“What is the top challenge for Project Managers nowadays? And what is the best way to deal with?”
Adjei, D., & Rwakatiwana, P. (2010). Application of Traditional and Agile Project Management in Consulting Firms.: A Case Study of PricewaterhouseCoopers.
I selected the diagram above as a basis to outline the current difference in Project management models. The most difficult challenge for PM’s is which to adopt?
There is a huge debate for and against the differing methodologies. Traditional project (TP) management was evolved to create a structure and allow a breakdown of the project with dividing with authority delegated through the pyramid structure. In my view the TP is formed from a very predictive outcome which will not be affected in the timescale of project delivery.
In Agile (AP) delivery the approach is inverted whereby feedback and communication allows the scope to change. This allows to manage with feedback, embrace change, communicate effectively and most importantly manage with purpose.
It is important to understand the reason for a project foremost. Usually a project is derived from an idea often to create value to a product or organisation process which in turn either adds value to the customer as increased functionality or efficiency in cost. This is the basis of the derivative.
TP is formed from the derivative and a structure created, the triple constraint drafted and the project executed under the following guidelines According to PMI (2004) a project can be decomposed into five processes i.e. initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. The ‘purpose’ for the project is may get parked once the project is initiated as the aim is to close.
AP allows dynamic decision making, triple constraint can be adjusted by the director. The outcome of the project is always valued whether the stakeholder value or the efficiency. The project can be stopped or altered at any given stage due to the business environment changing. Porters five forces dynamically allows monitoring of the environment. The environment is affected by the suppliers/buying market, competitors and regulation. If at any stage the derivative of the project is jeopardised the AP methodology allows for re-strategise. This is particularly so for large delivery or large time scaled projects.
Thus in my opinion the best way to deal with the problem is to identify the purpose of a project, identify its timescale and execute the project with a fixed approach AP or TP.