ManagementYogi’s CIPSA Certification: What CIPSA Scaled Kanban Is and What It’s Not!

The Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA) framework and certification are not only radically different from other frameworks, but it also supports Scaled Kanban. Like Scaled Scrum with CIPSA, Kanban at Scale with CIPSA takes a direct, hands-on, and practical approach to scaling. Indeed, it's one of very few scaled agile frameworks, which truly supports Kanban. See here. 

The CIPSA Kanban Framework is unique and completely different, there can be certain mis-interpretations about this framework. This post informs – what CIPSA Scaled Kanban is and what it’s not. 

Some of the below differences can be applicable for the CIPSA Scrum Framework.

Now, let's see the unique aspects of Kanban at Scale with CIPSA, one-by-one.

CIPSA Scaled Kanban – What It's and What It's Not!

1. Not Speed, but Flow: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not about working faster. CIPSA Scaled Kanban is about managing flow effectively and efficiently across multiple teams.

CIPSA Scaled Kanban doesn’t mean pulling all the work items and rushing you work at every opportunity. It focuses on smooth, predictable flow across teams to maximize delivery efficiency.

2. Not Sprint, but Release: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not about Sprint(s). CIPSA Scaled Kanban is about Release(s) based on a cadence.

CIPSA Scaled Kanban doesn’t rely on fixed-length iterations like Sprints as in Scrum. Rather, it enables flexible releases aligned to cadence and flow readiness. Cadence is set by the execution of the meta-events in CIPSA Scale Kanban.

3. Not Static, but Dynamic: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not about static boards. CIPSA Scaled Kanban is about dynamic, evolving systems with dynamic board reflecting actual value streams.

Boards are living systems that evolve to reflect real, changing value streams while using the CIPSA Scaled Kanban framework. Hence, when you with CIPSA Scaled Kanban approach, it’s not limited to static Kanban boards that rarely change.

4. Not Ceremony, but (Right) Metrics: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not driven by ceremonies. CIPSA Scaled Kanban is driven by flow metrics and just-in-time (JIT) demand.

While Scrum is semi-JIT approach, Kanban is a full-JIT approach. Work is pulled based on flow metrics and just-in-time demand, not scheduled rituals. CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not rigidly dependent on recurring ceremonies to drive progress. 

5. Not Output, but Throughput: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not about maximizing output. CIPSA Scaled Kanban is about optimizing throughput (a Kanban metric) and cycle time (another metric) for customer value.

The aim in CIPSA Scaled Kanban is to improve the key Kanban metrics—like throughput and cycle time. The goal is to deliver true value. It’s not about churning out as many tasks as possible.

6. Not Batch-Planning, but JIT Pulling: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not about batch planning with timeboxes. CIPSA Scaled Kanban is about flow-based-planning and just-in-time pulling of work items.

With CIPSA Scaled Kanban, work is planned and pulled as needed, supporting continuous flow and agility. Remember, as I said earlier, Kanban is a full JIT approach. You don’t plan large batches of work into fixed timeboxes.

7. Not Iterations, but Flow: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not about iterations or Sprints - it's not based on them. CIPSA Scaled Kanban is about continuous delivery with real-time progress visualization.

Instead of fixed iterations like Sprints, CIPSA Scaled Kanban enables real-time progress and delivery, with work flowing continuously.

8. Not Complexity, but Simplicity: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not about complexity. CIPSA Scaled Kanban scales to any complex domain where flow and coordination critical.

The CIPSA framework is very simple, so also the CIPSA Scaled Kanban. It's not at complex, but easy to adapt and adopt. It scales simply and effectively across any complex domain where coordination matters.

9. Not Team-Cadence, but Rhythm at Scale: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not just about team-level cadence. CIPSA Scaled Kanban synchronizes rhythm across teams through scaled meta-events based on cadence.

CIPSA Scaled Kanban synchronizes cadence across teams via meta-events for alignment. It doesn’t stop at individual team rhythms or workflows.

10. Not Tool-Dependent, but Tool-Agnostic: CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not dependent solely on MS Project Agile software tool. CIPSA Scaled Kanban can work any capable software tool that supports Kanban scaling features.

Table Representation

For CIPSA Scaled Kanban, one can put the "what it's not and what it's" into a table. It'll come as shown below. It's also easier to remember considering Kanban at Scale.

Conclusion

CIPSA Scaled Kanban works with any robust software that supports scaled Kanban features and functionalities. It’s not locked into one tool like MS Project Agile. Any software supporting scaling features can be used.

CIPSA Scaled Kanban is not merely a scaled-up version of team-level Kanban. Rather, it's a thoughtfully designed flow-based framework built for delivering value across complex, multi-team environments. As I’ve written earlier, it's minimal in nature, but has maximum impact.

