 
                 participants plays 
                   
                   
                 Programming’ is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 team throughout 
                 the role of ‘Onsite 
                   
                   
                 covered in a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the life cycle. 
                 Customer’. He/she 
                   
                   
                 technology 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Customer should 
                 is made available 
                   
                   
                 independent fashion 
               
               
                   
                   
                 be able to 
                 with each team on 
                   
                   
                 within other available 
               
               
                   
                   
                 provide 
                 full time basis to 
                   
                   
                 learning kits. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 clarification for 
                 provide required 
                   
                   
                 However it is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 queries on the 
                 clarification, 
                   
                   
                 presented in a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 stories. 
                 inputs, change or 
                   
                   
                 different approach 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 add story cards and 
                   
                   
                 through the present 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 negotiate for 
                   
                   
                 Extra Power 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 consultants&#39; 
                   
                   
                 Learning Kit. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 availability. The 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 customer can 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 assess team&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 performance very 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 closely due to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 proximity. 
               
               
                 9 
                 Planning 
                 Release 
                 Release Planning; 
                 No 
                 Not unique 
                 The ‘Planning Game 
               
               
                   
                 Game 
                 Planning. All 
                 Complete team and 
                   
                   
                 (Release Planning, 
               
               
                   
                 (Release 
                 stake holders 
                 the customer 
                   
                   
                 Iteration Planning)’ 
               
               
                   
                 Planning, 
                 participate in 
                 participate in the 
                   
                   
                 practice of ‘Extreme 
               
               
                   
                 Iteration 
                 release planning 
                 release planning 
                   
                   
                 Programming’ is 
               
               
                   
                 Planning) 
                 meeting. Based 
                 meeting. 
                   
                   
                 covered in 
               
               
                   
                   
                 on the high level 
                 Team members 
                   
                   
                 technology 
               
               
                   
                   
                 estimate effort, 
                 pick story cards to 
                   
                   
                 independent fashion 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the team arrives 
                 implement in the 
                   
                   
                 within other available 
               
               
                   
                   
                 at a tentative 
                 iteration based on 
                   
                   
                 learning kits. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 release date. 
                 customer&#39;s priority 
                   
                   
                 However it is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Customer 
                 and technical 
                   
                   
                 presented in a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 provides his 
                 dependencies. 
                   
                   
                 different approach 
               
               
                   
                   
                 comments on the 
                 They estimate the 
                   
                   
                 through Extra Power 
               
               
                   
                   
                 estimates and re- 
                 time effort required 
                   
                   
                 Learning Kit. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 organizes the 
                 for implementation 
               
               
                   
                   
                 stories if 
                 of selected story 
               
               
                   
                   
                 required. 
                 cards. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Developers and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 customer jointly 
               
               
                   
                   
                 priortize the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 stories. Priority 
               
               
                   
                   
                 numbers are 
               
               
                   
                   
                 attached to the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 stories. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Iteration 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Planning. All 
               
               
                   
                   
                 stake holders 
               
               
                   
                   
                 participate in the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 iteration 
               
               
                   
                   
                 planning 
               
               
                   
                   
                 meeting. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Granular 
               
               
                   
                   
                 planning is done 
               
               
                   
                   
                 by the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 developers for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the iteration to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 deliver the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 working 
               
               
                   
                   
                 functionality 
               
               
                   
                   
                 against highest 
               
               
                   
                   
                 value story cards 
               
               
                   
                   
                 order. 
               
               
                 10 
                 Small 
                 Each time-boxed 
                 Time-boxed 
                 No 
                 Not unique 
                 The ‘Small Releases’ 
               
               
                   
                 Releases 
                 iteration should 
                 iterations of 10 
                   
                   
                 practice of ‘Extreme 
               
               
                   
                   
                 be targeted to 
                 minutes duration 
                   
                   
                 Programming’ is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 make a release 
                 are defined to 
                   
                   
                 covered in a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 of fully tested 
                 conduct Extra 
                   
                   
                 technology 
               
               
                   
                   
                 working 
                 Power Game - 
                   
                   
                 independent fashion 
               
               
                   
                   
                 functionality of 
                 Learning Kit to its 
                   
                   
                 within other available 
               
               
                   
                   
                 application. 
                 completion. 
                   
                   
                 learning kits. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Working 
                   
                   
                 However it is 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 functionality 
                   
                   
                 presented in a 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 through integrated 
                   
                   
                 different approach 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 story cards is 
                   
                   
                 through Extra Power 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 delivered in each 
                   
                   
                 Learning Kit. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 iteration. 
               
               
                 11 
                 Pair 
                 Complete 
                 The team works on 
                 No 
                 Not unique 
                 The ‘Pair 
               
               
                   
                 Programming 
                 functionality 
                 each story card by 
                   
                   
                 Programming’ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 should be 
                 pairing up. Pairs 
                   
                   
                 practice of ‘Extreme 
               
               
                   
                   
                 created in such a 
                 rotate from 
                   
                   
                 Programming’ is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 manner that 2 
                 iteration to 
                   
                   
                 covered in a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 person work 
                 iteration as one of 
                   
                   
                 technology 
               
               
                   
                   
                 together all the 
                 them has to move 
                   
                   
                 independent fashion 
               
               
                   
                   
                 time. The pair of 
                 out to take up the 
                   
                   
                 within other available 
               
               
                   
                   
                 people can 
                 Agile coach role. 
                   
                   
                 learning kits. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 rotate. 
                 One pair finishes 1 
                   
                   
                 However it is 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 story card before 
                   
                   
                 presented in a 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 working on next 
                   
                   
                 different approach 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 story card. If a pair 
                   
                   
                 through Extra Power 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 can not resolve a 
                   
                   
                 Learning Kit. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 card then they ask 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 other team 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 members and 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 finally they decide 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 to take help from 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 consultant. 
               
               
                 12 
                 Sustainable 
                 Any overtime- 
                 The team 
                 No 
                 Not unique 
                 The ‘Sustainable 
               
               
                   
                 Pace 
                 work or Extra 
                 participates in 
                   
                   
                 Pace’ practice of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 time should be 
                 estimation and 
                   
                   
                 ‘Extreme 
               
               
                   
                   
                 discouraged to 
                 decides number of 
                   
                   
                 Programming’ is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 ensure higher 
                 participants 
                   
                   
                 covered in a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 productivity and 
                 required. The team 
                   
                   
                 technology 
               
               
                   
                   
                 good quality of 
                 tries to achieve the 
                   
                   
                 independent fashion 
               
               
                   
                   
                 life. 
                 plan in iteration 
                   
                   
                 within other available 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 time. Overwork 
                   
                   
                 learning kits. 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 and under 
                   
                   
                 However it is 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 utilization is 
                   
                   
                 presented in a 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 avoided. 
                   
                   
                 different approach 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 through Extra Power 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Learning Kit. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0156]    In the foregoing detailed description of embodiments of the invention, various features are grouped together in a single exemplary embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description of embodiments of the invention, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should therefore be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively. Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., if used, are merely labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.