Agile at Scale with CIPSA: The Chief Product Owner (CPO) – What It Is and What It’s Not!

The CIPSA Framework introduces two primary roles for Agile at Scale: Chief Product Owner (CPO) and Principal Scrum Master (PSM) for Scrum or Principal Flow Master (PFM) for Kanban. The CPO role is new and not available in many scaled Agile approaches. However, it is one of the key roles and is crucial for product success. 

In this post, we will learn more on the CPO role as there can be misconceptions and misunderstandings. It’s presented in the form of what it is and what it is not, in order to have more clarity. Do note again, the CPO role applies both to Scrum at Scale and Kanban at Scale.

The following are some of them. To read all articles of this series use this link: What It's and What It's Not series for CIPSA.

Chief Product Owner – What It’s and What It’s Not

1. Not Delegated Vision, but Owned Vision: The Chief Product Owner does not get the product vision from the top executive team. The Chief Product Owner sets the product vision.

The CPO crafts a clear, compelling vision based on customer insights, market trends and business strategy linked to organizational strategy. The CPO leads the product direction and aligns stakeholders around a shared purpose (and goal), instead of relying on top-down directives.

2. Not Management Role, but Visionary Role: The Chief Product Owner is not a portfolio or program manager. The Chief Product Owner is the visionary for the Product.

Unlike a portfolio or program manager who focuses on scope, budgets and/or timelines, the CPO drives the “why” and “what” of the product at scale. The CPO envisions the product’s future and champion its value delivery across the organization.

3. Not Backlog Maintainer, but Backlog Strategist: The Chief Product Owner is not a backlog maintenance person. The Chief Product Owner is the main backlog strategist.

The product backlog, which is only one, is not a list to be managed. The CPO shapes the backlog as a strategic tool to maximize product outcomes and bring value. The CPO makes sure backlog items reflect the product vision, customer needs as well as business priorities. The product backlog is ordered.

4. Not Isolation, but Collaboration: The Chief Product Owner is not a lone-wolf. The Chief Product Owner works with other Team Product Owners, stakeholders and customers.

The Chief Product Owner thrives through collaboration, not isolation. He or she aligns multiple individual team product owners, gathers stakeholders' inputs and integrates customer feedback. Through cross-team communication, the CPO ensures a cohesive and value-driven product evolution.

5. Not Delivery, but Inspection: The Chief Product Owner does not manage the delivery of CIPSA Integrated Increment. The Chief Product Owner inspects whether the CIPSA Integrated Increment meets the CIPSA Goal. 

The CPO doesn’t oversee execution or delivery logistics. Rather, the CPO evaluates outcomes against strategic objectives of the organization. The CPO's focus is ensuring that what is delivered aligns with the overall Product Goal - hence the CPO inspects the CIPSA Integrated Increment. See here.

6. Not CIPSA Goal Ownership, but CIPSA Goal Alignment: The Chief Product Owner is not the owner of the CIPSA Goal. The Chief Product Owner ensures the CIPSA Goal is aligned with the Product Goal.

Unlike the Product Goal, for the CIPSA Goal, the CPO is not the owner. The CPO ensures that it contributes meaningfully to the overarching product goal/objectives. The CPO acts as a bridge here.

7. Not Management Mindset, but Ownership Mindset: The Chief Product Owner is not the manager of the product. The Chief Product Owner is the owner of the Product and has an ownership mindset.

The CPO doesn't manage tasks or people. The CPO takes full accountability for the product’s success. The CPO thinks long-term, acts proactively and leads with a deep sense of responsibility for product outcomes and success.

Summary Table – Chief Product Owner

The following table contrasts common misconceptions with the true nature of the CPO role, highlighting key differences in focus and approach. It's easy to remember and recall. The complete table and explanation are part of the CIPSA certification course.

Closing Remarks

It’s the CPO who first presents the refined Product Backlog to the CIPSA team in the CIPSA Planning meta-event. Only then does the actually planning start, leading to the work items that can be broken down into individual tasks, and finally, execution is done by the CIPSA team to deliver the CIPSA Integrated Increment. See here.

You can also read the unique article - two key roles and goals in CIPSA. See here.

The CPO is indispensable with his/her responsibilities for the success of the product by meeting the Product Goal and hence the Organizational Goals.

The above list of “what it’s and what it’s” is a brief one. 

• Want to know in-depth about the CPO?
• Want to learn with hands-on, practical software tool?
• Want to see how the backlog items are prioritized? 
• Want to learn how to break down features in a hands-on manner?

Consider being a CIPSA professional. It’s worth every penny. 

