Agile is rapidly becoming the default approach for software delivery. Based on small, cross-functional teams, agile provides a transparent and powerful way of delivering technical products and services, and increasingly many non-technical products. Even so, the ability to govern the work of agile teams remains challenging. Applying traditional project management approaches based on tracking a sequence of related activities or tasks against a master project plan, conflicts with the core premise that agile teams are cross-functional and self-organizing.
In this course we look at how to track the progress and performance of agile teams – how to plan long-term, and track progress towards the end goal. We look at how agile teams address risk, whether technical risk or other forms of project risk. We consider how agile projects can be governed successfully and safely in different contexts, such as highly-regulated environments or working with complex products or legacy systems. Finally, we discuss governance structures, traditionally owned by a project or program management office (the PMO), that work in an agile environment without slowing down or compromising the benefits of agile delivery.
My first year at UBC Sauder was a unique and eye-opening experience. The school attracts highly driven students who are ambitious and goal-oriented, which creates a fast-paced and focused academic environment. There’s a strong culture of professionalism...
My first year at UBC Sauder was a unique and eye-opening experience. The school attracts highly driven students who are ambitious and goal-oriented, which creates a fast-paced and focused academic environment. There’s a strong culture of professionalism—people often dress in business casual, which really sets the tone for preparing students for the corporate world.
What stood out most to me were the professors. Sauder has some truly outstanding first-year faculty who are passionate about teaching and committed to creating a more inclusive and thoughtful learning environment. I especially appreciated how classes focused not just on content, but on teaching us how to think differently and spot opportunities in the business world.
UBC Sauder School of Business
Responsible leadership and global perspective
Finn Schwass
May 12, 2025
Graduated From
The UBC Professional MBA
Overall:
5 out of 5
Instructors:
5 stars
Curriculum:
5 stars
Job Assistance:
5 stars
Choosing UBC Sauder was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The program combines academic excellence with real-world experience through consulting projects and case studies. I appreciated learning from professors with actual industry backgrounds—they...
Choosing UBC Sauder was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The program combines academic excellence with real-world experience through consulting projects and case studies. I appreciated learning from professors with actual industry backgrounds—they made the material engaging and practical. The collaborative, diverse environment helped me grow both personally and professionally, and the career support was incredibly helpful, especially as I looked to work in Canada. Sauder’s focus on responsible leadership and global perspective really aligned with my values.
