As far as project management goes, there are several approaches that have been used throughout the years. However, as these approaches evolve and as we begin 2022, we are now seeing hybrid project management becoming increasingly popular. This brings together both agile and traditional methods but what does it actually mean?
What is Hybrid Project Management?
Essentially, the term hybrid means to bring a number of elements together. When it comes to hybrid project management, this involves taking a number of practices and combining them in one consolidated approach. So, what methods can you combine, as there are plenty of options to choose from? This can include Waterfall project management, the traditional and linear approach versus agile and non-linear project management processes.
So, hybrid project management means that you could use a number of these methodologies and combine them. But, when it comes to hybrid project management, it typically involves using the flexibility and adaptability of Agile project management and the traditional Waterfall project management.
Why is Hybrid Project Management Seen as the Future?
Hybrid project management is now seen as the future. This is because it enables businesses and projects to benefit from the best of both worlds. It brings together the best elements of Agile and Waterfall and that means that it can fit many different projects. It enables teams to plan prior to beginning work on the project but it also makes it possible to split the project into short term deliveries known as sprints.
It can handle changes to requirements and because it has an iterative nature, it has the scope to deliver products in stages. Using this approach, planning and project estimation benefit from a higher level of accuracy. Furthermore, teams can react to changes and deliver what is required. It is a new approach that ensures that there is both a short-term focus, in the form of sprints and a long-term focus on the goal of a project.
What Are the Benefits?
The main benefit is that it’s possible to take advantage of the best elements of a number of methodologies. This gives project managers the scope to utilise the strength of their chosen methodologies. Teams will get a sense of the tasks involved as a result of using the Waterfall approach while there is enough room for change through the Agile method, making it possible to handle any alterations during the course of the project.
What Does it Mean For Business Practices?
Hybrid project management has three main principles that should be followed. It can be applied in any industry and with teams of any size. You should also ensure that you blend at the beginning of the project while all responsibilities should be clearly defined.
It enables businesses to streamline processes and projects while also being able to benefit from greater optimisation. Large scale projects that come with a higher financial risk can use a more structured approach using Agile as this method helps to mitigate risks. While low risk projects that are time sensitive can use the more flexible approach that comes with using a hybrid method.
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