What It's and What It's Not Series:

All Articles in What It's and What It's Not Series - CIPSA

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)

CIPSA Certification:

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

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

[3] Scrum at Scale: CIPSA Key Roles and Goals with MS Project Agile

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

ManagementYogi’s CIPSA Certification: The CIPSA Team – What It Is and What It’s Not!

The concept of the CIPSA Team is new, but it's explained as part of the CIPSA Framework Guide. You'll also get a complete hands-on  demonstration of it in the CIPSA certification course. The guide defines the CIPSA Team as follows:

“The CIPSA Team is the sum of all individual teams. This team consists of the CPO, PSM (or PFM), POs, SMs (or FMs), and most important of all, the developers, who are generalizing specialists.” 

The guide is available for free download – no sign-in required. Download here.

In this article, I'll explain more clearly the aspects of the CIPSA Team. An in-depth explanation with hands-on demonstration is part of the CIPSA Certification course. You’ll learn practically with software tool:

• How to have resources for the CIPSA Team. 
• How to segregate and distribute resources across individual Scrum or Kanban Teams.
• How to organize resources into various groups (very important for reporting).
• How to create and apply custom groups for the resources.
• How to assign and move various resources efficiently.
• How to resolve overallocations in the CIPSA team.
• How to track individual Scrum or Kanban teams as well as the entire CIPSA team, among others.

Learn more here. With this course, you will have mastery over scaling using Agile approaches.

There are many important differentiations. The following are some of them. To read all articles of this series use this link: What It's and What It's Not series for CIPSA.

CIPSA Team – What It’s and What It’s Not!

1. Not Many Teams, but One Team: The CIPSA Team is not just a sum of individual Scrum or Kanban teams. The CIPSA Team is a single, cohesive unit.

The CIPSA Team isn’t just a group of separate Scrum or Kanban teams working in parallel. It acts as a unified, cohesive team aligned toward a common purpose and goal. See the next point!

2. Not CIPSA Sprint Goal, but Product Goal: The CIPSA Team's final goal is not the CIPSA Sprint Goal. The CIPSA Team's final goal is the Product Goal.

While individual Scrum teams may focus on respective Team Sprint Goals, the CIPSA Team is aligned with the overarching Product Goal - not the CIPSA Sprint Goal. This ensures long-term value delivery.

Similarly, for CIPSA Kanban, it'll be Product Goal, not CIPSA (Kanban) Goal or individual Team Goals.

3. Not Task-Focused, but Goal-Focused: The CIPSA Team is not task-oriented. The CIPSA Team is goal oriented. 

Considering the CIPSA Scrum framework, the short-term goal for the CIPSA Scrum Team is the CIPSA Sprint Goal and for long-term it's the Product Goal.

The focus of the CIPSA team is not on completing tasks for the sake of activity. Rather, the CIPSA team focuses on achieving meaningful Product Goals. Remember there can be more than one product goals.

4. Not Untested, but Tested Value: The CIPSA Team's Integrated Increment is not untested. The CIPSA Integrated Increment is tested, integrated, valuable, and usable.

Work delivered by the CIPSA Team is not just an assembled output. The CIPSA Integrated Increment tested, integrated and valuable from the customer’s point of view.

5. Not Role-Bound, but Collaborative: The CIPSA Team is not bound by job descriptions. The CIPSA Team is collaborative and utilizes practices like swarming and mobbing.

Team members in the CIPSA team aren’t limited by rigid job roles. They collaborate freely using practices like swarming and mobbing to solve problems. Swarming and mobbing are Agile practices and can be used at scale.

6. Not Managed, but Self-Managing: The CIPSA Team is not managed by the Principal Scrum Master or Principal Flow Master. The CIPSA Team is self-managing. 

The team doesn’t rely on top-down control. It organizes itself with support and with facilitation by the Principal Scrum Master (PSM) or Principal Flow Master (PFM).

7. Not Short-Term, but Long-Term: The CIPSA Team is not a short-term team. The CIPSA Team is long-term.

This is not a temporary setup that gets disbanded after a goal, i.e., the CIPSA Goal. That may happen in a traditional project, which can be temporary. The CIPSA Team is a stable, long-term team focused on continuous product delivery. It exists to meet the Product Goal – one at a time.

CIPSA Team – Table Representation

Now, we can have the above points represented in a table. It’s easier to read and remember. 

Concluding Remarks

The CIPSA Team itself is the soul of the CIPSA framework. It’s the team that breaks the features down into tasks and execute those tasks. Without the team, there is no CIPSA Integrated Increment – one that finally matters to the customer or user.

