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.
The challenges and issues faced by MTD, as a project manager, I will ensure that I combine the linear and iterative tools in the implementation of projects.
In the last week, I learnt that using an iterative approach to setting up an event as a project manager with MTD would involve developing the project plan in stages and constantly refining it as the project progresses which would involve breaking the project down into smaller, more manageable tasks, and continuously testing and reviewing each stage along the way.
However, this approach could lead to increased costs and longer project timelines as the constant iterations may prolong the project delivery timeline. In the same vein, an agile approach to setting up an event as a project involves working in short, incremental sprints thereby the team can then focus on delivering a minimum viable product as early as possible, with a plan to add features and functionality in subsequent sprints. This approach could result in faster project delivery, with each sprint producing a functional product that can be tested and reviewed by stakeholders.
If I were asked to advise MTD on which approach to take, I would recommend using a hybrid approach that incorporates elements of both iterative and agile methodologies which would involve breaking down the project into smaller stages and developing a comprehensive project plan at the outset. However, the team would also work in sprints to deliver functional components earlier and iterate on them as necessary. This approach would allow for the benefits of both methodologies while minimizing the downsides.
It’s been an interesting and educative week so far, have learnt that project can be influenced by a lot of factors ranging from technology, government policies,world trade, etc
And as PM, you must learn to be adaptable and flexible in your approach when dealing with projects. Understanding the environment that surrounds the project helps in making right decisions that will help the team delivers quality on time and within budget.
Analysis of the situations/challenges faced during project execution by the environment is key using the VUCA framework which helps to determine the approach to be applied either linear approach or iterative approach or a combination of both
As the PM for MTD, knowing and understanding the problems is key using the VUCA framework to analyze the situations. Then I’ll adopt the iterative approach first in order to get feedback after which the linear approach will be considered in order to get the job done
As a project manager for MTD event
Working with stakeholders to understand the nature of the event will help the project manager for the MTD event create a working plan that demonstrates the delegation of duties. An event involves various departments of engagement and professionals to ensure that everything runs smoothly, including the number of guests, food types, color codes, seating arrangements, and other details. The iterative approach will be used due to the nature of the event, as it allows for flexibility in the event that changes occur during the planning and execution phases. Since human, resources and time management is crucial, the iterative approach is preferable because events are more likely to undergo modifications and because it requires maintaining an open channel of communication for prompt feedback and responses. The agile methodology will be best suitable as changes occurs with minimum time for rectification.
As a project manager for MTB, I will start with the iterative approach and combine it with a linear approach. However, considering events are usually heavily involved with stakeholders, customers and clients the agile method would be adopted to ensure quick sprints, reviews and corrections are made immediately. The agile approach will also be used wheb the event goes live and corrections are needes to be made immediately. I will advise the company bases on their need, project structure and execution on whether or not to use either of the mentioned approach but based on my knowledge of the company and what they do I will recommend the agile method.
The waterfall approach used by MTD in delivering to events will always create hitches in project delivery as the approach will not allow prompt responses to adapt to changes in the supply situation.
If there is a short fall in the quantity of water delivered for processing and onward delivery to clients at the events, a situation that will lead to insufficient supply of potable water to clients at events, the agile approach can be combined with the linear approach can help in service delivery.
Using the agile approach, points at the event where water is required more will be prioritised. While the identified points are being serviced with available water, additional water will be sourced for another cycle till all points get sufficient water.
MTD should combine approaches for better service delivery
This week’s learnings suggest that taking an iterative approach to setting up an event project could offer some valuable benefits for MTD. Iterative project management allows for continuous improvement, flexibility, and adaptation to changing client needs and event dynamics. This means that MTD could refine event plans as they progress, accommodating unforeseen changes or client requests more effectively.
On the other hand, an agile approach emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and customer satisfaction. For MTD, this would involve regular client interactions, short development cycles, and quick response to adjustments, ensuring that the event meets the client’s vision.
If advising MTD, I would recommend a combination of both approaches. Start with an iterative approach for the initial project setup, refining the event’s core components and logistics. Once the event’s framework is well-defined, transition into an agile mode to facilitate real-time collaboration and adaptability, maintaining open communication channels with the client for feedback and changes. This blended approach could enhance the company’s ability to deliver successful events, even in the face of unpredictable challenges.
From this week’s teachings, I would advise MTD to combine both approaches. This is because, while iterative approach allows flexibility and adaptability in order to cater to the clients needs and requests, the agile approach ensures that the project involves regular client interaction to discuss developments at each planning stage so feedbacks and changes are communicated to the client. This will in turn ensure the ability of the company to successfully deliver a project.
If I were to advise the company, I would recommend a hybrid approach that combines iterative and agile methodologies. This would involve breaking down the event planning into iterative phases while embracing agile principles like collaboration and adaptability. This would allow for structured planning while maintaining flexibility and stakeholder involvement, ultimately leading to a more successful event.
As a PM for MTD. My approach will be to identify the problem and challenges, apply the VUCA framework tools in order to develope a suitable response to the problems that has been identified. Then I will apply the iterative and agile approach
As a project manager collaborating with MTD, it is important that the VUCA framework is used to assess and analyse the company’s situation and develop suitable responses to the challenges being confronted with.
If an iterative approach were employed in organizing an event as a project, this method can helpto reduce risk, manage efficiency, and approach problems encountered in a more flexible and dynamic way.
The implications of adopting an agile approach are positive as these help build trust and improve the link between individual efforts and the overall success of the organization.
One key learning is the importance of adaptability and flexibility in project management. Projects are often subject to unexpected changes, client requests, and external factors that can impact the initial plans. Being able to adapt to these changes is crucial for successful project delivery.
If I were to advise MTD, I would recommend combining both iterative and agile approaches in their project management strategies. By breaking down the event setup process into iterative phases and applying agile principles within each phase, MTD can create a flexible and responsive project management framework. This would enable the company to adapt to client requirements, incorporate feedback effectively, and deliver high-quality events within the specified timeframes.
Getting first hand knowledge of the problem is the very first task to delivering a smart project. Both linear and iteratives processes should not be seen as two opposite approaches but instead as an approach that can be used together so as to get accurately results. However, Use of any approach is dependent on some factors that must begin taken into consideration as a project manager