CIPSA Scaled Kanban promotes continuous delivery, cross-team alignment and adaptive planning. These make it a practical and scalable solution for any domain where flow, coordination and customer value truly matter.

The CIPSA Framework Guide is free to download and use. 

For in-depth understanding with detailed hands-on practical, consider becoming a CIPSA. To refer to the FAQs, click here. 

CIPSA Sample Videos:

[1] CIPSA Sample Video List (Choose a video to play)

[2] CIPSA Video Playlist (Complete playlist - play all)

CIPSA Sample Questions:

[1] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 1)

[2] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 2)

References

[1] NEW Scaled Agile Certification Course: Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA)

[2] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - CIPSA Certification  

[3] New Practical Scaled Agile Framework – The CIPSA Framework Guide

[4] Understanding the CIPSA Kanban Framework – Practical, Hands-on Kanban at Scale

[5] The CIPSA Framework Clock - A Unique Way

ManagementYogi’s CIPSA Certification: What CIPSA Scaled Scrum Is and What It’s Not!

There are many scaled agile frameworks and associated certifications in the world which have different approaches to scaling. However, it’s difficult to implement them with software tool(s). The Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA) framework, as well as the certification, is radically different because it takes a direct, hands-on, and practical approach to scaling. See here.

Now, because the CIPSA Scrum Framework is different, there can be certain mis-interpretations about the framework. 

This post informs – what CIPSA Scaled Scrum is and what it’s not. Some of the below differences can be applicable for the CIPSA Kanban Framework. 

Next, let's see the unique aspects of Scrum at Scale with CIPSA, one-by-one.

CIPSA Scaled Scrum – What It's and What It's Not! 

1. Not Maximality, but Minimality: CIPSA Scaled Scrum is not about having a large number of artifacts, meta-events and roles. CIPSA Scaled Scrum extends Scrum minimally and as needed.

It minimizes extensions to Scrum, adding only what’s truly necessary. The focus is on simplicity and clarity, not overhead.

2. Not Theory-Heavy, but Practical-Ready: CIPSA Scaled Scrum is not theory and more theory. CIPSA Scaled Scrum is practical and hands-on with software tool(s) with needed theory.

CIPSA Scaled Scrum emphasizes practical application supported by just enough theory. Real-world tools and hands-on experience are at the core. In the field, that is what actually matters. Isn’t it? 

3. Not Tied to One, but any Capable Software: CIPSA Scaled Scrum is not just with one software tool, i.e., MS Project Agile. CIPSA Scaled Scrum can be used with any software worth its salt.

The focus here is on adaptability, not tool dependency. It’s tool-agnostic and works with any robust platform software tool. If they’ve scaling capabilities, then CIPSA Scrum can be used.

4. Not a Methodology, but a Scalable Framework: CIPSA Scaled Scrum is not a methodology. CIPSA Scaled Scrum is a framework.

The CISPA Scaled Scrum Framework is a flexible framework; not a rigid methodology. It guides without prescribing rigid processes. This, in fact, minimally extends the team-level Scrum framework. 

5. Not Individual Success, but Collective Value Delivery: CIPSA Scaled Scrum is not about individuals or individual team’s success. CIPSA Scaled Scrum is about the success of the customer and the entire CIPSA team.

CIPSA Scaled Scrum is centered on end-to-end success for the customer and the full delivery. Considering the CIPSA team, it’s about collaboration over isolation.

6. Not Increment, but Integrated Increment: CIPSA Scaled Scrum main reason of existence is not an Increment. CIPSA Scaled Scrum main reason of existence is to provide an Integrated Increment. 

The core goal here is to deliver an (CIPSA) Integrated Increment across individual Scrum teams. Alignment of teams and integration of their deliverables are key.

7. Not Events, but Meta-Events: CIPSA Scaled Scrum is not about Scrum events. CIPSA Scaled Scrum is about events at scale or meta-events.

CIPSA addresses coordination and collaboration through meta-events at scale. Individual Scrum events will happen at the team, but at scale it’s about meta-events.

8. Not Features, but Value: CIPSA Scaled Scrum is not about delivering a large number of features. CIPSA Scaled Scrum is about delivering value to the customer.

Agile is fundamentally about value-delivery. Agile at Scale is not different. CIPSA Scaled Scrum is focused on the meaning value, which actually comes from the Integrated Increment. 

9. Not Complex, but Simple to Scale: CIPSA Scaled Scrum is not complex. CIPSA Scaled Scrum is simple and is used to deliver work, which can be complex. 

The CIPSA Scaled Scrum framework has been kept intentionally simple, yet it’s purposeful when dealing with complex work. As I’ve written before, simple is smart for Agile at scale!