As a CIPSA-certified professional, or an aspiring one and a Practical Scaled Agile Practitioner (PSA) you need to know the above fundamentals about the CIPSA Team. 

This article touches upon and highlights a few aspects of CIPSA Team. To dive deeper and gain practical, real-world expertise, becoming a CIPSA professional is your next step. It’s a great way to get the most value from your investment.

What It's and What It's Not Series:

All Articles in What It's and What It's Not Series - CIPSA

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)

CIPSA Certification:

[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

ManagementYogi’s CIPSA Certification: CIPSA Integrated Increment – What It Is and What It’s Not

As the CIPSA Certification and Framework were getting prepared with inputs and feedback from many Practical Scaled Agile practitioners, one of the key reviewers asked:

“There are key artifacts in the CIPSA Framework. In your view, however, which is the most important one, and who owns it?”

The most important artifact is the CIPSA Integrated Increment. No other artifact can replace it or even come close. I’ve emphasized this in the CIPSA certification course. See here to know more.

When applying Agile at scale with the CIPSA Framework, it’s essential to clearly understand the concept of the Integrated Increment. Unlike team-level Scrum or Kanban, where individual increments are delivered, the Integrated Increment is a different concept at scale. 

I believe the following points will help. These are applicable for Scrum at Scale or Kanban at Scale with CIPSA, though in some points CIPSA Scrum is used. 

Next, let’s go through the points for the CIPSA Integrated Increment. To read all articles of this series use this link: What It's and What It's Not series for CIPSA.

CIPSA Integrated Increment – What It’s and What It’s Not

1. Not Optional, but Required: The CIPSA Integrated Increment is not optional in a Sprint (or Release). At least one CIPSA Integrated Increment has to be given every Sprint (or Release). 

At least one CIPSA Integrated Increment has to be given every Sprint (or Release). It is a mandatory outcome that ensures continuous delivery every Sprint (or Release). If you skip this delivery, it’ll undermine the goal of transparency and progress.

Note: Release is for Kanban at Scale with CIPSA.

2. Not Accepted, but Done: The CIPSA Integrated Increment is not about meeting acceptance criteria. A CIPSA Integrated Increment is borne when it meets the DoD.

The CIPSA Integrated Increment is borne when it meets the Definition of Done (DoD). CIPSA team's work completion is based on meeting the shared DoD, not the Chief Product Owner's (CPO) approval. This ensures consistency and quality.

For Kanban, again, it’s not the Chief Service Request Manager’s (CSRM) approval. 

3. Not at Sprint (or Release) End, but Anytime: The CIPSA Integrated Increment is not delivered only at a Sprint’s (or Release) end. It can be given before. 

The CIPSA Integrated Increment can be given before the end of the Sprint or Release. However, delivery can occur at any point during the Sprint (or Release) as soon as it's done. This enables feedback and better validation.

4. Not Team Review, but CIPSA Review: The CIPSA Integrated Increment is not validated in individual reviews. It’s done as part of the CIPSA Review.

The CIPSA Integrated Increment is reviewed in the CIPSA Sprint Review 0r CIPSA Review for Kanban. CIPSA Sprint Review happens at the system level, not in individual team reviews. This ensures integrated value is validated collectively. 

5. Not Isolated, but Integrated: The CIPSA Integrated Increment is not an isolated work item. The CIPSA Integrated Increment is the sum of all.

The CIPSA Integrated Increment is the sum of all integrated work coming individual Scrum teams (or Kanban teams). It's not valuable in isolation, rather it must represent a cohesive, working whole. 

Such an integration ensures cross-team functionalities are truly captured.

6. Not multi-Sprint (or Release), but Per Sprint (or Release): The CIPSA Integrated Increment does not come from multiple Sprints. It has to be delivered at least once in a Sprint (or Release).

The CIPSA Integrated Increment has to be delivered at least once in a Sprint. It must be delivered within a single Sprint, not across multiple ones. Unlike many frameworks, where an increment is given after multiple Sprints, the CIPSA Integrate Increment has to be delivered at least once in a Sprint. This is a key distinction. 

This enforces regular integration and early problem detection, if any. For Kanban at Scale, it must be given per Release. 

CIPSA Integrated Increment – Summary Table

To quickly and easily recall the key points, you can refer to the table below. It summarizes the main aspects of the CIPSA Integrated Increment. 

Concluding Words

Remember the first question from a reviewer that we started with?

The CIPSA Integrated Increment is most important artifact because of the principles of Agile manifesto. In fact, the first principle is:

"Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software."

