Process Improvement Replies

Key topic explanation: Agile project management

          Agile project management (APM) involves delivering a project through phases that team management employs to support a productivity framework of incremental and continuous progress despite organizational or business setup changes. Agile project management emerged from software development like XP, Cristal, Scrum, and more–which are methodologies of programming based on adaptability to changes to boost the success of a project (Ozkan & Mishra, 2019). APM aims to minimize risks at the execution by developing software iterations with a lifespan of between one to four weeks (Ozkan & Mishra, 2019). Each part of the project encompasses all tasks necessary to accommodate new changes and functionalities. As a result, I am interested in this topic because of how it can be applied in completing projects through phases.

Comparison of Research

          With APM, “a project is completed in stages that last from one to four weeks” (Meredith & Shafer, 2020, p. 67). This was also elaborated in all of the other literatures in this discussion. Team members are given tasks to perform during these stages (Meredith & Shafter, 2020). APM gained popularity in the software industry and is slowly extending into other domains. The application of APM began in the 1990s when software development teams applied it to improve the programming processes for improved adaptability (Hidalgo, 2019). The adoption of the APM method was motivated by the weakness of popular plan-based software like the waterfall, which was often criticized for being rigid to change (Meredith & Shafer, 2020). The APM emphasized teamwork since it focused on the social aspects of software development and channeling co-creation between programmers in self-organized teams (Hidalgo, 2019). Using agile methodology in software development lowers the costs, leads to better quality, productivity and higher business satisfaction (Ozkan & Mishra, 2019). Several APM practices include simple communication tools, project vision, iterative planning, and frequent project plan application while updating and monitoring results. Over the years, APM has extended beyond software to other organizational contexts (Meredith & Shafer, 2020). The technique has been employed in product development, construction projects, and management of projects in libraries, educational projects, and innovation processes.

          The application of APM in these spheres focuses on developing sprint projects that sync with the scrum methodology (Pirro, 2019). However, to track the effectiveness of the project, the adoption of other methods, such as the Kanban board, is crucial for testing practicality and tracking implementation (Pirro, 2019). The process can also entail splitting the work, sprint planning, sprint execution, and weekly scrum to monitor every progress (Pirro, 2019). Buganova and Simickova (2019) stated that in a competitive environment, only those who can manage the risks and realize the project more efficiently will succeed. They were able to show that the APM can reduce risks in projects (Buganova & Simickova, 2019). Loiro et al (2019) also stated that it is essential that teams have a good communication, motivation and concern about quality and client satisfaction. By using the APM this can make the team communicate and perform difficult tasks and achieve goals (Loiro et al., 2019).

Article Summary

          Hidalgo (2019) performed a case study exploring the adoption of APM in “distributing research initiatives, especially the appropriation of the scrum framework as a coordination and communication solution for management of collaborative interdisciplinary projects” (p.22). The scrum framework is “a specific set of agile principles and practices for self-organizing cross-functional teams in software development projects” (Hidalgo, et al., 2019, para.1). The research addressed the extent to which primary principles employed in the scrum framework can create positive dynamics and efficiency in collaboration and coordination of tasks when researching a particular process. The article examined responses from 17 researchers, used participant observations, and used analysis of online activity (Hidalgo et al., 2019). Using these methods they presented a case study on the practices in a distributed research center designed to evaluate public policies. Their results showed that, “agile methods and principles for interdisciplinary collaboration requires a high degree of flexibility and a learn-by-doing approach” (Hidalgo et al., 2019, para.1).

          The article first discussed the team-based collaboration and why it is important in organizations in research projects. The article then discussed the APM method and its origins in software development such as Scrum. They further discuss how APM is also breaking into other domains (construction, education, and venture capital). The article then discussed the scrum framework. The scrum methodology “facilitates the coordinated activity of programmers who break their work into small tasks called ‘sprints’, tracking progress and re-planning in meetings in order to develop products incrementally” (Hidalgo et al., 2019, p.5). The author further discussed the key characteristics to develop successful innovative products consisted of; stability, self-organizing teams, overlapping development phases, multi-learning, subtle control and organizational transfer of learning (Hidalgo et al., 2019).The article then uses these characteristics to show how it is used in the scrum framework.

          This article also highlighted the challenges of APM adoption in a distributed research organization setup. These include the need for balance, online and offline content, trust in relationships, and types of research, among many others. Thus from the observation, APM is suitable for organizations that work in changing and complex settings with a capacity for flexibility. However, the process requires a high level of flexibility, although it is easy to implement and transfer in an organization.

Biblical Integration

          Like the agile model, the Bible directs in 1st Corinthians 14:40 that “everything should be done in a fitting and orderly manner” (King James Bible, 1611/2017). This is because to achieve something, there is a high level of order required around the family. This is also needed in the APM with order and stages being needed to complete the project. In addition, Mathew 6:1 states “take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven” (King James Bible, 1611/2017). This indicates that an individual who practices righteousness to be seen by other people does not have any reward. This can be integrated with APM by doing a good job on the project and not expecting much in return other than an accomplished project. The last verse 1st John 3:5 states, “Jesus answered, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (King James Bible, 1611/2017). This indicates that Jesus dies to wash our sins, and as a result, this can apply to the model. These three entail the strength to lead a nation. In APM this indicates to be ethical and righteous in our projects with the goal of a completed project for the organization and not just one’s own benefit.

