"Hybrid" seems to be the answer for a lot of things — from hybrid work to hybrid events to hybrid cars — but for years there was no hybrid style for project management. Most businesses used the traditional waterfall approach with its various phases (often including conception, analysis, design, planning, construction, testing, implementation, handover and maintenance). This method is highly structured, and because each step needs to be completed sequentially and no steps can be skipped, it works well for projects that are subject to strict regulatory requirements and have a fixed budget.
But the advantages of the waterfall approach are less clear in the current business environment. Today, circumstances sometimes require businesses to make changes quickly. Many industries,
including construction and software development, have therefore adopted the so-called agile approach. The method focuses on the continuous evaluation of
processes and facilitates
quick change.
A closer look
With the agile strategy, projects are divided into multiple phases; each phase or part receives equal planning and execution phases and the processes in each phase are continuously improved. Individual input and collaboration are emphasized, as is iteration. The model is well suited to projects where teams work closely with each other and clients, focus on fast-changing deliverables and seek continuous improvement for their products and processes. Apple and Spotify are examples of companies that use this methodology.
The flaws inherent to this system may be obvious: Changes in processes may not be documented promptly and some goals may receive less attention than others. These issues can lead to missed deadlines and cost overruns. Nevertheless, the rapid pace of change in today's world gives the agile method certain advantages.
The truth is that businesses can develop a hybrid style, with structure in some areas and agility in others. Adapting the methodologies in this way allows the business to become more effective and efficient.
Going hybrid
The first step is to assess which parts of your business should follow the waterfall method and which should use the agile method. Ask yourself:
- Which parts of the project require rigor, structure and documentation, and which might respond to more flexibility and adaptability?
- How much risk is inherent in each stage of the project? The higher the risk, the greater the need for a structured process.
- What are the goals and objectives for each part of the process?
- What does each of my constituents want and need?
As with any business change, there must be leadership and commitment from the top. Company managers must clearly communicate why they are making the change, which may mean crafting different messages for each of their constituencies, monitoring how the changes are performing and then adapting as needed.