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Business challenges in agile project management

What are the challenges facing companies when it comes to managing agile projects?

The evolution of IT project management practices, from the traditional approach to the rise of agility, reflects the growing quest for flexibility and efficiency. The adoption of agility has led to a paradigm shift towards collaboration, responsiveness and iterative delivery. While beneficial for companies in terms of resource management decision-making, this transformation presents challenges such as stakeholder coordination and accurate cost estimation in a constantly changing environment.

 

From rigidity to agility...

Historically, IT project management was often characterized by rigid methodologies, with predefined milestones and detailed project plans drawn up from the outset.

However, as technology environments became more complex and user needs rapidly evolved, it became clear that traditional approaches were no longer sufficient to guarantee project success.

 

👉 👉 👉 This is how the the agile approachan answer to the challenges posed by the rapid pace of change in technology projects. 👈 👈 👈

 

To be the best, you have to be the fastest

Agility has brought about a paradigm shift, valuing flexibility, collaboration andadaptability. It encourages the creation of multi-functional, autonomous teams, working in short iterations and focused on continuous value delivery 💎. This approach has enabled managers to see tangible benefits quickly, identify problems earlier and adapt more effectively to market changes and new opportunities.

 

The benefits of agile methods are manifold. First of all, agility takes on its full essence in :

  • promoting transparent communication between people,
  • providing greater visibility of project status,
  • to make better-informed decisions.

 

What's more, the iterative nature of agile methods enables project managers to constantly readjust priorities and resources in line with current needs. The aim of this flexibility is to generate a real strategic advantage ♟️en responding rapidly to market developments, while minimizing the risks associated with long-term investments.

 

Are you interested in working with an it consulting firm specializing in agile IT project management? Have you embarked on a digital transformation and are looking for consultants ready to support you? Tell us about your project ✉️

 

Project management under the aegis of the agile method is not all smooth sailing either. A variety of challenges need to be met. The ideal solution when embarking on this type of digital transformation is always to enlist the support of a firm specializing in agile projects.

 

The challenges of agile project management

What are the challenges facing companies when it comes to managing agile projects?

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Companies running agile IT projects face a number of issues specific to this approach to project management. Here are some of the challenges most commonly encountered by teams:

 

Navigating with skill in the age of agile transformation

Some 71% of organizations working with the agile method have identified flexibility as one of the main benefits of agility.

 

🟨 How can you make your agile projects more flexible?

  • Implement robust change management processes to effectively manage changes in scope or priority.
  • Plan regular follow-up meetings to assess proposed changes and their impact on departments, businesses, resources and users.

 

Communication and collaboration with technological tools

Projects with poor communication between team members are 7 times more likely to fail.

 

🟩 How can technological tools help you perform in communications?

Use the right online collaboration tools to facilitate communication within the team and with external stakeholders. A tool that isn't used or adopted by the team will make you less efficient. Choose the tool that will facilitate collaboration, not hinder it.

 

As before, hold regular meetings to continuously realign objectives and quickly resolve problems.

 

Committed and mobilized employees

49% of failed projects are due to a lack of stakeholder involvement.

 

🟧 How can we get people involved in the project?

Identify key stakeholders from the outset and maintain ongoing commitment by involving them in every stage of the project: planning, reviews and major decisions.

 

To give yourself the best chance of getting involved, here are a few effective tips:

  • Share a clear vision, objectives and expectations with all team members.
  • Make sure everyone understands their role and contribution.
  • Involving people from the earliest stages of the project will give them a sense of ownership and influence over the direction of the project.
  • Celebrate individual achievements and contributions.
  • Listen carefully to the concerns and suggestions of those involved.
  • Give regular feedback. This helps people keep track of their progress and adapt accordingly.

 

Iterative planning

68% of agile companies believe that iterative planning improves project predictability.

 

🟦 What are the tools you need for simple iterative planning?

Use agile tools such as the Scrum tracking board or Kanban methods to visualize tasks and iterations (e.g. Trello online software). Make sure each iteration has clear, measurable objectives.

 

Budget overruns

Around 60% of agile projects experience budget overruns.

 

🟫 What tools can help reduce budget overruns?

Use estimation techniques adapted to agility, such as poker planning 🃏.

 

Systematically build safety margins into your estimates to allow for the uncertainties that will inevitably arise.

 

Managing risks

36% of agile projects fail due to ineffective risk management.

 

🟦 What documents should be drawn up at the start of the project to minimize risks?

Set up a continuous risk analysis for each iteration.

 

Identify potential risks by creating a Risk Matrix every time you launch a complex project. This table centralizes, for each identified risk, the probability of occurrence and the degree of impact on the rest of the project. Finally, for each risk identified, prepare mitigation plans in advance to minimize its impact.

It consulting firms are invaluable partners in successfully managing the risks of large-scale it projects.

 

Tracking and measuring progress

52% of agile companies find it hard to measure 📏 progress properly.

 

🟥 How can you effectively monitor progress on projects?

What are the best ways to productively monitor project progress @GettyImages

What are the best ways to productively monitor project progress @GettyImages

 

As soon as the project is launched, define relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the team's quality, velocity and efficiency. Use simple, not overloaded dashboards to track these KPIs transparently.

These KPIs will be a source of motivation and will clarify communication with regard to the objectives targeted.

 

Training and facilitating adoption

Only 44% of agile teams receive adequate training.

 

🟨 What training plan should you put in place?

Invest in training your team in Agile principles and practices.

Give them continuous access to a library of content (videos, white papers, references...) to help members develop their skills.

 

👉 👉 👉 After reviewing these multiple issues, it's important to keep in mind that agility is above all a value that puts people first. 👈 👈 👈

 

Corporate culture plays a crucial role in team performance. It encompasses the values, identity and habits specific to each organization. Shaping the way employees work, it is an essential element 🌱 differentiating companies and leading them to a high level of success.