loginAgile vs Traditional Project Management : a guide to choose
This article explores the key characteristics of agile and traditional project management methodologies, frameworks or approaches and provide an overview and guidance on the factors to consider when selecting the methodology that best suits your needs.
Agile and traditional project management have become widely discussed topics in recent years. Often, the focus is on how to fully transition to the Agile method, but is it always the best choice?
Actually, some projects still require the rigor and precision of a traditional approach. For example, updating a financial system may require specific documentation to comply with current regulations.
So, how do you decide which approach to adopt? Is it possible to use both methods? And what if you want to switch from a traditional method to Agile halfway through a project?
In this article, we will guide you in choosing the most suitable method, considering key factors like risk level, uncertainty, and delivery speed. Keep in mind that the ideal approach should always be tailored to the specific needs of your organization.
WHAT IS TRADITIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT?
Project management is a discipline that encompasses a set of established practices, tools, and techniques for managing a project. A project is a temporary effort to create something unique, such as a product, service, or result.
In many projects, like infrastructure construction, it’s possible to define all the requirements of the final product upfront and plan the project in detail. It is also assumed that there will be few changes along the way, making the project development predictable. The entire project lifecycle is divided into multiple phases, and the work is completed phase by phase.
In these cases, a typical phase sequence might look like:
- Project initiation
- Planning
- Execution
- Monitoring
- Project closure
Traditional project management uses a waterfall model, where each phase must be completed before moving on to the next. Tools such as the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Gantt charts are commonly used.
A traditional project management methodology is often presented as a complete toolkit, which includes:
- Principles
- Processes
- Procedures
- Guidelines
- Templates
- Checklists
- Tools
- Role and responsibility definitions
These procedures can be compiled into a project management manual, which provides a step-by-step guide for managing projects.
Traditional Project Management courses available on iLEARN® include:
WHAT IS AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT?
The Agile Manifesto (2001) defines the core values of this approach:
- Individuals and interactions are more important than processes and tools.
- Working software is more important than comprehensive documentation.
- Customer collaboration is more important than contract negotiation.
- Responding to change is more important than following a plan.
Although it originated in software development, the Agile Manifesto also applies to project management. Agile methods reinterpret elements of traditional project management by simplifying processes and procedures.
There are many Agile methods, each with its own characteristics and features. Among the most widely used are Scrum, Kanban, Extreme Programming (XP), Lean Software Development, and Crystal.
WHICH AGILE COURSE TO CHOOSE?
AgileLearn® courses offer a great overview of Agile management approaches and how to use them in project management and other contexts. There are also courses dedicated to each specific Agile project management method:
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AGILE AND TRADITIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- Detail and Documentation: Agile methods are less detailed and focus more on human interactions than rigid processes. There are fewer specific models and procedures compared to the traditional approach.
- Planning and Adaptability: Agile prioritizes the rapid delivery of a working product and continuously adapts to changes, unlike the detailed upfront planning of traditional methods.
- Continuous Review: Agile teams continuously review and improve both the product and process through "lessons learned" (retrospectives) at the end of each iteration.
- Myths to Dispel: Contrary to popular belief, Agile includes planning, even if iterative, and requires the presence of a project manager, although in a different role, focusing on leadership and supporting the team.
- Requirements and Documentation: Detailed requirements are not defined at the start of an Agile project; they evolve during iterations in close collaboration with the client.
WHEN TO CHOOSE AGILE VS TRADITIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT?
- Clarity of Requirements: An Agile approach works better when requirements are unclear or subject to change, while the traditional approach is more suitable when requirements can be clearly defined at the start of the project.
- Technology: Agile allows more experimentation with new technologies. When technology is not new, a traditional approach may be more appropriate.
- Risk: In general, when there is high risk, a traditional project management approach may be more suitable because it rigorously plans every aspect. However, if the risk is related to uncertain requirements or market conditions, Agile's flexibility and adaptability can be valuable.
- Criticality of the Final Product or Service: Because there is less documentation, an Agile approach may not be suitable for critical products such as drug development or space shuttle components. In these cases, a more traditional approach is preferred.
HYBRID PROJECT MANAGEMENT METHODS AND THEIR ADVANTAGES
Checklists can help evaluate a project's factors to choose the best approach, but it's also essential to consider the sponsors' familiarity with the chosen method. Sponsors accustomed to the traditional approach may resist change, requiring careful communication about the benefits of Agile.
In some cases, the project manager might adopt a hybrid approach, combining traditional and Agile elements to meet the needs of all stakeholders. Hybrid approaches, combining aspects of both methodologies, are becoming increasingly common in organizations.
- Advantages of Both Approaches: Each approach has its advantages, so it's important to understand them to choose the right one for each project.
- Agile vs Traditional: Agile is suited for smaller teams and projects with unclear or high-risk requirements, while traditional is preferable for complex projects, larger teams, and stable environments.
- Scalability of Agile: Agile methodologies are evolving to accommodate large organizations and complex projects.
- Speed and Flexibility: Agile is not always the fastest approach, as flexibility may lead to starting over if the first version doesn't meet requirements.
- Projects with External Vendors: The traditional approach is often more suitable when parts of the project are outsourced to external vendors, as it requires a clear definition of work and contractual conditions.
To learn more, read our guide on How to choose your Project Management framework and course.