How Agile methodology is redefining Project Management?

As the Agile Manifesto for Software Development indicates, this is only possible if individuals, interactions and customer collaboration come first, before processes, tools and contract negotiations.

In the agile approach, the measure of progress is the ability to deliver working software to the client within a short timescale.

The most significant differences between modern agility and the more traditional project management methodology pertain to:

• Levels of flexibility
  Waterfall development is pretty rigid and offers little to no chance of modifying a preconceived plan, while flexibility and being able to adjust to any changes are key to success, especially since ideas and requirements may evolve over time.

• The nature of the processes
  The waterfall process is divided into several stages, with a single test phase at the end. In the agile process, iterative development consists of several short and effective sprints, including testing and reviewing the assumptions.

• Client engagement
  The agile method puts people first. The client is involved in every stage of development in order to remain fully informed and be able to react quickly when needed. In the waterfall method, the client is present only at the beginning and at the end stages of development.

Each year, nearly 25% of IT projects are either not completed or put on pause. Over half of these issues could be avoided by selecting an appropriate software development model and factoring in aspects such as user engagement/customer value, project requirements, potential for outsourcing software development, and unique business requirements.

Therefore, the agile approach has a pretty big advantage over the waterfall methodology, with five main pros that are definitely worth mentioning.

Why is Agile so popular among project managers in software development?

In the current business environment, agile methodologies have gained popularity among project managers due to their flexibility and adaptability to changes, which are crucial for success.

Furthermore, agile methodology promotes a collaborative approach emphasising continuous feedback and iterative progress. Breaking projects into smaller, more manageable tasks enables agile teams to focus on delivering high-quality results in short cycles, known as sprints, while prioritising tasks that deliver the most business value reduces the risk of project overruns.

In addition, transparency and regular communication build trust among stakeholders and provide ongoing progress updates. All these benefits make agile a highly effective approach for managing modern, dynamic projects that require quick adaptation and continuous improvement to ensure customer satisfaction.

5 advantages of agile methodology in project delivery

Agile methodology in project delivery comes with several great benefits that boost project success and efficiency. Here’s a quick look at the five top advantages that make agile a popular choice for project management.

Increased efficiency

The agile software development methodology significantly enhances efficiency by enabling development teams to identify and resolve issues quickly through regular meetings and feedback loops, preventing minor problems from escalating into larger setbacks.

Adopting this approach makes it possible to consistently assess project priorities and ensure that the team’s efforts remain focused on the project’s most crucial and valuable aspects.

Small development teams that incorporate an incremental development strategy are able to collaborate as flawlessly as possible and successively deliver usable versions of the product in a relatively short time span. On average, this strategy is 16% more productive because it requires everyone to stay focused on their own tasks so that the process can move forward without any bigger disruptions.

Predictability and better control

In agile project management, it is not only easier to predict the outcome of single sprint performance but also budgets and timelines for the entire project. Precise estimations are based on, for example, task boards, feedback from daily scrum meetings and the sprint length itself (which should always be constant).

You can also closely monitor the project’s progress and make changes as needed. This helps us avoid any potential issues before they become big problems. Plus, because the agile framework ensures transparency, everyone involved in the project can easily monitor the progress. That way, the whole team can stay on the same page and work together to achieve set goals.

Learn more about agile principles and project team management:

• Agile and Scrum in project delivery

• Faster quality software delivery using agile software development and DevOps

• How to prepare a comprehensive and realistic estimation for a software project?

• What’s the difference between a Project Manager and a Product Manager?

Adaptability

Times are changing, as are project requirements. One cannot know everything beforehand, especially since outsourcing software development is a pretty long process, and many issues (ideas as well!) can emerge out of the blue. A team’s ability to react quickly and adapt to changes can prevent the entire project from falling into crisis.

Agile methodology is like taking small steps towards building a project so you can assess progress and make adjustments as you go. And, when you receive stakeholder or customer feedback, it’s like having a compass that points you in the right direction.