You can replace software with product or service. When you go through the principles of the Agile Manifesto, the consistent focus on the delivery of the product or service. 

This article articulates only a few of the points related to CIPSA Integrated Increment. If you want to learn in-depth and in a practical, hands-on manner, consider becoming a CIPSA professional. 

You’ll find the best possible return on your investment. The course comes with a full money-back guarantee. See here to know about the guarantee.

What It's and What It's Not Series:

All Articles in What It's and What It's Not Series - CIPSA

CIPSA Sample Videos:

• CIPSA Sample Video List (Choose a video to play)

CIPSA Sample Questions:

• CIPSA Certification Sample Questions (Part - 1 and Part 2)

CIPSA Certification:

• NEW Scaled Agile Certification Course: Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA)
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - CIPSA Certification  

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. To read all articles of this series use this link: What It's and What It's Not series for CIPSA.

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 (see here), 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.

What It's and What It's Not Series:

All Articles in What It's and What It's Not Series - CIPSA

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)

CIPSA Certification:

[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. To read all articles of this series use this link: What It's and What It's Not series for CIPSA. 

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. 

What It's and What It's Not Series:

All Articles in What It's and What It's Not Series - CIPSA

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)

CIPSA Certification:

[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

Scrum at Scale with CIPSA: The Dos and Don’ts

In a recent international webinar series, I presented the unique CIPSA framework and the associated CIPSA certification. This is the only certification in the world with hands-on, practical applicability for both Scrum at Scale and Kanban at Scale. 

Certain questions came up about the dos and don'ts while using the CIPSA Scrum Framework using the MS Project Agile software tool. One keen participant asked: We don't have 100% dedicated team members. They work in multiple projects. Will the CIPSA Scrum framework, work? 

To know the answer to the above question and other aspects, you can watch the concluding part of the webinar series here. The webinar series was conducted by MPUG in collaboration with ManagementYogi.

In this article, we will explore a simple set of dos and dont's. For in-depth explanation, and understanding with certification, you can use this course.

The Dos

Do # 1: Make extensive use of the available custom fields in MS Project Agile.

MS Project Agile comes with a number of custom fields related to text, number, flags and others. You can take advantage of this. For Scrum at Scale, while using multiple teams, make liberal use of custom fields in place of typing yourself every time. 

Example: Team custom field for Resources.

Important Note: The CIPSA framework can be used with other software tools, which provide scaling capabilities. It's not tied to one specific tool at all.

Do # 2: Segregate resources across multiple Scrum Teams. 

This applies to both Scrum and Kanban teams. You can segregate the resources with the help of built-in or custom fields based on their groups. But always remember, it’s a single CIPSA team!

Example: Grouping PO group. PO stands for (Team) Product Owner.

Do # 3: For every Individual Scrum Team, have a separate Scrum Board view.

In MS Project Agile, there are many Board Views to manage your Scrum projects at Scale. There are views such as Sprint Planning Board view, Sprint Planning Sheet view, among others. For Scrum at Scale, you should have separate views for your individual Scrum teams. 

However, the collective Scrum board view for the entire CIPSA team will be one. 

Again, many software tools provide separate board views for individual Scrum teams. They can be definitely used with the CIPSA framework.

Do # 4: For every Individual Scrum Team, have separate tables and filters. 

For Scrum at Scale using the CIPSA Scrum Framework, there will be commonalities among the individual Scrum teams, but there will also be differences. Because individual team choices can differ.

Don’t consider all teams to be equal and give flexibility with respect to tables and filters.

Do # 5: Have fully-dedicated CIPSA Scrum team members.

One of the characteristics of successful Scrum teams is to have fully dedicated team members, who are 100% available. The CIPSA Scrum Team Members should be 100% available. 

The Don’ts

Don’t # 1: Don’t go scaling without a strategy. 

Scaling and strategy go hand-in-hand. If you don’t have a strategy, but are still scaling, it’s unlikely to succeed. If you don’t have a strategy, then you also don’t need the roles of Chief Product Owner (CPO) and Principal Scrum Master (PSM).

Don’t # 2: Don’t hire people only for skills, but primarily for attitude.

Skills are needed. However, it's the attitude, first and foremost, which will determine the altitude for Scrum at Scale. You need people who have the capacity to build, take a lot of pains and setbacks. It’ll happen during the initial period.

Don’t # 3: Don’t forget to nurture talent.

Nurture talent and have one-to-one meetings with key people. It’s very important, but rarely done. This is really needed as Agile development demands intense collaboration and trust. 

