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.
My name is Saka Adebola
As a project manager, I will advise MTD to make use of both Linear and Iterative Project lifecyles since there are unstable occurences that keeps happening. It will save the company from unexcepted budget and other future challenges.
When it comes to event organization, many unplanned happenings take place even after weeks or months of planning has gone into the execution of the plans which brings s to the fact that using one approach wont work but the bridging of both iterative and linear process will help solve any case of unplanned surprises that comes with organizing an event.
I’m Gabriel Umi Janet,
This is my opinion I think it will involve breaking down the planning process into smaller manageable tasks, and continuously refining. and improving the plan. through repeated cycles.
As a project manager hired to plan and execute a sports event for the MTD company, one approach cannot suffice, giving the challenges as narrated in the videos I watched earlier, I have learnt that projects come with sudden surprises that can alter established plans, scope of environment, and even the cost of needed materials to achieve the goal/objective.
The consequences of using the iterative approach in planning an event is that the event is not a product that requires the users to test-run before it is certified ready for use. It is an event that will need a linear approach for it’s planning through to it’s end stage.
The components of the VUCA framework can suffice during the event which the project manager can use the iterative approach to combat the issue.
I will advise the company to utilize the hybrid method to plan for an event.
To have a successful Project as a Project manager, you should not focus on a particular approach.
Linear approaches are less effective in volatile or uncertain environments.
I will advise the company to use a Hybrid method which involves the use of both Waterfall and Agile approaches, it creates a process that is flexible to the project team and clients.
As a project manager, relying on a single approach for a project can lead to chaos, as no one method fits every project.
I learnt that, an evaluation be carried out as to which approach is best or suitable for the project.
Implication of taking iterative approach:
1. The process allows for adjustments based on new insights or changing requirements.
2. Challenges are identified and resolved early, reducing risks and costs.
3. Continuous feedback and changes may expand the project scope, there by causing delays or overruns.
4. Iterative approach requires more time, effort, and collaboration from teams and stakeholders.
Implications of adopting an Agile Approach: 1. Agile promotes delivering working solutions incrementally, ensuring early value to stakeholders.
2. Teams can quickly adapt to changing requirements or market conditions during the project.
3. Continuous feedback from stakeholders throughout the process ensures alignment and satisfaction.
4. Frequent changes and iterative development can lead to uncontrolled scope expansion if not managed well.
My Advice for MTD:
I’ll recommend they take both the Linear and Iterative approach.
Rita Anaba
This week, I learned how iterative and agile approaches can provide flexibility and adaptability in project management, which are critical in managing the dynamic nature of event planning for a company like MTD.
Iterative Approach:
Taking an iterative approach to setting up an event would mean breaking the event planning process into smaller, manageable stages. For each stage, feedback from stakeholders (e.g., clients, vendors) would be integrated before moving to the next phase. This method allows MTD to refine ideas, test concepts, and minimize errors before committing fully. The main implication is that it would require continuous client engagement and incremental decision-making, but it reduces the risk of major setbacks by allowing adjustments throughout the project lifecycle.
Agile Approach:
An agile approach would promote flexibility in handling unexpected changes during event setup, such as budget alterations, venue adjustments, or shifts in client needs. Agile encourages cross-functional collaboration and adaptive planning, which means MTD can quickly respond to new requirements without derailing the project. The implications include the need for team adaptability and frequent updates, which might demand more resources but would enhance responsiveness to client needs.
My Advice:
For MTD, I’d recommend adopting a hybrid approach combining both iterative and agile methodologies. They should use the iterative approach for planning and preparation phases (e.g., budgeting, vendor selection), while applying agile principles during execution (e.g., handling last-minute changes on event day). This strategy would enable MTD to deliver high-quality events, manage client expectations, and remain adaptable to inevitable changes.
As a project manager i have leart that there is no one approach to the successful implementation of a project.
the project management profession now recognizes the value of both linear and iterative approach and the spectrum of techniques and practices that they offer to deliver successful projects in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambuigous environment.
If an iterative approach is employed the consequences are
change in project scope
change in speed
increase innovation,
implications of adopting an agile approach will improves flexibility and adaptability.
I have learnt that:
1) There is no one way method / approach to a particular project.
2)That upon evaluating a project, I will use the approach most suitable for the project at hand.
Implication of taking iterative approach:
1) I should be ready to lead and work with each sub team created as the project goes on.
2) That feedback is important iterative approach.
3) That speed of delivery is more important.
Advice to the company.
A hybrid approach will be the most suitable tool for the project as we get to explore both the linear and iterative approach.
as a project manager collaborating with MTD, I would combine both linear and iterative approaches to mitegate challenges in the VUCA environment and meantain project’s success in terms of cost, scope and time. If an iterative approach were employed in organizing an event as a project, the scope may take more time than expected and demand more cost to delever the outcomes. However, adopting an agile approach would make a balance between the project constraints and make sure the project complet on time. If the company sought my advice, I would you recommend using a hybrid approach depending on the recquirements and needs of the users and stakeholders.