Amazing Apps - learn how to build agile Dynamics 365 and Power Platform business apps using Scrum

Neil Benson
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  • TECHNOLOGY
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Amazing Apps - learn how to build agile Dynamics 365 and Power Platform business apps using Scrum

Amazing Apps is for Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform builders who want to use the Scrum framework to build amazing business apps that everyone will love. The podcast is hosted by Microsoft MVP, Neil Benson, and produced by Customery.[Dynamics365, D365, Power Apps, PowerApps, Power Pages, Power Apps Portals, Power Automate, Flow, Power Virtual Agents, PVA, PowerBI]

  1. Improving Your Scrum Practice - Mastering Professional Scrum - chapter 1

    AUG 4

    Improving Your Scrum Practice - Mastering Professional Scrum - chapter 1

    #156. Neil Benson dives into the essentials of continuously improving Scrum practices in this episode of the Amazing Apps podcast. Drawing on the book "Mastering Professional Scrum" by Stephanie Ockerman and Simon Reindl, Neil outlines critical areas for team success, such as creating valuable products and understanding organizational influences. He emphasizes five core capabilities needed for continuous improvement: teaching, facilitation, coaching, technical excellence, and servant leadership. Neil discusses the continuous improvement process recommended by Ockerman and Reindl, which includes self-assessment questionnaires and root cause analysis to address team issues. He highlights the importance of the Scrum pillars—transparency, inspection, and adaptation—and shows how sprint events like planning and review foster a culture of empiricism, allowing teams to run experiments and refine their practices based on real-world outcomes. Celebrating the traits of high-performing scrum teams, Neil underscores the significance of being cross-functional, self-managing, and collaborative. He touches upon practices that bolster collaboration within these teams, such as backlog refinement and pair programming, while also stressing the freedom scrum teams have to define their workflows within Scrum guidelines. Neil also addresses common challenges, such as the absence of key roles during refinement sessions, and recommends using the Five Whys technique to tackle root causes. He provides practical tips like conducting multiple short refinement sessions to prevent release delays. With actionable insights and a call to action to use the self-assessment questionnaire from the book, this episode is a goldmine for Power Platform and Dynamics 365 teams looking to elevate their Scrum practices. Tune in to learn practical strategies for continuous improvement and master the art of agile with your team. Don't miss out—subscribe to the Amazing Apps podcast to stay updated on more insightful episodes in the Mastering Professional Scrum series. RESOURCES Simon Reindl on LinkedInStephanie Ockerman on LinkedInMastering Professional Scrum from Amazon (affiliate)Mastering Professional Scrum audiobook on Audible (affiliate)Stephanie Ockerman's site, Agile SocksMastering Professional Scrum on InformIT

    33 min
  2. Do We Need to Rethink How We Build Power Platform and Dynamics 365 Apps?

    APR 14

    Do We Need to Rethink How We Build Power Platform and Dynamics 365 Apps?

    #155. In this episode of Amazing Apps, host Neil Benson explores the importance of rethinking our approach to building business applications. Join us as we delve into the benefits of questioning our assumptions and adapting to new information in the dynamic landscape of app development. Unpacking the concept of "thinking like a scientist" and its impact on creating agile business apps.Understanding cognitive entrenchment and how it can hinder our progress in app development.Examining how embracing new tools like Power Automate or Azure Data Factory can outdo outdated practices.Learning from personal experiences and external experts to reassess long-held beliefs about health and productivity.Discovering how to stay open-minded to new methods for building Power Platform and Dynamics 365 apps without losing sight of effective agile approaches. Keep experimenting 🧪 -Neil RESOURCES Microsoft Power Platform Conference, 18 to 20 October 2024Peter Attia’s The Drive podcastOutlive by Peter AttiaPeter Attia’s websiteAdam Grant’s podcastsAdam Grant’s website Subscribe to my new Estimating Business Apps podcast mini-series Estimating Business Apps is a five-part podcast that will help you quickly, accurately and confidently estimate complex Power Platform and Dynamics 365 apps in minutes. Listen now: https://estimating-business-apps.captivate.fm/listen

    8 min
  3. The Power of Learning Through Experiments in Power Apps Development

    FEB 26

    The Power of Learning Through Experiments in Power Apps Development

    #154. Neil Benson takes us on a journey of learning through experimentation. Starting with the historical origins of smallpox inoculation, Neil discusses the importance of conducting experiments to drive innovation and problem-solving. Sharing personal experiences from his biochemistry studies to his current work in building applications with Power Platform and Dynamics 365, Neil emphasizes the value of agile software development and the significance of learning through short bursts of experimentation. He provides insights into real-world experiments with AI Builder and form processing models, highlighting the impact of these experiments on improving business processes. Neil also shares his experimentation with AI features in his own content creation and business operations, encouraging listeners to embrace the mindset of a scientist and continue experimenting. So, tune in to explore the power of learning through experiments and discover how it can accelerate your own journey in building amazing apps. Free Workshop: 3 Secrets to Building Business Apps with Scrum Join this free interactive workshop to discover the three secrets to successfully using Scrum to build agile apps so you can deliver projects faster, under budget, have more fun, and get promoted. https://customery.com/3secrets Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to my new Estimating Business Apps podcast mini-series Estimating Business Apps is a five-part podcast that will help you quickly, accurately and confidently estimate complex Power Platform and Dynamics 365 apps in minutes. Listen now: https://estimating-business-apps.captivate.fm/listen

    13 min
  4. Should .NET Developers Stick or Switch to Power Platform?

