Comparison of Traditional and Nontraditional Project Management

Jacob Wright

Southern New Hampshire University

QSO 435: Adaptive Project Management

Professor DeStefano

2 July 2023

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Traditional Project Management (TPM)

Linear and sequential approach

Emphasis on detailed planning upfront

Fixed scope and requirements

Rigid and hierarchical structure

Emphasis on documentation and processes

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TPM follows a linear and sequential strategy. It follows a structured approach since it completes each project phase before moving on. This approach is often referred to as the waterfall model, as it flows from one phase to another in a cascading manner. TPM places a premium on planning. A detailed project plan with objectives, deliverables, timetable, and resources is established before the project begins (Agbejule & Lehtineva, 2022). This planning phase establishes a clear project roadmap and ensures everyone understands the project's goals and expectations.

TPM usually sets the project's scope and requirements at the start. The project team attempts to define and document the scope in detail, allowing limited possibility for alterations or adjustments as the project develops. TPM frequently has a hierarchical structure (Agbejule & Lehtineva, 2022). There is a clear chain of command with well-defined tasks and responsibilities for each team member. The project manager or higher-up makes decisions, and information flows down.

TPM prioritizes documentation and process adherence. Project charters, plans, and reports are created to ensure that project operations are well-documented and traceable (Agbejule & Lehtineva, 2022). Processes and procedures guide project execution and assure quality and consistency.

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Adaptive Project Management (APM)

Iterative and flexible approach

Emphasis on collaboration and adaptability

Dynamic scope and requirements

Self-organizing and cross-functional teams

Emphasis on delivering customer value

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Adaptive project management (APM), or Agile, emphasizes iterative and adaptable project execution. Unlike conventional project management (TPM), which follows a linear and sequential procedure, APM encourages cooperation and adaptation, allowing teams to adjust quickly to changes and uncertainty (Grebić, 2019). Sprints or iterations are an essential feature of APM. Instead of specifying and planning every project component, APM allows for continual input and adjustments throughout the project lifecycle (Grebić, 2019). APM's project scope and requirements are flexible. By accepting dynamic scope and requirements, APM allows teams to adjust fast and efficiently, lowering the risk of delivering outdated or unneeded functionality.

APM fosters self-organizing and cross-functional teams to enable its adaptability (Grebić, 2019). These teams can make decisions and assume responsibility for project success. Team members collaborate and innovate with this method. APM allows teams to use multiple skill sets and viewpoints to solve problems and make decisions. APM prioritizes fast customer value delivery. Customer happiness and involvement are crucial to the process. APM makes ensuring customers' and stakeholders' demands are met by involving them throughout the project.

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Pros and Cons of Traditional Project Management

Pros:

Clearly defined scope and requirements

Detailed planning and documentation

Well-suited for stable and predictable projects

Cons:

Limited flexibility and adaptability

Difficulty accommodating changes

Longer project timelines

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Traditional project management (TPM) is extensively utilized and effective in specific project circumstances. TPM's ability to establish clear scope and requirements is one of its benefits. Project managers may plan and document precisely in projects with great stability and predictability.

TPM works well in stable, predictable projects where scope and needs are well-defined and unlikely to change (Agbejule & Lehtineva, 2022). It enables teams to work linearly, step-by-step, building on each part of the project. This systematic strategy helps retain control and ensure project progress.

However, TPM is not flexible or adaptable (Agbejule & Lehtineva, 2022). Changes are likely in dynamic and uncertain project contexts, and adapting them within a TPM framework can be difficult. The focus on extensive upfront planning can make it difficult to incorporate new requirements or react to changing circumstances without interrupting the project deadline.

The project team must go through official change request processes and get permissions when modifications occur, which can delay TPM (Agbejule & Lehtineva, 2022). This can hinder development with bureaucratic impediments. Following processes and documenting can also inhibit creativity and innovation, reducing the team's ability to respond to new possibilities and problems. TPM's project deadlines are longer than adaptive project management's. The project's capacity to respond swiftly to market demands, customer input, and company priorities may be hindered by its inflexibility.

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Pros and Cons of Adaptive Project Management

Pros:

Flexibility and adaptability to changes

Collaboration and customer involvement

Shorter project timelines

Cons:

Ambiguous scope and requirements

Potential for scope creep

Requires skilled and self-organizing teams

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Adaptive project management (APM) has many advantages compared to traditional project management (Agbejule & Lehtineva, 2022). Agile APM methods handle projects with changing requirements. APM helps teams respond rapidly to new information and consumer input by embracing change and using iterative development cycles.

APM emphasizes teamwork and customer interaction, which is another benefit (Agbejule & Lehtineva, 2022). Team members, stakeholders, and customers work closely with APM approaches. APM helps deliver a product that fulfills customer expectations by incorporating the customer throughout the project (Agbejule & Lehtineva, 2022). Customer satisfaction and stakeholder buy-in increase with this engagement.

Flexibility, cooperation, and faster project schedules are all possible with APM. APM's iterative and progressive approach delivers benefits in smaller chunks (Grebić, 2019). Teams can release quicker and more often by chunking the project and prioritizing features or deliverables. It is crucial to note that APM has its issues. An issue is uncertain scope and requirements. Unlike traditional project management, APM accepts shifting requirements. This can cause ambiguity, which can test the team. It takes excellent communication and collaboration to ensure everyone knows the project's aims and expectations.

Scope creep can be a problem if not managed. Due to APM's emphasis on adaptability, stakeholders may add new features or requirements throughout the project. Scope management and prioritizing are essential to avoid scope creep and preserve project focus. Last, skilled and self-organizing teams are needed to apply APM. Self-management and cross-functional collaboration are encouraged by APM methods (Grebić, 2019). Empowering team members to make decisions and own their work is essential. APM thrives when teams can operate autonomously and adapt to changing circumstances, which can be difficult for less experienced or traditional project management teams (Grebić, 2019).

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Conclusion

Adaptive Project Management (APM) excels in flexibility and adaptability.

APM encourages collaboration and consumer involvement.

Project timelines are shorter with APM.

APM challenges include dealing with uncertain scope and requirements, potential scope creep, and requiring experienced and self-organizing teams.

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In conclusion, Adaptive Project Management (APM) has numerous benefits over traditional project management (Grebić, 2019). APM's flexibility and adaptability make it suited for projects with changing requirements. It boosts client satisfaction by encouraging collaboration and involvement throughout the project. APM also speeds up delivery and market response by reducing project timescales (Grebić, 2019).

It is crucial to understand APM's challenges. Effective communication and teamwork are needed to clarify project goals while dealing with uncertain scopes and requirements. Another issue is scope creep, which requires strong scope management and prioritization. Finally, self-organizing, skilled teams are needed to execute APM successfully.

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References

Agbejule, A., & Lehtineva, L. (2022). The Relationship between Traditional Project management, Agile Project Management and Teamwork Quality on Project Success. International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 30(7), 124–136. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijoa-02-2022-3149

Grebić, B. (2019). Traditional vs Agile Project Management in the Service Sector. European Project Management Journal, 9(2), 55–63. https://doi.org/10.18485/epmj.2019.9.2.6

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