Agile project management vs traditional project management

Due to the rapidly changing nature of markets, project management is one of the most crucial aspects of running a business. An increasing number of projects involve teams that only work together for that specific project. As a result, more businesses are searching for effective methodologies to manage projects as hassle-free as possible. In the past, the standard approach was the traditional project management methodology. However, the agile project management approach has surged in popularity among project managers in recent years.

In this article, we’ll explore the traditional project management and the agile project management approaches, their advantages, and the differences between them.

What Is Traditional Project Management?

Traditional project management is a linear approach to a project. Projects that use this approach follow processes in a rigid and sequential manner. The cycle of project management: initiation, definition, design, development, implementation, and follow-up always occur in that order under the traditional project management approach.

Under this top-down project management approach, everything is planned ahead of time. “Project managers who employ the traditional project management methodology must define the project and set the fixed requirements beforehand.” explains David Hillman, a business writer at 1 Day 2 write and Write my X. “The team must then follow the steps in order and complete each one before moving on to the next one.”

The Benefits of Traditional Project Management

While it may be declining in popularity, there are still many advantages to the traditional project management methodology.

Clarity

One of the most significant advantages of the traditional project management methodology is its predictability. Since the scope and fixed requirements of the project are defined by the project manager, it leaves little room for confusion or guesswork. Everyone clearly knows what to expect.

Direction

Due to the sequential nature of this approach, members of the team know exactly what steps to complete in a particular phase of the project before they can move on to the next one. The project manager defines the requirements of the project, so each member is clearly aware of their responsibilities.

Control

Another benefit of the traditional project management approach for project managers is the excellent degree of control. Project managers can define the requirements of the project, and the direction they want their team to take in advance.

Accountability

Since the project manager controls almost every single aspect of the project, there is a high level of accountability in projects using the traditional management approach. The success of the project is determined by the decisions of the project manager.

What Is Agile Project Management?

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In contrast, agile project management takes a more collaborative approach to projects. It relies heavily on the feedback of customers and collaboration from members of the team. “The agile project management methodology relies on flexibility for the project to succeed.” according to Ronald Herrera, a tech blogger at Brit Student and Next Coursework. “Each time it adapts to change, the product improves.”

It abides by four values:

•        Instead of processes and tools, this approach to management chooses to value individuals and interactions. 
•        The agile project management approach values working software more than comprehensive documentation.
•        Rather than negotiating contracts with customers, projects under agile project management prefers collaborating with customers.
•        This approach also chooses to adapt to change instead of rigidly following a defined plan.

The Benefits Of Agile Project Management

Many project managers turn to agile project management for its numerous advantages.

Flexibility

One of the biggest allures of the agile project management methodology is its flexibility. This allows projects to respond quickly to any unexpected changes it encounters. This is extremely valuable in today’s constantly changing markets.

Collaboration

This approach encourages members of the team as well as clients to influence the direction of the project.

Feedback

Since this approach welcomes valuable feedback from both clients and team members, this allows the project to continuously improve and reach its full potential.

Customer Engagement

Under this approach, clients are involved throughout the entire process. This allows them to shape the finished product to their satisfaction.  

Conclusion

For many project managers, the flexibility of the agile project management approach is preferable to the more rigid structure of the traditional project management approach. Despite this, the traditional project management methodology is not without its merits. It tends to be more cost-effective and more suitable for small  projects due to its predictability. However, in most circumstances, the agile project management approach does indeed offer more advantages.

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About Author :

Michael Dehoyos is a business development manager at Phd Kingdom and Write my thesis . He assists companies drive business growth and research new opportunities, and contributes to numerous sites and publications. Also, he is a writer at Origin Writings .