    JAN 8

    Should .NET Developers Stick or Switch to Power Platform?

    #153.  Neil Benson is joined by Keith Atherton, a proper pro developer. Keith shares his journey from developing custom apps using .NET, C# and SQL Server to embracing and mastering the development of enterprise business applications using the Power Platform. What do developers lose and gain using Power Platform compared to developing an app from scratch with .NET and SQL Server.The power of rapidly prototyping applications in Power Apps even compared to wireframing tools, like Basalmiq.How Keith decides when to use a low-code option or write code to meet a requirement.The value of documenting our own solutions and decisions, even if it's just for our own benefit later. Developers are used to unit testing, automated regression testing, AI-assisted programming. Do you miss those capabilities when working with Power Platform, especially Power Fx?  How Keith thinks about keeping his skills up-to-date and mastering so many competencies through a weekly learning routine.Why .NET and C# developers should start with PL-900 Power Platform Fundamentals as their starting point for learning how to transfer their skills to Power Apps development.If Keith had a magic wand, Microsoft would enable him to use C# in the Power Fx editor. Keith Atherton Keith Atherton on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-atherton/Keith's blog: https://www.keithatherton.com/Keith's podcast, On Air in the Cloud: https://onairinthecloud.com/ Resources Keith's courses on LinkedIn Learning: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/keith-atherton PL-900 Power Platform Fundamentals training on Microsoft Learn: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/power-plat-fundamentals/Real-world examples of Power Platform solution architectures: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/guidance/architecture/real-world-examples/overview Support the show CONNECT 🌏 Amazing Apps website 🟦 Customery on LinkedIn 🟦 Neil Benson on LinkedIn MY ONLINE COURSES 🚀 Agile Foundations for Microsoft Business Apps 🏉 Scrum for Microsoft Business Apps 📐 Estimating Business Apps Keep experimenting 🧪 -Neil Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to my new Estimating Business Apps podcast mini-series Estimating Business Apps is a five-part podcast that will help you quickly, accurately and confidently estimate

    29 min
  5. Unpacking User Stories and Backlog Refinement with Dani Kahil

    11/06/2023

    Unpacking User Stories and Backlog Refinement with Dani Kahil

    #152.  Host Neil Benson is joined by the talented Dani Kahil for an insightful discussion on managing backlogs and enhancing user stories in Azure DevOps and Jira. Neil shares his experiences with Jira, highlighting some configuration challenges, while Dani expresses a strong preference for Azure DevOps. They dive into the hierarchy of backlog items, including epics, features, user stories, and tasks, and explore different approaches to tracking progress on a Kanban board. Throughout their conversation, Neil and Dani discuss the importance of refining user stories, enriching them with acceptance criteria, and prioritising features based on their value to the team or users. They also touch on the significance of releasing value quickly and iterating on functionality. Join us for an engaging conversation packed with practical insights and tips for efficient backlog management. Let's get started! Dani Kahil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danikahil/ Dani's blog: https://danikahil.com Kahil Consulting: https://kahilconsulting.com/ Support the show CONNECT 🌏 Amazing Apps website 🟦 Customery on LinkedIn 🟦 Neil Benson on LinkedIn MY ONLINE COURSES 🚀 Agile Foundations for Microsoft Business Apps 🏉 Scrum for Microsoft Business Apps 📐 Estimating Business Apps Keep experimenting 🧪 -Neil Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to my new Estimating Business Apps podcast mini-series Estimating Business Apps is a five-part podcast that will help you quickly, accurately and confidently estimate complex Power Platform and Dynamics 365 apps in minutes. Listen now: https://estimating-business-apps.captivate.fm/listen

    49 min
  6. Super CRM: a case study

    10/02/2023

    Super CRM: a case study

    #151. Amazing Apps host, Neil Benson, dives into a case study from one of his team's own projects: "Member Super", a financial services organisation in Australia. With over a million members, they needed a CRM application that could handle their complex stakeholder relationships and provide exceptional service to their customers. Member Super's existing CRM app was limiting their capabilities and hindering their goal of achieving a single view of their customers. So, they made the decision to take control and build their own CRM application. Superware partnered with them to make it happen, and the results were nothing short of AMAZING! RESOURCES Superware.ai website: https://superware.ai Superware on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/superware-ai Support the showCONNECT 🌏 Amazing Apps website 🟦 Customery on LinkedIn 🟦 Neil Benson on LinkedIn MY ONLINE COURSES 🚀 Agile Foundations for Microsoft Business Apps 🏉 Scrum for Microsoft Business Apps 📐 Estimating Business Apps Keep experimenting 🧪 -Neil Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to my new Estimating Business Apps podcast mini-series Estimating Business Apps is a five-part podcast that will help you quickly, accurately and confidently estimate complex Power Platform and Dynamics 365 apps in minutes. Listen now: https://estimating-business-apps.captivate.fm/listen

