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 working with MTD, I believe that no method is perfect in approaching a project. I will approach the challenge with the mixed method, combining linear and iterative as well as VUCA Approach. All project needs the project manager skills, communication, negotiation, to solve project problems.
Knowing that approaches can change from linear to iterative and having many methods in the planning can help to solve any challenge as Project Manager
As a project manager I will prefer to identify the problem before engage more of the Hybrid approach because MTD’s project seems to be a very complex project that needs review and changes where necessary as the Project progresses. It is pertinent to note that this Hybrid process, would engage more of the iterative approach.
The module three has been an expansive learning of the tools, techniques and methodology applied in project management.
Thus, the impart of the knowledge gained this week are:
– the importance of having clear communication and strong collaboration among the team members to ensure the successful execution of any project.
– An application of iterative approach to organizing a project can help in breaking down the project into smaller tasks and provide more flexibility in terms of changes and adjustments.
– An application of the agile approach can enable the team to respond quickly to unexpected challenges and allow for continuous improvement throughout the project.
As the project manager of MTD, identifying the problem and which tools to adopt to will assist in solution finding. In this regard, the application of both iterative and agile approach will be adopted.
The consequences of adopting an iterative approach:
– The project may take longer to complete as it involves multiple iterations and reviews.
– There may be an increased risk of scope creep, as the team may tend to add more features or elements to the event.
– The overall cost of the project could be higher due to the additional time and resources required for multiple iterations.
The consequences of adopting an agile approach:
– The project may require a more significant upfront investment in terms of time and resources for the initial planning and setup.
– There may be a higher level of uncertainty and risk associated with the project, as the team will be required to make quick decisions and adapt to changing circumstances.
– The overall cost of the project could be higher due to the increased need for flexibility and adaptability throughout the project.
Although, there’s no one approach that can fit in to solve a project lapses. I believe with a combination of approaches, MTD can create a responsive management framework in tackling project problems.
As a PM of MTD, the main aim to be done is to identify the problem, set out the kind of approach that will fit into the problem. Checking through the use of iterative approach depends on the environment if the environment for the project is an unstable environment and also to use linear approach the environment of the project work must be stable. So, inferences of the problem and environment will determine the kind of approach to use.
Making use of agility might be useful if the sponsor is anxious about the output without concerned on the idea or plan.
Combination of the two approach (hybrid) can be used because it foster transparency, increase in engagement with stakeholders, accountability etc.
As a project manager for MTD. I would firstly discover what difficulties they are having. Then using the iterative approach that allows us to test ideas and get feedbacks, I would go for such approach. Getting the team working regularly and frequently, because at that point what is more important for the client is getting the project done.
So with the aid of speed, feedbacks, negotiation and constant communication, I should be able to deliver my project accurately. The major implication I think I would encounter is the time limit which forces the project team to focus majorly on the highest priority requirement- which is getting the project done.
However, this would help change (or even stop) a project in order to achieve a relatively low cost budget.
As a PM for MTD. My approach will be Firstly, identify the problem and challenges, apply the VUCA framework tools in order to develope a suitable response to the problems already identified. Secondly, apply the iterative and agile approache to tackle problems and challenges encountered along the line of implementation. While putting budget in check and balance
Few insights I gained this week includes the following..
1. I have learned to that there can be changes when a project is in progress and therefore I should be ready to adapt to a different project management methods Incase of unforseen changes.
2. Another thing I learned was that Adhering to Ethics and Values during the beginning phase of a project will help in puting all the project scopes into consideration.
3. I have also learned that utilizing the VUCA framework provides us with insights on how to effectively respond to complex project environments.
The Advice i may give to MTD will be,
Since MTD handle Projects
that occur in diverse environments and contexts,
Let them cultivate AGILITY and consistently study and comprehend the specific environment, scope, or context of each project they undertake.
This proactive approach will enable them to adapt and tailor their project management strategies to suit the unique requirements and challenges of each project, leading to greater success and satisfaction.
As a Project Manager supporting MTD, looking at the uncertainties that is associated with their projects, I would advise that they apply a hybrid (combination of both Linear and Iterative method), for their project works
Using Iterative approach will create more synergy amongst the team, based on the sprints style of work – this will create speed, more stakeholders engagement and feedbacks. It will also enable them to quickly “nip in the bud”, any changes associated with element of cost and other deliverables on the project
The agile approach will enable the team to adjust flexibly and fast to volatility associated with the project. Furthermore, they can use this approach to reduce any form of backlog related to their pending WIP, review each members goal, come up with an action plan and chat a way forward in meeting up with the project timeline
Lastly, I will advise MTD to start their project using the Linear method and integrate the Iterative method, just to shield against the elements of VUCA
As a project manager in MTD, due to their nature of business as learnt in the study can likened to uncertain and volatile in sense that anything can happen.
I will advise on iterative approach in the sense that there is a need for a feedback with regards to the last event managed as this will help the team to plan using the Agile method to anticipate what other contingency that needs to be cratered for in the event, for example shortage of water, using the loo lights etc.
Applying an iterative and agile approach to setting up an event as a project for MTD, the events company, can offer various benefits and implications.
