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.
Iterative Approach Consequences
1. Gradual Improvements: The project would be planned and executed in cycles, allowing for ongoing improvements. Each iteration would deliver a partial but functional event that could be evaluated and refined.
2. Feedback-Oriented: Feedback after each iteration would inform the next cycle, ensuring that mistakes can be corrected and changes implemented early on, rather than discovering issues only at the end.
3. Flexibility: The approach would allow for adaptability as the project evolves. New requirements or external factors could be integrated more easily.
4. Higher Costs Initially: Frequent reviews and changes can lead to higher costs early in the process, as adjustments might demand additional resources.
5. Time-Consuming: While iterations provide benefits, they can also extend the project timeline, particularly if multiple cycles are required before the event is finalized.
Agile Approach Implications
Agile, which emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and iterative progress, would have a few distinct implications for the MTD water system company:
1. Enhanced Collaboration: Agile promotes cross-functional collaboration, so teams within the company (engineering, customer service, logistics) would need to work closely and constantly communicate to adapt to changes in real time.
2. Incremental Delivery: The event would be broken into small deliverable parts (e.g., event setup, invitations, speaker arrangements), ensuring that progress can be tracked and reviewed continuously.
3. Responsiveness to Change: Agile’s emphasis on responding to changing requirements would allow the company to adjust the event’s scope, features, or timing based on feedback from stakeholders or emerging market trends.
4. Improved Customer Satisfaction: Regular feedback loops ensure that the final product or event is more aligned with customer and stakeholder expectations, which is vital in sectors like water management.
5. Possible Over-Adaptation: While flexibility is beneficial, agile can sometimes lead to “scope creep,” where continuous changes might dilute the project’s original focus if not managed carefully
As a MTD project manager I must be able to employ all method I see fit to arrive at my goal be it Linear or iterative
Njoku, Chidinma
As an MTD project manager, you will encounter issues. How you handle it matters. I recommend you use the linear and iterative project lifestyle.
adopting the iterative approach will increase accountability, transparency and testing of ideas to accelerate delivery of project output.
In management of risk involved with MTD events such as time constraint, change of scope and client’s demand. It’s important to set a balance between linear and iterative project approach. Iterative approach allows for more flexibility by allowing feedback at certain points from the clients and to know if the team are on track with the project. However, there is possibility of cancelled project if not monitored properly and as such MTD should implement the hybrid approach (blend of both linear and iterative approach) which helps to manage risks, update stakeholders, set deadlines and expected outcomes, most importantly working on multiple tasks (sprints) which are independent on each other to make the project faster and delivered at the appropriate time.
The agile method focuses on delivering value in each iteration even if the project is not exactly completed at the deadline for organisations interested in investment returns and for organisations that are so interested in time, it helps to deliver every stage of a project at a particular time frame making it the most sorted after technique although hybrid method can be adopted too. This agile method will serve for MTD since considering the fact that value and time is of essence to its clients. In my opinion, there is little or no consequence for using this approach and if they ever have doubts about this approach, I will recommend the hybrid technique for their project. This means that project levels are prioritised and while certain levels will require the adoption of scrum or sprints in order to keep clients assured and confident of the progress, some levels, will be solely dependent on the completion of these sprints.
As a project manager, one of the consequences of adopting the iterative approach to project is that the project can be broken into smaller bits, which will enable the team take it one step at a time.
Also it allows for feedback at every step, which implies corrections and adjustments can be made as the project progresses.
Projects are also handled faster using the iterative approach.
The implications therefore, is that there is no room for break in communication between the team and stakeholders or sponsors, it allows for effective communication.
Also, it gives room for continuous learning and improvements on the project.
Breaking the project into bits allows for high level of concentration in each stage, producing faster results.
As a PM for MTD which has 5 core values irrespective of our challenges we encounter as an event company adapting the iterative approach is the best with less consequences which if any of such should arise can be easily communicated to the client because getting customers feedback makes the work alot much easier for a smooth planning though we will be faced with correcting some changes but that can be easily communicated to the prospective clients with all honesty for them to know the damaHoward and how time consuming
As a project manager at MTD, an events company, we might encounter issues like changing client needs, logistical challenges, tight deadlines, and various stakeholders. Here’s how using an iterative and agile method can assist us:
1. Iterative Approach:
– Divides the project into phases for ongoing improvement.
– Enhances planning through testing and feedback at each step.
– Lowers risk by tackling problems early on.
– Offers limited flexibility for late changes, which may extend timelines.
For complex events that need gradual adjustments, such as large conferences or festivals where changes are likely, the iterative method is useful. However, it can be tough if significant changes arise late in the process.
2. Agile Approach:
– Emphasizes flexibility, quick responses, and regular client collaboration.
– Produces results in short bursts, adapting to immediate feedback.
– Risk of scope creep due to ongoing client requests.
– Needs close, frequent teamwork but allows for swift changes.
For fast-paced events with many unpredictable factors, like corporate gatherings or product launches that involve a lot of client interaction and possible last-minute changes, the agile method is ideal. MTD can keep adjusting to client needs and outside influences, ensuring the event develops smoothly.
Recommendation:
I recommend that MTD use a hybrid approach that blends both iterative and agile methods:
– Start with iterative planning for the early phases, such as logistics, budgeting, and overall event design. This ensures the main parts of the event are well-organized before moving to final execution.
– Shift to an agile approach in the later phases of planning (like design, client feedback, and vendor coordination), allowing for flexibility and real-time adjustments to client needs or unexpected challenges.
As a project manager, considering the challenges encountered by MTD, I will encourage the team to keep communication channels open, while disseminating clear and impactful information specific to the project.
The team should adopt the linear and iterative approach ensuring more productive outcomes.
Also, risk management measures should be established to modify and increase project progress.
However, adopting the iterative approach will increase accountability, transparency and testing of ideas to accelerate delivery of project output.