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.
As a project manager collaborating with MTD, a combination of both method should be adopted. iterative method allows for consistent feedback and progress monitoring throughout the project, although it may entail frequent meetings and time consumption. Therefore, as a project manager, I’ll analyze the project’s complexity and aim to blend iterative and linear approaches to efficiently complete the project.
As a project manager bear in mind that there will be no project without challenges no matter how excellent your plans are. Therefore you must be a fast thinker and communicator ready to take action and change plans if need be. This is where the agile team comes to quickly provide possible solutions for the project or event is realized successfully
The two approaches to project management are linear and iteration. The linear method is more straight-jacketed and allows for very minimal changes, compared with the iterative method. Iteration allows for more flexibility and spontaneity in project execution. Here, major changes/alterations can be introduced at any time, without distorting the project pace and objective.
The iterative approach best suits the events company – MTD, because of the unconventional, dynamic and unpredictable challenges they encounter in setting up temporary water projects for sporting events worldwide.
Aside from optimizing time management and resources and the speed of feedback, the iterative method allows the MTD project manager to think on their toes, soaking in the challenges in each project (e.g., language barrier, inadequate water source, environmental changes, uncooperative stakeholders, government policies, etc) and finding creative ways to solve them.
Although the linear approach is too methodical for change, the MTD can incorporate some of its qualities into the iterative approach to execute projects.
There are only two approach to project management and they are linear and iteration approach. The use of iterative approach is good when dealing with MTD and this is because of the unconventional, dynamic and unpredictable challenges they encounter during the course of the water project.
OHAEGBULAM CHIKAODI PRECIOUS
Project management. Cohort 13
The use of Iterative method is very essential in utilising the goals of MTD. Iterative approach helps in planning the project from the scratch. 2. Assign tasks to the right people and with the right resources and each of them has a goal. This also helps in breaking down task into smaller parts known as sprint and in getting early feedbacks from the stakeholders.
The use of Agile method helps in being able to detect issues on time.Agile method helps the project manager /team to collaborate with the stakeholders and this requires continuous planning also helps the project to be faster.
In conclusion , I would prefer the Linear method because of the time, accountability and manage resources.
The use of iterative approach will help the MTD along way in organizing the event.
Because it will help the teams at each point to know exactly where they are failing or what issues they are to prepare ahead for. For instance, if they are meant to supply water to an occasion or an event which happens to be an international conference or bigger than that, iterative approach will guide them through each stakeholders they will encounter and at the same time, know exactly how to satisfy the clients involved through the use of the reviews that they get at intervals.
In this case, using a linear approach might enlongate the delivery process there by disappointing the organizers of the event.
The use of Iterative approach/method will help the project manager collaborating with MTD, an events company, in solving the difficulties and problems that MTD encounters in their projects. Because the use iterative method will help the project manager to optimize time management, resources wastage and fast in getting feedback from end user or costumer.
consequences of adopting this method are, it detects potential defects. Functional prototypes can be developed at an early stage. Measuring a project becomes less painful. Changes can be easily implemented. Testing becomes easier. Operational time is reduced. Stakeholder feedback is timely gathered.
Secondly, the implication of adapting Agile approach, is that it helps to breaks project down into several dynamic phases, commonly known as sprints. and which after every sprint, teams reflect and look back to see if there was anything that could be improved so they can adjust their strategy for the next sprint.
Utilizing an iterative process is key to achieving the overall goals of MTD Event Water Company efficiently. This approach involves breaking down tasks into smaller projects, each with almost the same timeline for feedback and review. The foundation of success lies in meticulous planning during the project’s initiation and ensuring that the best talent is engaged as needed.
The iterative process offers several benefits for MTD Event Water Company. Firstly, it promotes efficiency by breaking down complex tasks into manageable segments, allowing for better progress tracking. The timely feedback and review cycles after each small project enable continuous evaluation, swiftly identifying issues and creating room for immediate adjustments.
Additionally, the success of the iterative process depends on robust planning at the project’s onset. Ensuring tasks are well-defined and allocating the right resources from the start sets a strong foundation for the entire project. Furthermore, the flexibility to adapt and bring in specialized talent as the project evolves enhances overall performance.
In adopting an agile approach, the company gains further advantages. Continuous feedback throughout the project’s lifecycle allows for early issue identification, preventing challenges from escalating. The agile methodology also fosters enhanced collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring the final product aligns closely with their expectations.
In summary, the combination of an iterative and agile approach empowers MTD Event Water Company with efficiency, adaptability, and continuous improvement. By incorporating regular feedback loops and breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable projects, the company can navigate complexities with flexibility and responsiveness, ultimately contributing to the achievement of its overarching goals.
Based on the information I’ve learned about developing project agility, here’s how I, as a project manager, can help MTD navigate their challenges:
Challenges Addressed:
1. Lack of clarity: MTD might face ambiguity regarding attendee preferences or event impact. Agile’s continuous feedback through user testing and surveys helps us gather real-time data and adjust the event accordingly.
2. Time constraints: Tight deadlines can be stressful. Agile’s prioritization and focused work in sprints ensure we deliver the most impactful elements within the time frame.
Implications of Iterative and Agile Approaches:
* Iterative approach:
Benefits: Early feedback, flexibility to adapt, reduced risk of errors.
Challenges: Requires clear communication and collaboration, may require adjustments to existing processes.
* Agile approach:
Benefits: Increased responsiveness, faster time to market, improved team morale.
Challenges: Requires cultural shift toward transparency and collaboration, initial learning curve.
Advice for MTD:
1. Pilot agile methods: Start with a small event or project to test the waters and gather feedback before full implementation.
2. Invest in training: Train team members on agile principles and practices like Scrum.
3. Focus on value: Prioritize tasks based on their value to the client and the overall event success.
4. Embrace collaboration: Foster a culture of open communication and feedback within and across teams.
5. Measure and adapt: Track key metrics and adjust your agile approach based on learnings and outcomes.
Environmental specific solutions to projects will be engaged by me as the project supervisor. If the client calling MTD presents a pretty straightforward scope of the project, I will employ the linear approach, and when the scope changes or is relatively unknown, I will employ the iterative approach. A company as big as MTD will have so many subprojects to deliver on one project, so I will definitely mix the approaches so that I have a more agile approach to the project. Most especially, I will employ reviewing after two or four weeks to ensure that we are all still on track according to the needs of the client.
Chijioke Obioma, Team 5, Cohort 13
Some challenges MTD faces in their project bothers on inadequate or ineffective communication and over segmentation, agile can reduce these challenges by limiting segments and focus on a goal at a time. Iterative approach can as well enhance good communication among team member.