10. Not Just Software, but for all Complex Work:  CIPSA Scaled Scrum is not just applicable to software where scaling is needed. 

CIPSA Scaled Scrum is applicable to all complex work at scale, including software.

Many have misconceptions that CIPSA Scaled Scrum is only for software product. Nothing can be further from the truth. It applies to any complex work at Scale. It’s domain neutral. 

Table Representation

One can put the "what it's not and what it's" into a table. It'll come as shown below. It's also easier to remember.

Conclusion

Individual teams working on product with Agile approaches are different compared to Scaled Agile approaches. You need to clearly understand the different them and also have a different mindset to fully utilize the CIPSA Framework. 

CIPSA the one of simplest possible frameworks in the world. The related CIPSA certification is both highly practical and highly economical. 

The CIPSA Framework Guide is free to download and use. For in-depth understanding with detailed hands-on practical, consider becoming a CIPSA professional. To refer to the FAQs, check here. 

CIPSA Sample Videos and Questions:

[1] CIPSA Sample Video List (Choose a Video)

[2] CIPSA Video Playlist (Complete Playlist)

CIPSA Sample Questions:

[1] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 1)

[2] CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 2)

References:

[1] NEW Scaled Agile Certification Course: Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA)

[2] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - CIPSA Certification  

[3] New Practical Scaled Agile Framework – The CIPSA Framework Guide

[4] Understanding the CIPSA Scrum Framework – Practical, Hands-on Scrum at Scale

[5] The CIPSA Framework Clock - A Unique Way

Course Review: MS Project 2016 Live Lessons – An Excellent Course for Mastering MS Project in both Traditional and Agile Environments

By Sanjeev Kaushal, PMP

I recently purchased the MS Project 2016 Live Lessons course, which has both traditional (waterfall) and Agile content. It has been an invaluable learning experience for me. 

The course provides a well-structured approach to understanding how MS Project, which can be effectively used for traditional project management and also for Agile project management. I've been using the CHAMP certification course in parallel with MS Project Live Lessons.

What I Liked?

Following are the ones I liked most about the course.

Comprehensive Content: The course covers everything from Traditional and Agile fundamentals to advanced MS Project features.

Practical Approach: It has hands-on exercises and real-world examples helped me grasp key concepts.

Clear Instructions: The instructor explains complex topics in a simple and easy-to-follow manner.

Great for Project Managers: The course is perfect for anyone managing Traditional or Agile projects and looking to streamline planning and execution. There is one lesson for Agile.

My Key Takeaways 

I now feel confident using MS Project to manage Traditional and needed Agile workflows, track progress, and improve team collaboration.

I highly recommended for professionals looking to enhance their project management skills with Agile methodologies. 

Features in this Course

Following are the unique and distinct aspects of this course.

1. Hands-on Practical Approach

The course includes real-world scenarios, case studies, and interactive exercises to ensure learners can apply their knowledge in actual projects.

2. Seamless Integration of Traditional and Agile with MS Project

Along with the traditional MS Project courses, this course specifically focuses on how Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban, etc.) can be implemented within MS Project. As I'm using both CHAMP and MSP courses, I use both to learn traditional with agile. 

3. Step-by-Step Guidance

The instructor breaks down complex Agile and MS Project functionalities into simple, actionable steps, making it easy to follow along—even for beginners.

4. Balanced Focus on Traditional and Agile Methods

This course is well-suited for hybrid project managers as it provides insights into how with MS Project you can manage both Waterfall and Agile approaches. 

It covers Agile-specific tools such as Sprint planning, task boards, burndown charts, and backlog management, making it suitable for Agile project managers as well.

Brief Profile: Sanjeev Kaushal, PMP 

Current Role: Project Manager with over 10 years of experience in Software Development.

MSP and CHAMP Certification Reviews: 

• CHAMP Success Story: A Niche Certification – Never Seen Anything Like This Before
• MS Project Live Lessons – Enables to Learn and Master the Application to Help in Delivering Successful Projects
• Mastering MS Project Agile Course Review–An Absolutely Delightful, High-Quality Course At A Very Low Cost!
• MS Project 2016 Live Lessons–An Effective Way to Learn Microsoft Project
• MS Project 2016 Live Lessons–Concise Course with Precise Information and Effective Learning
• MS Project 2016 Live Lessons – A Practical Guide for PMBOK and A Must Do Course for PMPs
• MS Project 2013 Live Lessons - Crisp And Effective Way To Master Your Concepts

You may also like:

• MS Project 2016 Live Lessons - Guaranteed Learning or Your Money Back
• Certified Hybrid-Agile Master Professional (CHAMP)
• Mastering MS Project Agile - Complete Practical and Hands-on
• PMP 35 Contact Hours Online Course - Full Money Back Guarantee