This feedback helps you create something that better meets their changing needs and expectations. By staying flexible and open to opinions, you can avoid potential issues and deliver a product that is relevant and valuable to users.

Increased visibility and transparency

Agile project delivery is a transparent process that engages the client, who can track progress in real-time. Making sure every step is clear and visible is also crucial in terms of project management, governance structure and internal team organisation.

Keeping everyone in the loop is important for any project to succeed. Transparency and open communication between the team and the client build trust, leading to more effective collaboration in resolving any issues that arise.

Additionally, clearly defining project updates allows everyone to anticipate what comes next, making the transition between project stages smoother.

Security and risk management

Agile methodology’s iterative and incremental approach is all about evaluating and adjusting more frequently. This helps to reduce the risks associated with rigid project structures and long-term planning. With more flexibility, unforeseen challenges can be tackled easily, and continuous delivery becomes smoother and more secure.

Whenever there is a possibility of significant changes that may require modifications to the project (which often come up throughout the development process) – the agile strategies are the safest approach one can choose. It’s not even close to being as costly and time-consuming as the waterfall approach, where a few changes can cause the entire project to come to a halt or collapse.

All of these advantages are, of course, highly beneficial to the customer – on many different levels. Let’s see just how, exactly.

5 benefits of Agile for the client and business

Agile methodology offers several key benefits for both clients and companies, enhancing the overall project experience and outcomes. Let’s explore five major benefits that highlight why agile methodologies are highly valued in business circles.

High quality of the product

In agile development, there is a lot of testing, changing and adapting involved. Teams are oriented to deliver not just any product but the best possible solution that a client could expect to receive.

That’s why the process of regular testing and feedback is crucial to ensure a high-quality final product. By catching and fixing issues early on, we can deliver something that not only works but also meets the unique needs of the clients and ensures customer satisfaction.

This focus on quality is a top priority and ensures that customers receive a product that exceeds their expectations.

Increased flexibility

Customers don’t have their hands tied with a rigid plan. If there’s anything they want to modify, they can intervene at any time to make their desired modifications.

This level of flexibility allows for adapting to changing needs or new insights, ensuring the final product is more aligned with what the customer really wants. It also means that unexpected challenges or opportunities can be addressed swiftly without derailing the entire project.

More control over the product development process

By enabling agile practices of collaboration and informed decision-making, clients are empowered to adjust their priorities in response to changing market conditions and business needs. This fosters an environment where clients feel more involved and invested in the development process.

Moreover, thanks to increased visibility, a client knows exactly how far the project has progressed in development, allowing them to determine the priority of the features that are going to be delivered.

Therefore, it is easier to control both the budget and the schedule, not to mention the next course of action.

Lower risks

The risk of failure is reduced to a minimum as the plan is being adjusted and the process corrected on a day-to-day basis.

As mentioned before, when you stay vigilant and adaptable, you can quickly identify and address any potential issues before they have a chance to escalate into major problems. This approach also enables companies to allocate resources more effectively, directing them where they are needed most to minimise risks.

Earlier delivery and faster time to market

A client can have a basic functional product after just a few iterations and quickly obtain a competitive edge. Achieving a 37% faster time-to-market and focusing on business value means that high ROI may come much earlier compared to non-agile methods of project delivery.

In certain industries, being the first to market can make or break a company’s success. That’s why speed and strategic project planning are of the essence.

Early product releases not only gather valuable user feedback but also help improve the product in subsequent iterations. It’s crucial to get the product out there quickly and continue making improvements based on user feedback.

Discover the advantages of Agile methodology with Future Processing!

Wrapping it all up, it is quite safe to say that the agile model is probably the best option in software development. It gives both the clients and the project executors more freedom and peace of mind during the process.

It’s possible to move forward without fear of getting stuck or losing control. But at the same time, one also has to remember that operational agility doesn’t only mean leveraging given tools or practices. It’s first and foremost about having a certain mindset and specific approach to work.

If you’re looking for a way to boost your business, contact Future Processing today!