    20 min
  7. A Big Bang? Going Live with Dynamics 365 or Power Platform with Andrew Bibby

    09/19/2023

    A Big Bang? Going Live with Dynamics 365 or Power Platform with Andrew Bibby

    #150. What does it take to have a successful go live event for your Dynamics 365 or Power Platform application. Neil Benson sat down with Andrew Bibby, a seasoned expert in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform business applications. In this episode, Andrew shares his insights on the crucial process of preparing for and executing a successful go live. From addressing technical difficulties to promoting user adoption and measuring success, Andrew sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of post-delivery project management. He also discusses the importance of training, involving change champions, and effective communication in ensuring a smooth transition. Don't miss this informative episode filled with practical tips for achieving a seamless go-live and maximizing return on investment! RESOURCES Andrew Bibby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbibby/Proximo3 on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/proximo3/Proximo3 website: https://proximo3.com/Nordic Summit: https://nordicsummit.info/South Coast Summit: https://www.southcoastsummit.com/ TIMESTAMPS 03:26 Phased go-live events for Dynamics 365 06:06 Effort in successful go-live leads to happiness 08:34 Preparation and rehearsal lead to a successful go-live 12:39 Prepare and do steps before go-live 15:36 Early user involvement is vital for successful projects 21:17 Insufficient thought put into IT project training 25:45 Change management ensures successful projects and user adoption 30:07 Change management enhances project success and communication 33:02 Choosing a go-live day 38:20 Metrics, monitoring, and justification are crucial 42:30 The importance of getting across your message, and change management Support the showCONNECT 🌏 Amazing Apps website 🟦 Customery on LinkedIn 🟦 Neil Benson on LinkedIn MY ONLINE COURSES 🚀 Agile Foundations for Microsoft Business Apps 🏉 Scrum for Microsoft Business Apps 📐 Estimating Business Apps Keep experimenting 🧪 -Neil Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to my new Estimating Business Apps podcast mini-series Estimating Business Apps is a five-part podcast that will help you quickly, accurately and confidently estimate complex Power Platform and Dynamics 365 apps in minutes. Listen now: https://estimating-business-apps.captivate.fm/listen

    46 min
  8. Breaking Free from the Tyranny of the Deliverable with Andrew Welch

    09/06/2023

    Breaking Free from the Tyranny of the Deliverable with Andrew Welch

    #149. Andrew Welch is the Chief Technology Officer at HSO. Andrew is an expert in IT strategy and has a wealth of experience advising customers on their big strategic technology decisions. He is also an author, Microsoft MVP, and a regular presenter at conferences. Joining us today, Andrew shares valuable insights on the importance of IT leadership, cloud ecosystems, data platforms, artificial intelligence, and the future of innovation in technology. We dive into the concept of the "Tyranny of the Deliverable" and how it relates to IT organizations organizing themselves into technology-focused teams. Andrew also discusses the need for a holistic approach to digital transformation and the role of a cloud strategist in piecing together various technical components to drive business value. If you're an IT leader, architect, or consultant, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives and tips from Andrew Welch. Don't miss it! TIMESTAMPS 02:09 Importance of CIOs leading technology ecosystem integration. 04:48 Enterprise architects focus on specific workloads. Another architect, a cloud strategist, is needed for building capabilities and driving business value. 07:55 Microsoft's platform is versatile for mix and match. 11:11 Lunch with Ana Demeny, discussing Microsoft versus Google. 16:09 AI investment: data consolidation for value-delivery. 20:26 Tyranny of the deliverable: siloed teams, wrong solutions, budget incentives, counterproductive. Solution: subscription as a service model. Move away from hourly charges and fixed scopes. 24:55 Andrew presenting 5 strategies at Nordic Summit. RESOURCES Andrew Welch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewdwelch Andrew's blog: CloudLight.House: https://CloudLight.house Dynamics 365 and Power Platform UK User Groups: https://d365ppug.com Nordic Summit, 23 September 2023: https://nordicsummit.info Forceworks Services-as-a-Subscription: https://forceworks.com/the-works-from-forceworks Support the show CONNECT 🌏 Amazing Apps website 🟦 Customery on LinkedIn 🟦 Neil Benson on LinkedIn MY ONLINE COURSES 🚀 Agile Foundations for Microsoft Business Apps 🏉 Scrum for Microsoft Business Apps 📐 Estimating Business Apps Keep experimenting 🧪 -Neil

    26 min
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Amazing Apps is for Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform builders who want to use the Scrum framework to build amazing business apps that everyone will love. The podcast is hosted by Microsoft MVP, Neil Benson, and produced by Customery.[Dynamics365, D365, Power Apps, PowerApps, Power Pages, Power Apps Portals, Power Automate, Flow, Power Virtual Agents, PVA, PowerBI]

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