Start-up businesses face a unique set of challenges that make the adoption of Agile different from traditional businesses. Despite these differences, the case for adopting Agile methods is compelling, especially given the constraints on time and resources. Additionally, Agile methods provide an effective strategy for managing the high risks involved in start-up businesses and are analogous to the risk management strategies used in other industries for complex adaptive systems.

Our presenter, Adrian Smith is a software engineering and technology consultant who specialises in Agile and Lean methods. During the past 10 years, Adrian has completed projects with organisations in Australia, United States and United Kingdom. Clients include Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, GKN Aerospace, Department of Main Roads, Matrikon and BBC Worldwide.

Adrian has led software development and support teams ranging in size up to 80 staff. He has also proposed and led research projects with RMIT, UNSW and CRC-ACS. In each case Agile and Lean methods were a key feature of the working practices of the teams – even if the teams didn’t realise it.

Adrian holds a BE and PhD from The University of Queensland and is passionate about software development, technology and Agile methods. In this presentation Adrian will explore Agile methods as applied to start-ups and the enabling tools, practices and resourcing strategies and also share his own first hand experiences of creating a start-up. His blog of his experiences can be found at http://www.agileengin... and his startup is http://www.ennova.com... .