Implementing Agile Methodologies in Traditional Project Management
Introduction
After the development of the Agile framework, the project management method evolved. This is a completely new approach. This approach is also used in product development today. These are the phases of traditional project management:
i) Initiation
iii) Planning
iii Execution
iv) Monitoring & Controlling
v) Closing
The waterfall approach to project management has its problems. One problem is that we assume that once a project phase is completed, it will never be revisited again. This is not feasible. It is difficult for clients to accurately provide all requirements at the beginning of a project.
Project Management Approaches
Alternative methods such as the Agile approach are more practical. It is worth considering a combination of Agile and Waterfall methods to manage complex projects. The waterfall method can be used for the phases of requirements gathering, design, and other phases. The Execution phase can be done using the Agile method. We can also include important organizational processes and methods. This will allow us to design the most efficient way to deliver the project. Most projects can be managed using the Agile method of project management.
Traditional project management consists of the following phases. The project management phases are executed in the correct order by the team. Re-visiting any phase is difficult. However, in real life, stakeholders might have different requirements. In these cases, it is possible that the phases will need to be re-examined. Re-execution of a particular phase will increase project scope and cost. This will also result in more work for the project team. It becomes very difficult to use the waterfall method.
Integration of agile methodologies with traditional project management
Agile allows us to build the product or service in small iterations. Any changes in product requirements can be accommodated in the next sprint. We can incorporate the changes into the product/service. The Agile team can also manage changes and change requests more effectively. This approach is cost-effective and does not increase project scope. Because the changes are incorporated in the next sprints, the project cost does not rise. This means that we don’t have to revisit a phase. This is a significant advantage over traditional waterfall project management.
What is Agile Project Management?
Agile project management is an iterative process. The team executes the phases of the project in iterations or sprints. Scrum is an Agile development method that is widely used. The Scrum team incorporates the product features and prioritized requirements into the system. This is based on the information provided by the Product Owner or other stakeholders.
Learn how an Agile Roadmap can help your project.
The Elements of Agile Project Management
These are some of the key features of Agile project management:
1) Visual Control: This Agile method is used to plan and organize the project work. This is done with display cards. Different color codes are used for the display cards. One represents the solution’s features. This is the end of the project phases. It is now time to migrate the solution into the Production environment. The second set is the set of features that we use to complete the requirements gathering and design, coding, and testing. This set has not yet been migrated to Production.
2) Co-located Team: Agile projects are more often than not a collaboration of teams.