Application of APM

          Agile project management has wide applications in real-world business. In this discussion examples were given of APM being used in technology, education and construction. Agile manufacturing is intended to increase the speed at which employees in an organization perform tasks and achieve their goals. In a construction project each stage would need to be completed and verified quality work was performed before the next stage began. Construction projects usually have a planning phase, a design phase, the construction phase, and a testing phase which leads to the completion. During these construction phases there are multiple changes/improvements and workers working simultaneously on different subprojects. Having these stages in place for construction projects allows the job to be followed closely and is performed faster.

          With the increasing globalization in the world and marketing becoming unstable, finding ways to meet customer requirements is necessary. Agile productivity entails responsiveness and flexibility while incorporating adaptive capability. Employees can understand the various methods involved in the production system and can be critiqued on each stage. The method provides solutions to customer needs by improving efficiency and closely engaging them in production. Thus, agile manufacturing is highly suited to responding to unpredictability and complexity in different environments. It depends on the interaction of several companies–hence it is a competitive advantage.  

Annotated Bibliography

Buganová, K., & Šimíčková, J. (2019). Risk management in traditional and agile project management.  Transportation Research Procedia,  40, 986-993.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2019.07.138 Links to an external site.

The source plays a crucial role in helping us understand the various traditional methods of project management and the modern ways of using the agile project management model. In addition, it highlights what has stimulated the effort of managers to look for alternative project management procedures that will stimulate their effort. Thus, the effort to ensure that their supply of raw materials is not compromised must maintain a constant level of different production methods. The source also defines what agile project management entails giving a precise meaning for someone who might be looking to understand what APM is and how to apply it to streamline their project.

Hidalgo, E. S. (2019). Adapting the scrum framework for agile project management in science: a case study of a distributed research initiative.  Heliyon,  5(3), e01447.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01447 Links to an external site.

This source is crucial because it demonstrates the application of agile project management to various settings in an organization. It begins by highlighting the importance of the adaptation of team collaboration in research. Several authors agree that the publication of higher levels of communication tends to adopt communication for knowledge-intensive organizations which can incorporate APM. The article defines agile project management as a method that prevents an attempt to change anything in the organization. The source also provides the background of how agile constitutes adaptive planning, continuous improvement, and frequent consultations with various project stakeholders, which can help answer a fundamental question about the APM project.

Loiro, C., Castro, H., Ávila, P., Cruz-Cunha, M. M., Putnik, G. D., & Ferreira, L. (2019). Agile project management: A communicational workflow proposal.  Procedia Computer Science,  164, 485-490.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2019.12.210 Links to an external site.

This source entails how embracing agility creates change in an organization so that individuals involved in management can understand the process of project development. In addition, it further analyzes the benefits of efficient communication, motivation about any client, and the application of agile project management by using it in the manufacturing process. This is useful when understanding what is expected of someone at an event in a new place they have never been to and navigating new events like a professional. The source also defines the various roles of agile project management, such as the product owner, team leader, stakeholders, supporting cast, and team members.

Özkan, D., & Mishra, A. (2019). Agile Project Management Tools: A Brief Comparative View.  Cybernetics and Information Technologies,  19(4), 17-25.  https://doi.org/10.2478/cait-2019-0033 Links to an external site.

This source begins by highlighting how agile methodologies are becoming popular in high-end organizations and the much these organizations are willing to pay to have a comprehensive project completed for them. This article therefore shows different uses of APM. It goes further by specializing that most companies rely on agile project management to produce quality performance in individuals to ensure that they are different from the outside world. Here the primary goal of APM is to streamline operations from up while moving downwards. It defines the types of agile project management tools: Jira, Agilo, scam, pivotal tracker, and spiral team to inflectra. Thus these dynamics can help an organization decide whether they come to your house. 

Pirro, L. (2019). How agile project management can work for your research. Nature, 7 (27).  http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/d41586-019-01184-9 Links to an external site.

From this source, it is evident that agile project management can be applied to developmental products. Just like waterfall project-management approach tasks, agile platforms create the need to have a common end goal. Scientists have acknowledged that research projects often require various developments to succeed. In addition, the policy for agile project management underpins project management and prioritizes flexibility. For the early stage, an individual should not focus on the results but on how the various aspects of the business can be improved at a later stage. This further improves the quality of the project. An example given for the use of APM was describe as an agile painter who makes paints and uses them when they are still fresh.

 

 

References

Buganová, K., & Šimíčková, J. (2019). Risk management in traditional and agile project management. Transportation Research Procedia, 40, 986-993.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2019.07.138 Links to an external site.

Hidalgo, E. S. (2019). Adapting the scrum framework for agile project management in science: case study of a distributed research initiative. Heliyon, 5(3), e01447.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01447 Links to an external site.

King James Bible. (2017). Christian Art Publishers. (Original work published 1611)

Loiro, C., Castro, H., Ávila, P., Cruz-Cunha, M. M., Putnik, G. D., & Ferreira, L. (2019). Agile project management: A communicational workflow proposal. Procedia Computer Science, 164, 485-490.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2019.12.210 Links to an external site.

Meredith, J. R., & Shafer, S.M. (2020). Operations and supply chain management for MBAs (7th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Özkan, D., & Mishra, A. (2019). Agile Project Management Tools: A Brief Comparative View. Cybernetics and Information Technologies, 19(4), 17-25.  https://doi.org/10.2478/cait-2019-0033 Links to an external site.

Pirro, L. (2019). How agile project management can work for your research. Nature, 7 (27).  http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/d41586-019-01184-9