Iterative Approach:
Benefits:
Progressive Refinement: An iterative approach allows for progressive refinement and improvement of event planning. You can start with a basic plan and gradually build upon it, incorporating feedback and making adjustments along the way.
Enhanced Flexibility: This approach is particularly useful for events that may evolve or change rapidly due to unforeseen circumstances or client requirements. It offers flexibility in adapting to changes as they occur.
Continuous Feedback: Iterative planning encourages constant feedback from stakeholders, clients, and team members, ensuring that the event aligns with expectations and objectives.
Implications:
Increased Collaboration: Iteration requires constant communication and collaboration among team members and stakeholders. This means that your team must be open to frequent discussions and feedback sessions.
Resource Management: Managing resources efficiently is critical as you may need to allocate and reallocate resources based on evolving requirements.
Documentation: Detailed documentation and record-keeping become essential to track the changes, iterations, and feedback received throughout the planning process.
Agile Approach:
Benefits:
Adaptability: The Agile approach is highly adaptable to changes and allows for quick responses to emerging requirements or opportunities.
Client-Centric: It focuses on meeting the client’s needs and aligning the event with their vision by engaging them in regular interactions and reviews.
Incremental Delivery: Agile encourages delivering event components incrementally, providing opportunities for early testing and validation.
Implications:
Continuous Engagement: An Agile approach necessitates ongoing client and stakeholder involvement. This may require additional time and commitment from both the project team and the client.
Team Empowerment: The team must be empowered to make decisions and adapt to changes without requiring constant approvals from higher authorities.
Project Visibility: Agile relies on transparency and visibility, so it’s essential to maintain open communication and documentation to ensure everyone is aware of the project’s progress.
Advice for MTD, the Events Company:
As a Project Manager, considering the nature of MTD’s projects in setting up events, I would advise the company to adopt a flexible and hybrid approach that combines elements of both iterative and Agile methodologies. Here are some key recommendations:
Define Clear Objectives: Start with clear event objectives and client expectations. Regularly engage with clients to understand their evolving needs and expectations.
Iterative Planning: Use iterative planning to break the event setup process into manageable stages. Gather feedback, adapt to changes, and make refinements at each stage.
Agile Principles: Implement Agile principles, such as daily stand-up meetings, continuous client collaboration, and incremental delivery of event components, to ensure alignment with client goals.
Empower Cross-Functional Teams: Empower cross-functional teams to make decisions and adapt to changes on the fly, reducing the need for constant approvals.
Document and Communicate: Maintain detailed documentation of project progress and changes. Ensure consistent communication with all stakeholders to provide visibility into the project.
Client Satisfaction: Prioritize client satisfaction by focusing on delivering value at each stage of the event setup. Continuously seek client feedback and adjust plans accordingly.
Resource Flexibility: Ensure that resources can be flexibly allocated as the project evolves.
By combining iterative and Agile approaches, MTD can better navigate the challenges of event setup projects, maintaining flexibility and client-centricity while effectively managing changes and resource allocation. This will result in more successful and satisfying events for their clients.
For MTD project, the combination of both project management styles will be used.
As a project manager for MTD, the method I will use that can help are both the linear and interactive method to bring out the desired result and outcome suitable for the stakeholders and also the users…. using both method will also help meet the needs of stakeholders, the organizational value, norms and ethics.
As A project manager , having a very good information and understanding of the project, goals , situation and expected output n outcome from d beginning will also help the team to make the project a reality…
The lmplicatation of using iterative approach will help the team to see the impact on the customers and also get feedback from them
As a project manager of MTD, having a deep understanding and knowledge of the environment and scope of the project,
I will start by using the itractive and the linesr method, were the project will be divided into mini project and team project teams present reviews and latest work to stakeholders to give visibility and ensuring the project is on track to achieve the desired result…
there are lots of advantages wen combined..such as .
testing ideas n learning about user requirements,
Accelerating Delivery of project output
improving stakeholders engagement
increasing visibility and Transparency
increasing accountability
the implications of Agile….
A key characteristics of Agile is it interactive nature, that is we can get feedback at d right time and to make sure we are building the right solution for the right people . Also it helps in the way we discover risk as we go, also monitor them as early as possible, then taking the necessary action.
The company should
look into the environment and study it properly,
Effective communications among project team members and stakeholders
Always make resources available for the smooth running of the project
Weekly or monthly reviews by project team should be encouraged in other to know the process of work and if the project is on the right direction.
channels for feedback should be created and used to gather more information as the project progresses
Considering the difficulties and problems that MTD encounters in its projects, I would advise using agile method of project management, because the types of services they provide require constant and ample feedback from their customers. Also, agile techniques are ideally adapted to manage the uncertainties and changing requirements that frequently accompany projects in dynamic environments because of their focus on adaptation, cooperation, and iterative development.
The following could be the consequences of planning MTD events using iterative method: scope creep, financial strain, and extended timelines. The positive implications however, outweigh the negatives. The following would be the merits of adopting iterative approach:
• Likely risks are quickly identified and addressed, because of the regular assessments of the project.
• There is continuous improvement
• Resources are better allocated
• Customer Engagement
• Open lines of communication