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 at MTD
I will be using both approaches ie. Linear and iterative project methods, considering the fact that different projects come with different challenges and risks.
I will start with the linear approach to carefully develop an idea and a detailed project plan, resources, and requirements, then use the iterative approach to carefully analyze each sub-project (splint) to test the ideas and get feedback to decide whether the project is viable and if it’s the right course in meeting desired outcome.
The iterative approach will help minimize risk since it enables better understanding and responding to any complexity and ambiguity that may arise in each short iteration, also it provides room for better managing of resources thus avoiding competition from limited resources available, as in each sub-project we focus on the most priority things.
Since we are in complex world where VUCA is a common, an agile approach will be the best option.
As a Project Manager at MTD
I will be using both approaches ie. Linear and iterative project methods, considering the fact that different projects come with different challenges and risks.
I will start with the linear approach to carefully develop an idea and a detailed project plan, resources, and requirements, then use the iterative approach to carefully analyze each sub-project (splint) to test the ideas and get feedback to decide whether the project is viable and if it’s the right course in meeting desired outcome.
The iterative approach will help minimize risk since it enables better understanding and responding to any complexity and ambiguity that may arise in each short iteration, also it provides room for better managing of resources thus avoiding competition from limited resources available, as in each sub-project we focus on the most priority things. Since we are in complex world where VUCA is a common, an agile approach will be the best option.
As a project manager collaborating with MTD Events Company, I can offer several recommendations to help them navigate their projects effectively:
°These include defining project objectives.
°Developing a detailed project plan.
°Establishing effective communication channels, risk management, and vendor management.
Iterative and agile approaches to event planning can provide flexibility, adaptability, and continuous improvement. The iterative approach breaks the event planning process into more minor phases, focusing on specific aspects like venue selection, marketing, logistics, and participant registration. This approach allows for changes and adjustments but may lead to potential delays and reduced clarity.
THE AGILE APPROACH: On the other hand, emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement, allowing for increased adaptability, enhanced cooperation, and incremental delivery. Combining both approaches can provide the benefits of flexibility, adaptability, and continuous improvement while clearly focusing on the project’s objectives and milestones.
Summary: A combination of both approaches can help MTD Events Company productively manage its events. By defining project objectives, developing a detailed project plan, establishing effective communication channels, and focusing on risk management and vendor management, the project can be more successful and productive
As a project manager, I have learnt that effective communication is key in every project, therefore I will ensure that I communicate every step of my project to the stakeholders on board so everyone can collaborate and understand how the project is moving or progressing.
The advice I will give to MTD is to adopt and combine the iterative and agile approach in the project life cycle
What is a project team?
A project team is a team of personnel with various skills sourced to execute a particular task for a short or long duration.
What make this teams different from other teams in an organisation are as follows;
They are most times comprise of Adhoc personnel, that is terms of contract is usually for a stipulated period of which upon the completion of the project, the teams are dissolved.
These teams comprises of individuals with different skills or specialities such as technicians and et al.
Understanding Project Teams.
As an assurance provider with an NGO, we liaise with various stakeholders involved in the campaign process such as the LGA teams and community leaders where the project is to be executed to get us individual’s who are experienced in their communities since they reside within the community coupled with the fact that the project is just a stipulated duration.
Success had in meeting with the challenges is as a result of the training conducted with the teams sourced by the LGA teams and community leaders before the project commences and effective monitoring of the teams while executing the project.
As a project manager working with MTD, team work, collaboration, frequent communication and leadership skills, iterative and agile approach is needed to get efficient results while organizing the event.
As the Project Manager working with MTD, I have learnt the importance of open and transparent communication between the Project Manager, team members, clients and other stakeholders. When faced with the challenge of water supply it was important for me to inform and set up a meeting with all relevant parties in order to get a solution to the problem. I have also learnt that it is important to expect unforeseen risks and problems and to be flexible enough to make necessary changes.
The implications of taking an iterative approach to setting up an event as a project is that the iterative approach can result in problems being approached in a more flexible and dynamic way, reduction of risk and management of efficiency. On the other hand the iterative approach is more difficult to manage and control since there is no laid down detailed plan or structure.
The implications of using the agile approach it that it involves constant collaboration with stakeholders. There must be feedback at intervals to determine the next course of action.
My advice to MTD will be to adopt a system that combines both the iterative and agile approach to ensure successful execution of all events they manage.
As a project manager working for MTD, I would advise the company to think about the project’s objectives, goals, scope, the process involve,my project team and the client (s) before determining which method that would be appropriate to use.
However, using iterative approach in organizing event might pose as a challenge. This is because iterative approach doesn’t have a detailed project plan and schedule, it’s just time bound. The designing, testing and planning are carried out at once without a detailed analysis.
In most cases,the project would be rushed to beat the time frame, most important things might not be recognized to handle properly which could cause a huge damage on the event.
Meanwhile, in adopting the agile approach, it is seen that completion of the project is more important than the project plans to some extent. Hence, if the project is not properly handled might not be successful.
I would recommend that the iterative or agile and linear approaches should be use for proper evaluation and timely completion of the project.
As a project manager working with MTD, I will ensure there’s a balance between the teamwork while using the iterative method and agile to manage any given changes and apply VUCA as an important guide in accomplishing the work. I will deploy both iterative process or a combination of both per given segment of time.
As a project manager with MTD, I’d first start with linear approach, to shape the project lifecycle. Then if along the line, the project is reshaped or re-strategized, I’d bring in the Iterative method… The goal is to arrive at a desired end.
All the above will be achieved by constant communication, with team members, stakeholders.
As a project manager at MTD, ill apply both the linear and iterative approach in execution of the project. Moreover, at the initial stage, all sprint must be defined by approaching the project using a linear method and when the situation look agile and uncertain, mixed approached will be instituted, this will help to reduce any pitfall during the project
Forming Teams for Project.
Does the prospect of such a challenge and responsibility excite you? Perhaps you find it daunting…..
Challenges are part of life and they are meant to make us grow and broaden our horizon, some could be exciting and otherwise, however as a prospective Manager , there will always be a solution to every challenges.
As a MTD PM, My approach will be First, identify the problem and challenges, and then apply the VUCA framework tools so as to come up with a suitable response to the problems already identified.
I will like to advice company the following:
Embrace Iterative and Agile Practices: Encourage the use of iterative and agile approaches in event project management to increase flexibility, reduce risk, and enhance stakeholder satisfaction.
Being the project manager, I would inform the organization that taking on two projects at the same time might have a negative impact on the organisation.
Feedback from customers will also impact the project and improve business relations.
The use of VUCA framework tools to develop suitable response for the challenges of the event. Also clear cut communication, evaluation of possible risks can help the project, adaptability, efficiency in work, collaboration and communication would be the best approach to solve problems