Put yourself in the role of a project manager collaborating with MTD, an events company.
Considering the difficulties and problems that MTD encounters in their projects, what insights have you gained this week that could offer assistance?
If an iterative approach were employed in organizing an event as a project, what would be the consequences? Similarly, what are the implications of adopting an agile approach? If the company sought your advice, what would you recommend?
Contribute your thoughts and ideas to the discussion.
WilliamsOk
Cohort13
Team 10
Taking an iterative approach to setting up an event as a project means breaking down the event planning process into smaller, manageable units or bites, and continuously iterating and refining each unit until the event is completed. The project manager approach would be that of flexibility, and collaboration among stakeholders, allowing for continuous improvement adjustments, and adaptability as needed.
Taking an iterative approach to setting up an event as a project means breaking down the event planning process into smaller, manageable units or bites, and continuously iterating and refining each unit until the event is completed. The project manager approach would be that of flexibility, and collaboration among stakeholders, allowing for continuous improvement adjustments, and adaptability as needed.
The implications of taking an iterative approach to setting up an event as a project are:
1. More resources may be required.
2. Although cost of change is lesser, but it is not very suitable for changing requirements.
3. More management attention is required.
4. It is not suitable for smaller projects.
5. Highly skilled resources are required for skill analysis.
6. Project progress is highly dependent upon the risk analysis phase.
7. Defining increments may require definition of the complete system.
The implications of an agile approach are:
1.Less predictable. The flexibility at the core of the Agile approach also means a much lower degree of predictability:It can be much more difficult to accurately estimate the time necessary or quantify the resources and efforts required to complete a project. Many teams fear this uncertainty, and that fear can lead to frustration and poor decision-making.
2. More time and commitment: Communication and collaboration is great, but that constant interaction takes more time and energy for everyone involved.
3. Greater demands on developers and clients: Commitment from everyone involved is required for Agile approach to be effective. Anyone who isn’t on board can negatively impact the quality of a project.
My advice for the company is that hybrid approach/method should be use because it takes the best aspect of waterfall and agile and create a process that is flexible and adaptable to the project
Some of the challenges MTD encounters in their projects ranges from water scarcity, aging infrastructure, climate change impacts to the need for sustainable management practices to meet growing demand. These challenges can be categorised using the VUCA dimension. It is important to understand the various categories and develop suitable responses to the challenges.
MTD can use iterative approach by prioritising the project thereby dealing with one challenge at a time. This will enable the organisation deliver the outputs regularly and frequently rather than all at once at the end. All sprints can be incorporated into the linear approach.
Employing an iterative approach in organising an event as a project would mean that:
1). The scope of the project are likely to change.
2). Feedback from users is needed to validate ideas and investment decisions and planning.
3). Speed of delivery is more important than project completeness.
4). Work must be completed on time.
Adopting an agile approach implies that
Project teams will finish what they start rather than working on many things for longer time. They are able to reprioritise and change direction quickly.
I would recommend that the company should test its ideas and get feedback from users or the business, iterate the project into sprints, prioritise tasks base on their value to both user and the business. This way, the company would be more productive.
From the lessons, I have learnt about the linear and iterative approach to project management while considering their strengths and weaknesses.
For MTD, I will advice that the hybrid approach be used.This will allow for leveraging on the strengths of both approaches in an unstable working environment for the success of the project.This is because,while the linear approach helps them plan ahead for every possibility before embarking on the project,the iterative approach will help them get frequent feedbacks from users,faster ROI,better involvement of stakeholders and help to address any eventuality that wasn’t planned or prepared for.
And finally,the agile approach will help them respond to the VUCA of the work environment.
From the knowledge gained so far, it is clear that both linear and iterative tools have their strengths and weaknesses. While the linear approach is suitable for predictive projects the iterative approach is more suitable for projects associated with uncertainties.
As a PM I would deploy the Agile tool or approach for such MTD projects. This is so because at certain situations I could pridct and plan the different stages most predictably. And in this case, the leaner approach will be of help.
However, when the situation becomes volatile or when the outcome of the projects become uncertain, the iterative approach will come be deployed to deal with the challenges.
In any case, Agile approach will enable me to solve those problems with uncertainties while keeping on with the different stages of the project.
Regards.
For MTD, the iterative approach might be more beneficial for event planning, because it allows for more flexibility and adaptability. If something goes wrong or needs to be changed, the iterative approach makes it easy for adjustment of the plan. The linear approach could be more beneficial for time-sensitive events where every detail needs to be planned out in advance.
As a PM, I did combine linear/interactive methods. With the linear method it is obvious I already know what to expect at every step of the project thereby making financial plans. While applying the interactive method which help me overcome unforseen circumstances (uncertainties)….
This week, i have learnt two approaches to solving any project issue, using
a} linear approach, which are suited to more defined situations, and assuming all things are equal, this is due to its waterfall approach or straight line, outcomes are predictable
b} Iterative approach, which is used in complex and uncertain environments, where unforeseen situations are most probably going to pop-up anytime. this approach helps deal with communication gaps, by involving all key stakeholders, as the project progresses.
As a project consultant for the MTD water project, i will most likely deploy both approaches in tackling the project, given the time and scope involved, a one-way approach may be difficult, expensive and time challenging, but by using a combination of both systems, am sure to mitigate any unforeseen challenge that may arise and scale it.
Project management employs different approaches depending on project type, industry dynamics, and environment. Two fundamental methods are Iterative and Linear, which can be used individually or combined into a hybrid approach tailored to project needs.
As a project manager at MTD, I prefer the iterative approach due to its effectiveness in managing uncertainties and scope changes. It fosters continuous feedback among stakeholders and teams, enhancing guidance and ensuring alignment with project goals. Regular and frequent output delivery is facilitated, enhancing stakeholder accountability and connection. This agile approach is vital for navigating volatile and unpredictable project conditions.
The linear approach is like a straight line, moving from point A to point B in a direct fashion. The iterative approach is more like a spiral, revisiting the same points and building on them over time. In other words, the linear approach is focused on getting to the end goal as quickly as possible, while the iterative approach is more about exploring the process and finding new insights along the way. That depends on the specific event and the goals of the company! For MTD i think Generally speaking, the iterative approach might be more beneficial for event planning, because it allows for more flexibility and adaptability. If something goes wrong or needs to be changed, the iterative approach makes it easier to pivot and adjust the plan. The linear approach could be more beneficial for time-sensitive events where every detail needs to be planned out in advance. Ultimately, it comes down to what the company wants to achieve with the event and what kind of flexibility is needed.