Project Management Methodologies Explained: Hybrid Project Management
Hybrid project management entails exactly what its name implies – a combined approach utilising project management techniques and formats of multiple existing project management methods, such as the waterfall and agile methodologies.
Before evaluating the benefits of hybrid project management, it is important to understand the key characteristics of both waterfall and agile methodologies first.
The Waterfall Component
Waterfall project management is a linear, sequential, methodical approach of project management in which a team will move from one task to another and work within established, carefully defined parameters. Much like its namesake, the waterfall approach only allows teams to move onto the next stage of the project, generally once its precursor is finished, the same way that a waterfall would only begin to fill a pool once the pool before it has been filled completely. There is a large focus on documentation and preparation in waterfall project management, making it fantastic for projects which must remain stricter on factors like scope, budget or deadline.
The Agile Component
Agile project management, on the other hand, is much more fluid in its approach, systems, and operations. It values ongoing feedback, reinvention, and creativity throughout a project, and works best for projects that have less-defined parameters to work within, such as a flexible budget, outcome and timeline. Tasks in an agile managed project can theoretically begin whenever it is feasible to do so, meaning that multiple phases of the project can be completed at once. This makes it highly effective for working with the creativity and skills of a dynamic and innovative team.
With this in mind, it is clear how the hybrid approach can be highly beneficial to projects of all kinds. Hybrid project management brings together the agility and flexibility of the agile method and the structure and routine of the waterfall method, to ensure a project delivers on its objectives.
The Hybrid methodology is used often in practice as it allows for projects to build a customised approach every time and take into consideration the best of both the agile and waterfall methodologies. The effectiveness of the Hybrid approach is clearly dependent on what Hybrid looks like and the elements that come together for each specific project.
Key considerations
● Consider understanding key deliverables up front and early in the project to reduce the risk of the project going off track and clearly define project phases and goals
● Ensure that progress is measurable and that deliverables are marked out and the scope of work is agreed upon in the early stage
● Effective planning means that the project can be divided up into smaller deliverables, known as “sprints”. These sprints allow for better transparency regarding the project’s progress and stage
● Whilst structure is key, flexibility should also be encouraged and ensure that team members have a desire to work freely and have experience in agile ways of working as well as waterfall
● Involve and gain feedback from the customer and stakeholders and incorporate that throughout to ensure customer centricity in the design and end state deliverables
● Unforeseen changes are likely to occur in most projects and unpredicted changes to the scope will cause impacts to the projects timeline and cost. Flexibility and good governance around change management protocols are key to drive success
In summary…
In summary, the hybrid project management style offers an agile and flexible approach, whilst also providing structure. The clearly defined plans allow for effective tracking of KPIs, and the flexibility to adapt the project accordingly.
In saying that, it does work with a certain type of organisational structure and project type. If this sounds like something that would work for you, you could enjoy the benefits of a hybrid project management style.
Not sure if it’s the best fit for your needs? Learn more about the other project management styles; read about the waterfall project methodology, and the agile project methodology.
Angela Goodsir
Thinkly Founder and Director, Angela Goodsir is an enterprise wide executive with a proven track record in transformative industry and business change and has a vision to drive businesses successfully into the future.