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From all discussions and articles on the internet, we can see a glorification of the agile approach as the best and the only option for managing projects. Many resources say you must choose Agile methodology regardless of costs and common sense. As it is a perfect option for complex problems and operating in unpredictable environments, what to choose for this project is simple and easily repeatable. We already know what steps to take to fulfil the goal. There are plenty of tools for both. The important question is – is it possible to leverage both approaches, Agile and Waterfall, to project management so that can both serve us?
Agile was created to respond to the challenges resulting from the reality that surrounds us today. About the world of SPAM and the Red Queen, you can read in the article: How world of SPAM can reach us agility
In the traditional model of project management:
The agile approach focuses on the following:
The client receives the current work results at agreed time intervals. Depending on changing conditions, the project’s scope may be modified and adapted to current needs.
In Agile methodology, project planning and control are also of great importance, but these are short-term plans, not detailed multi-year plans to deliver the expected results. The project implementation itself already limits the risk of project failure: if we provide something iteratively and incrementally now and then, the client can provide feedback quicker, and we can easily adapt requested changes.
In the Waterfall approach, which presents a triangle called The Iron Triangle: we plan the project considering the scope. On this basis, we adjust the plan and the necessary resources. Then we also know how much money will be needed. Resources depend on the scope. Then we also know how much money will be needed.
In the agile approach, the client immediately knows the costs because he can determine how much time and resources he can allocate. Then mini-projects, so-called sprints necessary to implement the final product, are created. Each sprint can be considered a short project (Scrum Guide 2020). Unlike the traditional model, time and resources are constant, and what changes is the project’s scope, which is adjusted depending on the current needs.
The principle of the agile approach is that we never sacrifice quality and are always open to change. Changes can be introduced from the beginning of the project, thanks to which the final cost of their implementation is not so high, as we can constantly adapt.
There is a reluctance to change in traditional projects where everything is planned because changes mean problems and costs. Each change requires budget and documentation changes, and the later the implementation stage, the more difficult it is.
And sometimes changes are no longer possible. For this reason, traditional projects are sometimes called watermelon projects because everything goes according to plan until the tests and request changes begin. Then it turns out that the status of a project is not green but red (because we can’t change some things any more), although we still show it as green because it follows the original plan, scope, and budget.
Many organizations are beginning to adopt an agile approach in project management, individual departments, and even entire companies. However, for such organizational changes to be successful, it is first necessary to change the way we think. It is not easy because no one likes change: changes mean leaving our comfort zone; they can overwhelm us. However, to be “agile,” we must like changes.
According to the Agile Manifesto of 2001, which sets the direction of this methodology: adapting to changes is more important than implementing the plan. What matters is the product that works, not the detailed documentation.
However, to react appropriately and accept changes, we must change our attitude towards changes in ourselves. It is worth starting with developing Growth Mindset – a term popularized by the psychologist Carol Dweck, which means focusing on development, seeing failures as opportunities, learning from mistakes, taking up challenges, and accepting constructive criticism. If we have such an attitude, it is easier for us to work with teams, clients in business.
The opposite of a Growth Mindset is a Fixed Mindset which means focusing on constancy and thinking about failures as limitations. It is an attitude in which we do not learn new skills, and we do not take up new challenges or risks, thus wanting to avoid failures.
When choosing a model for running a specific project, we should remember that there is no “right” methodology that is ideal for each project.
Which one to choose depends on many factors, including the type of the project itself. Not every project is suitable for implementation in the Agile methodology.
How to choose then? The Cynefin Framework, which was developed in 1999 by Dave Snowden, comes with help. It allows selecting the suitable behavior model, depending on the problem/project classification type. It also helps us decide how to manage the project.
Cynefin framework distinguishes four types of problems/projects depending on their complexity: simple, complicated, complex, chaotic. They can be divided into ordered: simple and complicated and disordered (complex and chaotic). In the case of disordered stages with too many unknowns, we can be sure that the Waterfall approach will not work very well. When we have simple, repeatable stages that have already been checked, it is worth using a Waterfall approach: planning small steps and making short plans.
The answer to the question why Agile and not a Waterfall grows out of the present reality which is the world of SPAM and the Red Queen. A world where Agile methodology is better suited. However, we cannot forget about the huge experience gathered over several dozen years of traditional project management methodology, where many techniques and processes related to risk management and communication play a huge role.
Both approaches are tools that, in my opinion, when applied appropriately, give the expected results depending on the area in which we operate (Cynefin). Scrum, one of the Agile frameworks, indicates in the Scrum Guide that “Every Sprint can be considered a short project” – a short time with planning at the very beginning and control of work results at the end. These are plans prepared by the team to achieve business goals and deliver value in a given time, and the acquired knowledge resulting from experience provides the opportunity to develop products.
Agata Małysz
Scrum Master at Sigma IT Poland (current name: Holisticon Connect)
At Holisticon Connect, our core values of Passion and Execution drive us toward a Promising Future. We are a hands-on tech company that places people at the centre of everything we do. Specializing in Custom Software Development, Cloud and Operations, Bespoke Data Visualisations, Engineering & Embedded services, we build trust through our promise to deliver and a no-drama approach. We are committed to delivering reliable and effective solutions, ensuring our clients can count on us to meet their needs with integrity and excellence.
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