Introduction
In this white paper we discuss how Braid Technologies runs project acceleration experiences, with a focus on how we enable rapid delivery of value.
Before we start delivery, we will have agreed and understood the set of participants, and we will have agreed and understood a set of client use cases, along with an understanding of the required enablers. Our approach is set out in the companion piece ‘How does Braid power up Client Project Experiences?’.
Our point of view for delivery is that:
We run an engagement in four phases:
Inception & Pre-Requisites: In this phase, participants complete pre-requisite training, and are formed into teams. The gateway project Solution Vision & Solution Intent are drafted by the teams (e.g. key architecture components, foundation model, data ops strategy).
Elaboration: In this phase, participants complete Generative AI training, Design thinking deliverables, select a Foundation model, and source data.
Gateway Project Delivery: Participants complete their project deliverables – designs, coding, test cases etc. At the end of this phase they participate in the Demo Day – demonstration of projects to the client organisation's leadership.
Post Project Support: Post Project Support – teams continue in delivery within the client organisation, Braid provides coaching & support.
In this document we use the language of Scaled Agile (SAFe), and this is our preference, but we also work with other methodologies if the client has a preference.
Inception & Pre-Requisites
Participants spend most of their time on an individual training plan. The overall objective is for all participants to establish working knowledge of Python, Agile methods and tools, Design Thinking, and the industry of the client. Where people already have relevant skills or experience, they do not need to repeat it, and can focus on the Gateway project preparation activities listed below.
Each team will:
Braid & client leadership agree a Lean Portfolio Management approach for regular governance checkpoints to monitor progress and address issues impacting progress, which Braid & client leadership attend throughout the programme.
Agile teams are formed at end of stage, to align with Design Thinking workshops & the start of Elaboration stage. Teams meet with the Product Owner for their assigned Gateway Project.
Braid leadership meet everyone twice in the period to understand individual goals & capabilities, and review individual progress.
Elaboration
Participants again spend a significant amount of time on training. In this phase we focus on training participants in Large Language Model (LLM) technology: Natural Language Processing (NLP), understanding Transformers & Attention mechanisms, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), Vector Databases, Toolkits, and custom datasets. The objective is to have all participants establish working knowledge of how to build end-user applications using LLMs by the end of the phase.
In parallel, working in their teams, participants will:
Teams are self-directed but meet regularly with Braid and with Product Owners for direction. Impeding issues are escalated to the Lean Portfolio Management forum to be address as necessary by Braid or client leadership.
Braid meet every 2 weeks with the full Cohort to review progress & provide enrichment learning, and meet the teams every week. Teams also meet weekly with their Product Owners for coaching on their evolving Solution Vision.
Braid meets each individual at end of period to understand progress / corrections needed.
At the end of this phase, each team holds a retrospective, and prepares objectives for the delivery phase.
Gateway Project Delivery
This phase begins with a full Cohort presentation of Solution Visions & objectives; teams present to each other, to Product Owners, and client and Braid leadership.
Working full-time in their agile teams, and with their agreed toolset & environments, the teams complete Solution iterations, aligned to their objectives: code, data, functional features, test results, and a system demo.
Teams meet weekly – self-directed, but with formal weekly reports & Braid attendance. They also meet their Product Owners each week. Impeding issues are escalated to the Lean Portfolio Management forum to be address as necessary by Braid or client leadership.
Braid meets each individual at end of period to discuss actions for them going forward.
The phase completes with ‘Demo Day’: teams present their solutions to the rest of the cohort, Product Owners, and client & Braid leadership.
Post Project Support
Depending on client decisions on cost/value of the solutions, teams will continue for further iterations. Braid leadership will stay connected to the teams and provide additional coaching in this period.
(c) Braid Technologies Ltd, 2024. All rights reserved.
We hope that this has been informative. If you would like to work with us, please get in touch. Find us at:https://www.linkedin.com/company/braid-technologies-ltd.
