Modern project managers have been dealing with one question for years: Traditional or agile? - Which method is better? We have the answer! Just answer these 10 questions to find out whether you should plan your project agile or traditional.
Traditional or Agile? - 10 Questions to Find Out Which PM Method Is Right for Your Project
Annalena Simonis, Thursday 30 July 2020 | Reading time: 4 min.Traditional vs. agile project management. The discussion about the right method has divided the industry. The answer to this question is usually a list of the differences, followed by the note: It always depends on the specific project. Your project determines the project management method and not the other way around. The key question is therefore: Which method fits your specific project? To answer this question, this article takes you one step further and helps you find out which method fits your project better by answering 10 questions.
You can easily distinguish between traditional and agile project management approaches by some project-specific characteristics and features:
| Traditional PM | Agile PM | |
| Planning | Fixed scope, estimated schedule | Fixed schedule, estimated scope |
| Organization | Permanent team with fixed project manager | Smaller dynamic teams |
| Customer involvement | At the beginning and at the end (if necessary also during the project phase), Planning builds on the customer requirements at the beginning of the project |
Regularly, Quick adaptation to possible changes in customer requirements |
| Employees | Specialists | Multi-functional |
| Process flow | Linear | Cyclic |
| Project scope | Defined at the beginning, organizational projects with a clear goal | Variable, larger change and transformation projects |
| Project cost | Defined at the beginning | Variable/ was determined |
| Controlling | Independent phase after completion | Continuous process during the project |
| Results | At the end of the project | Frequently, in incremental packages |
| Responsiveness | Plan modifications can take a long time | Flexible development process |
Table: Inloox based on www.cio.de
Agile project management is characterized by flexibility and adaptability, whereas the traditional method is based on phased planning. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. So how do you decide which method is better suited for your project? Based on the above mentioned most important criteria, we have created 10 elementary questions that you need to ask yourself in relation to your project. Answer each question with "Yes" or "No" and circle or mark your choice. Then add up the number of answers per column. Depending on which side (green or blue) you have marked more answers decides which PM method fits your project better.
Inforaphic: InLoox based on www.cio.de
Share this Image On Your Site
You do not have to commit yourself 100% to one method. Many projects benefit from a combination of both approaches. This is what is commonly called the hybrid method. You get away from the traditional vs. agile way of thinking and move towards a combination of traditional and agile approach. It’s possible to use the hybrid project management method to plan projects in InLoox. Features such as the Kanban board and task lists, facilitate agile project management. Traditional methods can be implemented with the planning feature by visualizing your project in structured phases in Gantt charts.
Also read other articles about this topic:
