Course Overview
This 2-day course introduces learners to Jira Software, one of the most widely used tools for managing Agile projects. Participants will learn how Agile methodologies enable faster delivery of business value through continuous planning, iteration, and feedback. The course focuses on using Jira to manage backlogs, execute sprints, track releases, and generate meaningful reports such as velocity and burndown charts.
This course equips learners with the practical skills required to use Jira as an Agile project management platform, enabling effective planning, execution, tracking, and reporting across teams. It is suitable for project managers, Scrum masters, developers, and administrators seeking to improve Agile delivery and visibility.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Manage Agile projects using Jira Software
- Create and maintain product backlogs
- Plan and execute sprints effectively
- Manage releases and versions
- Configure project components and security
- Customize fields, screens, and issue types
- Generate and interpret Agile reports (burndown, burn-up, velocity)
Course Modules
Module 1: Navigating Jira
This module introduces the Jira interface and core navigation features.
- Accessing Jira and managing user accounts
- Understanding dashboards and global navigation
- Navigating projects, boards, and issues
- Using search and help features
- Working with project-level navigation
Module 2: Managing Projects
Focuses on how projects are structured and managed within Jira.
- Defining projects and their components
- Understanding backlog, sprints, and releases
- Managing project keys and naming conventions
- Editing and deleting projects
- Organizing project elements for scalability
Module 3: Managing Versions
Explores how releases are tracked and controlled.
- Understanding versions and release cycles
- Creating and merging versions
- Managing version-related fields
- Tracking release progress
Module 4: Managing Issues
Covers the building blocks of work tracking in Jira.
- Issue types: Epics, Stories, Tasks, Sub-tasks
- Creating and managing epics and stories
- Estimation techniques for Agile planning
- Structuring work hierarchies
Module 5: Managing Sprints
Provides practical guidance on Agile execution.
- Sprint planning activities
- Using velocity for forecasting
- Managing Agile boards
- Sprint execution and monitoring
Module 6: Search & JQL
Introduces advanced search capabilities using Jira Query Language.
- Basic and advanced search techniques
- Writing and using JQL queries
- Saving and sharing filters
- Reusing search results in boards and dashboards
Module 7: Dashboards and Reports
Focuses on visualization and reporting.
- Creating and configuring dashboards
- Using gadgets for visualization
- Generating Agile reports (e.g., burndown charts)
- Understanding report categories and insights
- Using dashboards for operational and executive visibility
Module 8: Jira Agile Concepts
Provides a deeper understanding of Agile frameworks within Jira.
- Scrum, Kanban, and Scrumban methodologies
- Agile board configurations
- Kanban principles and benefits
- Continuous delivery concepts
- Visual workflow management
Module 9: Miscellaneous Issue Features
Covers additional capabilities that enhance collaboration and tracking.
- Voting and watching issues
- Labels and issue linking
- Commenting and attachments
- Cloning issues
- Viewing issue history and audit trails
Module 10: Managing Fields & Screens (Optional)
Introduces customization of Jira’s data model and UI.
- Built-in vs custom fields
- Field types and configurations
- Screen layouts and usability
- Best practices for maintaining performance and usability