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.
If I was called upon to give advice on the MTD water supply project, I will advise that the project adopt a linear approach in order to get a predictable outcome. The project has the tendency to be volatile and ambiguous considering it has to do with the supply of clean water. Let us also put into consideration the unpredictable outcome of the lab tests. What if the lab says the water is no good?
Agile approach will be best approach to the project.
As a Project Manager collaborating with MTD the events company. Looking at the complexity of jobs MTD undertakes, the combination of Linear and Agile approaches in project managements would be my choice for the following reasons;
the application of Linear method may not be feasible due to uncertainty and volatility situations that may arise and cannot be addressed adequately by it. However, Agile due to its flexibility can address issues of uncertainty and volatility associated with most projects. Choosing Agile method would promote flexibility but this may affect time, costs and leading to scope creep ultimately impacting on projects outcomes.
Furthermore, I would suggest for a hybrid approach, that is the combination and application of the characteristics of both Linear and Agile approaches that would provide an excellent project delivery meeting time, cost, scope and outcomes.
I thinka hybrid approach would be the best solution. The stakeholders are aware the I’m gonna provide them water (speaking as a project manager ), they might not want to know the processes but want results. They might not have time for reviews and all, but they know what they want from the project. My advice would be to never stop the water from flowing. Get it running, and go back again and check what might go wrong and begin to fix even before anything is noticed. Have backups for many process or equipments that is being used. Prolly extra stations, another independent Lab etc..
So far I’ve learnt that in the practice of project lifecycles, combining practice (using hybrid) would be of immense benefit that suits different environments, taking into cognizance current realities.
Looking at how MTD operates, applying a combination practice (linear and agile method) would best apply, considering the fact that the linear alone will not grant a breakthrough in volatile and uncertain circumstances. Though the agile alone is flexible, there’s a pull back on time and budget. To this end, a hybrid method with the VUCA framework would best handle MTD challenges and enhance effective planning and execution.
As a Project Manager collaborating with MTD, here are my insights:
Enhanced Communication & Stakeholder Management:
Streamline internal communication and bridge gaps for better collaboration.
Engage everyone involved in the project to ensure comprehensive stakeholder management.
Improved Risk Management & Contingency Planning:
Conduct thorough assessments to identify potential risks.
Build flexible plans and monitor progress closely to respond quickly to unforeseen issues.
Optimized Resource Allocation & Budgeting:
Analyze data to identify cost-saving opportunities.
Track spending meticulously to avoid budget overruns.
Enhanced Logistics & Operational Efficiency:
Refine procedures to improve operational efficiency.
Utilize technology and provide staff training for optimized logistics.
Building Strong Client Relationships:
Manage client expectations effectively.
Gather feedback and strive to deliver results that exceed expectations.
Iterative vs. Agile Approaches:
Iterative:
Pros: More structured and predictable, suitable for complex events.
Cons: Requires extensive upfront planning, less adaptable to changes.
Agile:
Pros: Highly adaptable, quick response to changes, embraces collaboration.
Cons: Increased risk of scope creep, requires strong communication and leadership.
Recommendation – Hybrid Approach:
Start with iterative planning for essential elements like infrastructure and budget.
Embrace agile principles for execution, including flexible staffing and sprint-based tasks.
Prioritize strong communication and stakeholder engagement throughout the project.
This hybrid approach combines the structured nature of iterative planning with the adaptability of agile execution, offering the best of both worlds for addressing MTD’s challenges.
In adopting agile approach for setting up project, iterative methodology is key, As the project manager for the MDT I would select and adapts the best method as necessary, This involves using iterative methods for environmental considerations and agile practices for client collaboration, transparency, and satisfaction. Key recommendations include forming cross-functional teams, incorporating continuous feedback loops, adopting adaptive planning, integrating technology, and prioritizing stakeholder engagement.
Nevertheless, I will recommend the hybrid approach, as this will allow MTD proceed with its normal operations using the linear and adjust under necessary circumstances.
If i were to advise MTD, the iterative approach will be adopted the its projects, This is because quite a number of factors are unpredictable and unstable. The speed of delivery is also important to the sponsors and on a number of occasions, innovation is required to deliver the outcome of the events.
Due to the flexibility that may be required to reach the defined goals, iterative approach is fit for the nature of the projects they carry out.
Considering the nature of the job MTD does, the Linear and agile method would be the best fit for the job as using linear alone will cause a lot of challenges as events are uncertain and volatile which requires flexibility which the linear doesn’t offer.
Also adopting just the agile approach would promote flexibility but the time and budget might also be affected.
I would rather adopt the hybrid approach, which combines linear and agile using the VUCA framework to tackle best the challenges faced by MTD events and for effective planning of events, also maintaining a structured organization to manage uncertainties.
In adopting agile approach for setting up project, iterative methodology is key. This helps mitigate risk in that issue are quickly identified and treated through scrume-framework. This guarantee feedback from customers or users and in turn,helps deliver outputs regularly.
Considering the challenges of MTD, I have learnt that in managing a project,a choice should not be made between using either linear or agile approach rather a healthy combination of linear ,iterative and hybrid approach would best suit prevailing and ever dynamic environment.
As a Project Manager, I will use both methods as the working environment differs and I will advise MTD to do the same.