Project management is done using different methods. The two main methods used for project management are agile and traditional. It is very important to understand the different aspects of a project for proper management. Both agile and traditional method have their pros and cons. In this article, we will learn about agile vs. traditional project management in detail. Most businesses are looking for the right approach and processes that can help them to run their business successfully. Anyone who wants to choose the right approach for running a business should consider different factors such as the type of business and its needs.
Project management is an important step for any kind of project. It is necessary for running a business efficiently. It does not matter if your business is small or large, project management is an important strategy needed to run a business.
Traditional Project Management
This method uses a rigid approach to project management. It uses a complete set of rules and steps to finish a project. The project is completed in fixed steps. The different steps used for project management in the traditional method include planning, designing, building, testing, acceptance by the user, deployment, release, etc. In this method, the budget and time are fixed beforehand. This causes problems in the future. Due to a fixed budget, the project gets delayed. It is difficult to use the traditional method for completing complex projects because there is no chance of changing the plan.
Agile Project Management
Working on a new project and introducing a new product into the market is an arduous task. You have to make a plan, execute it on time, analyze it and reach the final goal. It is difficult to move on step by step because people do not want to wait. They need quick delivery of the projects and it is difficult to submit the projects using traditional techniques. You can compete in the market if you are still using traditional project management techniques.
Due to this, agile project management techniques are becoming more popular day by day. This method uses quick techniques to make the process easy. A person can easily make changes in the plan when using this method for project management. This method works successfully as it gives flexibility and teamwork. When using this method, you can submit a project on time.
In this method, you do not work alone but you work with the customer throughout the process which helps you in getting the review immediately or before launching the project in the market. Different types of agile project management methods are used in the industry. This helps in reducing time, enhances the satisfaction of customers, and helps in quick decision-making.
There are a lot of differences between agile and traditional project management methods. Now, we will look into the main differences that exist between the two methods:
Flexibility
Traditional project management methods are not as flexible as agile methods. When working on a project if a team wants to make any changes in the plan it is allowed in the agile management but not in the traditional method. Agile methods of project management do not use a fixed structure which is preferred over the traditional methods.
Transparency
The methods used in agile project management are transparent. The different members of the team, customers, product owners, and customers take part in planning and making changes if required. Every member of the team can monitor the different steps used in the project management and make a decision. On the other hand, the project manager is the only person who has to make all the necessary decisions related to the project. He/she is the one who looks after the working of the project and other members of the team do not have any information about the progress of the project.
Feedback
When you are using traditional methods of project management, you work according to a fixed plan and there is no chance of making any changes in between. You have to work on a fixed budget and it does not allow you to make changes after getting feedback from the client and this will delay the release of the product. But, when you are using the agile method of project management, you can get feedback from the customers, and you can make changes based on the feedback. Getting regular feedback will help you to get the desired results and you can release the product on time. This is the reason why most companies are using agile project management methods rather than traditional methods.
The Complexity Of The Project
Traditional methods are not useful for managing complex projects because it uses a step-by-step method to finish the project. It is not possible to make immediate changes therefore it is not suitable for managing complex projects. But, the agile method of project management is the right approach for managing complex projects because in this method feedback and regular monitoring of the different phases can help to make immediate changes and send the project on time.
Satisfaction Of The Customer
Customers are involved throughout the project when agile methods are used. The agile approach is focused on meeting the needs of the customer by working on their feedback after each step. The feedback given by the customers helps the agile team to work effectively. The team also understands the needs and expectations of the customers and offers them high-quality products. Thus, customer involvement is more in the agile method. In the traditional method, customers are not involved in the project. Even the team members are not aware of the changes and steps needed to complete the project because the entire project is looked after by the project manager.
Accountability And Ownership
In the agile management process, every team member is the owner and has the accountability to handle and look after the project. Every member of the agile team plays an important role in project management. In the traditional method of project management, the project is handled by the project manager and other team members follow the instructions given by the project manager.
In conclusion, the agile method of project management is more popular because in this method developers and clients are involved through the process which results in getting more fruitful results.
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