Using Agile for Project Management rather that a traditional method has become ‘flavour of the month’ in recent years, but is it right for all projects in all organizations?
The truth is, there are a number of considerations that organizations need to examine to ensure that the proposed changes to project management methodologies from traditional (Waterfall) to Agile are successful and not detrimental to an already existing process.
Here are 5 more things to consider when deciding if the Agile methodology is right for your organization or not:
1) Cultural Match – One of the biggest reasons a project management framework can fail is due to the lack of fit with an organization’s culture. Agile environments are self-governing, customer facing and democratic by nature. Any development group looking to adopt Agile must first ask: Are these principles somewhat in line with the values and direction of our company’s leadership?
2) Organizational ‘Buy in’ – Most project management frameworks can succeed with leadership ‘buy in’. Although a cultural fit may exist, Agile requires complete buy-in for the ground up.
3) Change Management – Is your organization ready for change? Since Agile methodology will require change, it is critical there is a change management strategy in place to mitigate risk and ensure a smooth transition from the old to the new.
4) Training – Since Agile methodologies heavily involve all project members in driving this process your varied team members needs to be well versed in the entire process and their expected contribution.
5) Collaboration – Ask yourself if there is an adequate internal communications strategy in place, but more importantly you need to validate if your customers are bought in to their heavy involvement in their development projects.