Don’t # 4: Don’t use the wrong software tool to scale your Scrum projects.

The CIPSA Framework supports both Scrum and Kanban. It also is capable of taking any software tool which can handle scaling. 

If you’re especially using the CIPSA Scrum Framework, then choose the right software tool, which can scale. MS Project Agile is capable of handling Scrum at Scale and provides sufficient features to do so. Hence, this tool is specifically used.

Don’t # 5: Don’t have too many tools. The lesser, the better.

The focus of Scrum at Scale is also delivering working software or working products. The focus is not on having multiple tools. In fact, the fewer the number of tools, the better. 

If you use 5 or 10 tools to manage, it’s not really Agile!

Get CIPSA certified – Heavy on practice, but light on your pocket

The CIPSA framework is not only the simplest possible framework in the world, but also practical, hands-on and in-depth. It’s very light on your pocket.

This certification is not in thousands of dollars… not even hundreds. With much less, you can become a CIPSA. As the above section headline says: it’s heavy on practice, but light on your pocket. 

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To find out more about the CIPSA Scrum Framework, you can download the CIPSA Framework Guide. It’s free to download. 

For in-depth understanding with hands-on scaling, be a CIPSA certified professional.

Certified In Practical Scaled Agile

• Certified In Practical Scaled Agile (CIPSA) Course – Practical and Economical

Mastering MS Project Agile 

• Mastering MS Project Agile Course – Hands-on, In-depth

Webinar: Upcoming PMBOK 8th Edition and Artificial Intelligence (AI) – A Comprehensive Introduction

 

In two articles written in early January, 2025, I’ve briefly outlined how Artificial Intelligence has been introduced into the new and upcoming PMBOK Guide, 8th edition. Currently, the PMBOK Guide, 8th Edition is in draft form and was made available for public comment in December, 2024.

Artificial Intelligence and its usage in project management are beginning to take shape. A number of small to large AI projects are being launched. It's not just by large organizations that will provide the AI “electricity” for everyone, similar to cloud computing.

Rather, as I’ve observed and experienced with various AI tools, mostly large language models (LLMs), AI will also be powered by smaller companies that have their own AI “electricity supply.” I’ve noted it in another recent article on the upcoming PMBOK guide, 8th edition and AI. 

In AI projects, project managers will play an important role. Many areas of project management such as schedule management, cost management, risk management, and resource management etc. can benefit from the support of AI.

The Project Management Body of Knowledge or the PMBOK Guide from the Project Management Institute is one of most widely used guides for project management. If you are a PMP, an aspiring PMP or a project management practitioner, this upcoming event on April 30, 2025, is a must-attend.

In the PMBOK Guide, you not only have Artificial Intelligence as a specific tool and technique (AI) but also related ones.

In my upcoming webinar, we are going to cover many aspects of PMBOK and will see the entry of AI into the guide. It’ll be a comprehensive introduction. This will be conducted by Master Projects for Unlimited Growth (MPUG). 

Join us in this webinar to know more on PMBOK Guide, 8th edition and its integration with AI related content.

The links are noted below. Registration is closed. 

Webinar: The New PMBOK Guide and Artificial Intelligence – A Comprehensive Introduction

• Date: April 30, 2025
• Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST/EDT, US
               09:30 PM - 10:30 PM, IST, India
• Duration: 1 hour (60 minutes)
• Registration: https://mpug.com/event/the-new-pmbok-guide-and-artificial-intelligence-an-introduction/

You will learn the followings:

• The Upcoming PMBOK Guide, 8th edition - What's New?
• PMBOK Guide, 8th Edition – Principles 
• PMBOK Guide, 8th Edition – Performance Domains
• PMBOK Guide, 8th Edition – Process Groups
• The New Process Map in the PMBOK
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• PMBOK and AI - How do they fit together?

It’ll have face-to-face question and answer (Q&A) session. 

Quick Note: The image at the top-left of this teaser was generated by an AI model using a recent photo of mine. The model created the image in the Ghibli style.

Join us for this webinar on the PMBOK Guide, 8th Edition and Artificial Intelligence. It's the first such webinar in the world.

References

[1] The New PMBOK Guide – 8th Edition, Project Management and Artificial Intelligence, by MPUG.com 

[2] Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide, 8th edition draft, by Project Management Institute (PMI)

[3] Article: PMBOK8 – First View and Analysis: Process Groups, Performance Domains and Addition of Artificial Intelligence (AI), by ManagementYogi.com

[4] Article: PMBOK8 – First View and Analysis on Agile, Hybrid and More of Artificial Intelligence (AI), by ManagementYogi.com