Roles for our Agile Data Team

Acorn works with clients in iterative cycles, with individual cycles referred to as a “Sprint” or “Sprint Cycle.” Part of our onboarding process is to establish who will play what role in the partnership's success. Typical roles include:

• Product Owner. Our clients typically assign an individual who will be responsible for identifying and prioritizing work to be completed for each Sprint Cycle, referred to as the “Product Owner.” The Product Owner's job is to specify high-level requirements and business use cases to the Acorn team. The Product Owner is available to meet and provide feedback ideally once a week but minimally at least once every Sprint Cycle.
• Agile Team Lead. Acorn assigns an individual who is responsible for coaching the rest of the team through the Agile process, and removing any impediments, referred to as the “Agile Team Lead.” The Agile Team Lead is above all else, a facilitator, and serves as the liaison and continuous point of contact between the business stakeholders represented by the Product Owner, and the members of the Acorn team doing the work. The needs of the client and project can change over time and require different types of expertise, so the Agile Team Lead is responsible for making those transitions seamless and keeping track of continuity for the lifetime of the partnership.
• Agile Team members. The entire team of people who are working on the engagement is referred to as the “Agile Team.” This includes the aforementioned roles of Product Owner and Agile Team Lead, as well as other members contributing to the engagement. Regardless of whether our client nominates any individuals to join the Agile Team, Acorn is responsible for providing the balance of individuals that will make up the bulk of the Agile Team.