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 with MTD it will be proper to employ the iterative approach because it will helps tackle challenges as regards changing the approach to the project if for example approach A is not working Approach B can be adopted.
In applying the Agile approach this can be beneficial too if speed if required to get things done which is the expectations expected in the completion of project.
Linear (water fall) and Agile methods are both good tools of a project manager
But in this case of MTD my advice to them is to use the iterative approach, because they don’t have a clear goal and scope yet but in the process of working on the project and getting feedback from customers they will be able to achieve there goals.
Marcelina Eke
As a project manager, understanding both the linear and iterative life cycles helps in choosing the right approach for different projects. For example, the linear (waterfall) life cycle is best for projects with clear, fixed requirements like construction where each phase must be completed before the next. On the other hand, the iterative life cycle allows for flexibility and continuous improvement, making it ideal for tech or software projects where requirements evolve. Using the right life cycle ensures better planning, risk management, and delivery of successful outcomes.
This week, as a Project Manager, I observed that MTD faces challenges like tight deadlines, coordinating resources, and last-minute client changes. To help, I would suggest clear project plans, strong communication, and early identification of risks.
Using an iterative approach could allow testing and refining parts of the event before the final day, while agile practices can improve flexibility and team collaboration, especially in areas like marketing or entertainment.
I recommend a hybrid approach: traditional planning for fixed tasks combined with iterative and agile methods for flexible areas, plus regular reviews and feedback loops to ensure smooth events and satisfied clients.
Both linear and iterative approaches help project managers achieve their project goals, but they are applied differently depending on the nature of the project. For example, the construction of a fuel station is best managed using a linear approach because it follows a predictable and regulated sequence. Activities such as obtaining PTE, PTC and PTO approvals, designing the site layout, installing underground tanks, completing civil works, piping, electrical installation, and finally installing and commissioning dispensers must occur in a strict order. This structured method helps the project manager maintain control, reduce rework, ensure safety compliance, and manage cost and timelines effectively. In contrast, the development or upgrade of a fuel pump software system benefits more from an iterative approach, where work is delivered in small cycles and improved continuously based on user feedback. Initial versions of the software—such as the user interface, communication with the console, or data accuracy—can be tested by clients, who then request improvements like POS integration, remote monitoring, or enhanced reporting. Each iteration refines the solution, reduces risks, and ensures the final product meets real operational needs. By understanding when to apply a linear or iterative method, a project manager can deliver both construction and technology projects more efficiently and successfully.
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?
As a project manager collaborating with MTD, an events company, I’ve gained some insights that could be helpful given the complexities they face. Events are inherently dynamic, with factors like venue changes, client preferences, or even weather conditions
Some Challenges MTD Might Face:
Unpredictable external factors: Weather, regulatory changes, or last-minute client requests.
Coordination complexity: Managing vendors, attendees, schedules, and budgets.
Client expectations: High stakes for delivering engaging, flawless experiences.
Iterative Approach (e.g., organizing an event):
Consequences:
Pros: Break planning into phases (e.g., concept, planning, execution, wrap-up), allowing adjustments after each phase. Good for incorporating feedback and adapting to changes Cons: It Could lead to delays if phases aren’t managed well, and might not suit events with fixed schedules
Agile Approach
Pros: Super flexible, promotes collaboration, and quick adaptations. Great for responding to client tweaks or technical issues during the event.
Cons: Requires a committed team, clear priorities, and might feel chaotic without proper structure. Events have a clear end, so some Agile practices need adjustment.
I would Recommend for MTD the Hybrid approach where MTD’s need for flexibility and client satisfaction, I’d suggest MTD goes for hybrid approach, Starting with a linear plan for the big milestones (venue, speakers, budget), then Agile sprints for execution (e.g., weekly check-ins for logistics, content, promotion).
As l project manager,l understand that iterative approach to project management requires consistent planning,review and feedback and following a linear pattern,so, considering the case of MTD-that approach will not guarantee a positive result,
In the case of agile approach,constant reviews and feedbacks with stakeholders are needed for such a project to be completed timely and efficiently,whereas the developments on the MTD water project is dynamic.
So,l suggest that the combination of iterative and agile approaches to MTD water project will yield great result.
GEORGE NWOKOCHA (COHORT 29,TEAM 5)
As a project manager, based on what I learnt about different project principles which is the linear and iterative project lifecycles, my approach to addressing the challenges MTD faces would start with defining the project scope, analyzing the gathered information, and considering whether the environment is likely to change. It is also important to determine if feedback from clients or stakeholders is needed to determine if any or both approaches will be considered for their project. Overall, I will make them understand the importance of pragmatism over purism, choosing the approach that best fits the project rather than sticking rigidly to one method.
Implications of an Iterative Approach To Setting Up An Event As A Project:
* The team can adjust plans as new information arises.
* Client feedback can be incorporated throughout the process.
* Risks are reduced because potential issues are identified early.
* It works well when event details are likely to change or are not fully defined at the start.
Implications of an Agile Approach:
* Encourages constant communication between the team and the client.
* Enables faster decision-making and quicker responses to problems.
* Allows prioritisation of the most important event elements first.
* Provides a highly adaptable structure, especially when dealing with changing requirements or multiple stakeholders.
My Advice to MTD
I would advise MTD to use a hybrid approach. They can start with a clear, structured plan to set budgets, timelines, and logistics, then switch to an iterative/agile approach by breaking the project into smaller cycles for feedback, team coordination, and problem-solving. Using agile tools such as Scrum can help identify and address problems efficiently. This approach allows them to stay organised while remaining flexible, ensuring high-quality event delivery even when requirements change.
A. Consequences of iterative approach: it helps refine the product with each cycle, but it can lead to scope creep, increased planning needs, and potential delays if iterations are not managed well.
B. Consequences of agile approach : Agile enables fast delivery and adaptability , but it requires strong team discipline , continuous stakeholder involvement, and can struggle with unclear long -term planning.
I will recommend both iterative and agile approaches because it help a company deliver value faster, adapt to changes, manage risk effectively, and engage stakeholders continuously. it promotes learning from each cycle, improve product quality, and keeps the company competitive in a fast changing market.
If I were to advise MTD as a project manager on the best approach for executing an event project, I would recommend using a combination of both the iterative and agile methods. The iterative approach would allow the event plan to be broken down into smaller phases where the team can build, test, gather feedback, and make improvements along the way. This helps reduce risks, improves clarity, and keeps everyone informed through regular updates. Combining this with the agile approach would further increase collaboration with stakeholders, speed up delivery, and enhance accountability throughout the project. Overall, using both methods together would create a flexible, transparent, and adaptive process which is ideal for managing a dynamic and fast-moving event project.