Effective implementation of a Hybrid project management methodology combining agile and traditional methods for IT-based projects in South African organisations

Abstract

It has been documented that Agile and Stage-Gate management approaches can be combined and used by technology companies to run technical projects effectively, making them more flexible and adaptable, to remain competitive in the fast-paced business world (Conforto & Amaral, 2016). Stage-Gate and Agile approaches can be used to achieve this in their own right, but there is risk of oversimplifying complex projects using Agile, and overcomplicating smaller projects using Stage-Gate. Therefore, this research examined the possibility of combining the two methods to derive a Hybrid method which would be suitable for most projects, whether simple or complex, and still achieve effectiveness, flexibility, and adaptability. This study evaluated factors for effectively implementing a Hybrid project management methodology along with the benefits and challenges of such implementation. This study undertook a mono-method qualitative study using interviews with thirteen participants who are key personnel involved in implementing IT-based projects in South African-based companies, to provide data that is timely, less costly, convenient, and to have in-depth knowledge of the subject to be able to accurately answer this study’s research questions. An interpretive research philosophy enabled the researcher to make sense of the phenomenon being studied in a natural setting, which allowed for trust to be established between the researcher and the interviewees. The researcher used a deductive approach to theory development to adopt a theoretical position that could be tested through data collection. The study used the Information Technology Management Framework (Pollard & Geisler, 2014), which consolidates the various phases of project lifecycle management into five simplified phases: request, define, build, deploy and run. The implementation of this cross-platform methodology empowers organisations to successfully implement a stable, adaptive reporting matrix at a strategic management level. This methodology provides timely monitoring and control along with the project lifecycle’s change from inception to beyond execution. Therefore, the ITMF can enable a Hybrid blend of various methodologies and models to form a single delivery-oriented ICT environment that helps Information Technology departments to deliver change at the speed of business. The study found that effective implementation of a Hybrid project management methodology relies on: a) reducing scope creeps in the request phase; b) offering sufficient Hybrid project. management methodology implementation training for project teams and having a well-defined financial model in the define phase; c) deploying highly skilled technical support in the build phase; d) maintaining active communication with all stakeholders, and creating an Agile and flexible project environment in the deploy phase; and lastly, e) enabling an organisational culture change in the run phase. These findings can motivate organisations to implement a Hybrid project management methodology that will facilitate project delivery success, therefore assisting in improving customer service levels and gaining optimal project performance that results in realising business profits.