Project management is essential for businesses of any size, especially on larger undertakings when there’s significant financial investment tied to the success of the project.
Of course, choosing a methodology can be difficult, and it’s something that requires a fair amount of thought. In many cases, these frameworks can become the default project management tool for all future endeavours, so choosing the best one is key.
This article will explore the AGILE method, the differences from similar frameworks and how it can actually be helpful when used in a project. By knowing how AGILE works, it can become far more effectively utilised.
Understanding AGILE
AGILE offers a different approach to other project management frameworks, with the key focus being on assessment through the development lifecycle. Essentially, regular iterations are performed where teams must develop incremental improvements for products that can also be implemented and shipped in a short timeframe.
This focus on work cycle repetition as well as the products developed, as a result, is called iterative project management. Essentially, it means that every aspect of an undertaking is revisited time and again to ensure it’s still meeting pre-determined objectives.
As such, if there’s an issue encountered or the project needs to be taken in a new direction, time is available to do so.
AGILE is most commonly used in software development projects, as this type of undertaking involves a degree of unpredictability.
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What is Scrum?
When researching AGILE, companies may come across Scrum, a method of introducing the AGILE practices into a business environment. Scrum is straight-forward and flexible and utilises AGILE in the form of short iterations.
Scrum is one of the many approaches to the AGILE method of management, alongside DSDM Atern, XP and Crystal.
The ease of use makes Scrum a good launching point into the AGILE method.
How does Scrum differ from PRINCE2?
The range of project management methodologies can it hard to discern differences, but there are key points of distinction that businesses need to be aware of. This is especially true when comparing the tool to PRINCE2.
AGILE offers a far more distinct program than PRINCE2 and the associated training courses, promising greater flexibility when used in a project. For example, deliverables can be produced without the need for major reworking, making it useful when the project takes a different turn.
Tasks can also be broken down into smaller and more manageable stages, allowing risk reduction by way of earlier assessment. However, AGILE can set unattainable expectations in place if it’s not fully understood by those using it.
In addition, AGILE is most beneficial to software development, and PRINCE2 could be a more appropriate general framework for businesses.
How does AGILE help a project?
Adaptability is key in a modern business environment, especially when the requirements of a project are prone to change. In these areas, AGILE can be most useful.
AGILE can assist business projects in the following ways:
Delivering improved communications: Communications are improved by correctly identifying and informing stakeholders, conducing planned work reviews at all appropriate organisational levels and holding daily communications with the team
Building trusted teams: Teams utilising AGILE are self-directed and empowered, with managers that facilitate teams without needing to direct them. In addition, there also fixed time scales and budgets to ensure projects come in as expected.
Regardless of whether PRINCE2 training has already been performed, it’s a good idea to consider the benefits of AGILE. This is a robust approach to project management that’s designed to handle the modern, ever-changing project environment.
When used alongside PRINCE2, businesses have a tool that can be used to improve project delivery and success.