CC BY
55
XOK 69.05
doi: 10.55287/22275398 2022 2 12
AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT: PROS AND CONS
A. M. Elsheikh S. M. Al-Oayef M. I. Aberrah
Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow
Abstract
The success of construction project depends largely on the way of its management. Due to the high level of uncertainty and complexity in construction projects, the traditional management which has a fixed structure became inappropriate. Agile approach has emerged as a new way to manage projects. This study aims to review the Agile approach in the construction sector. Flexibility to changes, cross-functional teams work on pieces of projects and high level of quality are recognized as benefits of applying Agile project management.
Keywords
Agile approach, project management, construction projects
Date of receipt in edition
05.08.22
Date of acceptance for printing
08.08.22
Introduction
The construction project management process is not a routine process that is repeated in all projects, regardless of their standards, but rather it must fit the size of the project under implementation [1]. The methodologies that managers and supervisors use in managing projects vary depending on the project's size, complexity, duration, personnel, and owner's requirements. One of the most prominent approaches used in the field of construction project management is the Agile method [2 - 6]. In this method, the project is divided into a number of small stages [7, 8], which in turn allow for rapid production and continuous review. Continuous cooperation with stakeholders and conducting continuous improvement processes at each stage of project implementation is one of the basics of this method of project management. In other words, Agile approach is an iterative approach based on continuous planning, learning and development, teamwork, evolutionary improvement and early delivery [9]. This study provides a review of the existing literature in the agile project management.
Agile Project Management in construction industry
This approach to project management can be applied to any type of project provided that the project is large-scale [10 - 13]. Construction industry is not an exception, as Agile approach can be applied in
construction projects. Initially, using an agile approach requires building an overview of the project at a strategic level [14], and then breaking it down into tasks. The process of dividing the project into small parts and tasks helps to ensure frequent and consistent delivery. This division also helps structure any project to be more adaptable to changes. For example, suppose that the project to be implemented is to build a house with one dwelling, and its implementation will take a certain period of time. Here, this time period is divided into parts so that each partial time period represents a stage of the project. Within each partial time period a specific part of the project is implemented and checked to verify the quality of the work done. During conducting the process of dividing the project into partial phases, the difficulty of implementing each phase must be taken into account so that the allocated time period is commensurate with the difficulty of the phase under implementation.
In the construction industry, it is important for planning to be an assisting element in managing the continuous changes that occur to projects, and this plays an important role in enhancing the success of the implementation of these projects. Hence, it was necessary to search for a flexible mechanism to facilitate the process of planning and project management so that it is more adaptable to changes. Agile Project Management offers great possibilities for planning and managing construction projects so that change is considered as an inevitable component of the project planning and management process in the construction sector. However, implementing all Agile solutions will require a massive amount of initial investment. Arefazar et al. [15] studied the factors that influence the effectiveness of Agile method in planning and managing changes in construction projects. In their study, the most effective factors were found to be: continuous resource monitoring and improvement, flexible workflow, client engagement, facilitated communication, and receiving requirements during Project that speeds up response to changes through an iterative and incremental process based on continuous learning and short-term planning. It worth to be noted that the planning process in Agile approach does not take place for the entire project at once from the beginning, as in the traditional method, but rather in batches in proportion to the changes that occur at each stage.
Due to the complex nature of construction projects, the potential for risks in the implementation of these projects is high. The most significant risks in these projects are cost and time overruns, quality deficiencies and business interruptions that result from project-related disputes. Ahmed et al. [16] proposed a risk management framework in construction projects that built based on Agile management concept, which is a sequence of procedure deals with the project' primary vision to its final delivery. Their proposal is based on tracing the alignment, discovering the connection between Agile and traditional project management concepts, and finding connection points between two of the most widely used Agile frameworks (Scrum) and one of the most emphasized Project Management Framework processes (PMBOK®). The results proved that the use of the lean management process in creating the priority project backlog, rapid planning, and reducing cycle time, leads to eliminating or mitigating many risks that can lead to project challenges or failure.
Pros of using Agile approach in construction industry
Agile approach has many advantages that make it desirable in the case of implementing construction projects, and the following reviews the most important advantages [17 - 21]:
1. Agile project management provides a superior quality product [22, 23]. The process of quality checking takes place throughout the implementation phase of the project and all stakeholders in the process participate in the process with daily reports on progress through advanced reporting tools and techniques.
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2. The participation of the customer in the decision-making process leads to deliver value and ensure that the end product truly aligns with his requirements whereas in the case of the traditional approach, the customer only participates in the planning phase of the project, and this affects flexibility and adaptability to the changes [24].
3. A comprehensive view of the project and a clear view of the challenges that hinder its implementation allow the user of Agile approach to predict risks and prepare the necessary plans to mitigate the impact of these risks on the progress of the project.
4. Using Agile approach gives the project team unparalleled flexibility, as the teams involved in the project work in small batches and are supplemented by ongoing feedback and involvement of the project owner.
5. The processes of continuous examination, modifications and continuous improvements are one of the basic principles of this approach, as this methodology depends on iterations, which means that every error that will be detected will be learned from it and will not be repeated.
6. The self-organization and self-management of agile teams increases their independence and power over their decisions. The cross-functional nature of teams helps them learn new skills and grow in roles. Challenges and cases are discussed by regular meeting of teams which allows them to collaborate better.
7. The metrics that Agile teams use to estimate time, cost and performance provide a great accuracy and relevance than those used in traditional methodologies. Agile approach uses important metrics such as lead time and stage time. This helps in determining the level of team performance as well as identifying bottlenecks and making data-driven decisions to correct them.
Cons of using Agile approach in construction industry
Despite the many advantages that characterize Agile approach, it contains quite a few disadvantages, including [25 - 27]:
1. The problem of lack of documentation is one of the main problems that teams face when using Agile approach. As teams that use this approach record data extensively, many details could be missed. Without a clearly documented plan or formal process to follow, team members can easily become confused when moving through the phases of a project.
2. The constant change in customer requirements leads to the expansion of the project scope. Deliverables could multiply rapidly as clients add new needs and features to the project. In some cases, some requirements may be completely replaced that may cause fatigue for the work team.
3. The involvement of the various parties can put a significant strain on the team members and their time management capabilities. As team members must allocate time in their schedule for daily meetings, and this time can hinder workflow.
Conclusion
The approach adopted in the management of construction projects is crucial to the level of success of these projects. The agile approach is one of the most important approaches that depends on the division of
work, examination, and modification of the implemented stages on a continuous basis. This approach has numerous advantages that outweigh its disadvantages. It lets cross-functional teams work on pieces of projects. Besides, it enables managers and project teams with flexibility to adjust for complexity and changing customer requirements.
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УПРАВЛЕНИЕ ПРОЕКТАМИ НА ОСНОВЕ AGILE: ПЛЮСЫ И МИНУСЫ
А. М. Эльшейх Ш. М. Аль-Оайеф М. И. Аберрах
Российский университет дружбы народов (РУДН), Москва
Аннотация Ключевые слова
Успех строительного проекта во многом зависит от способа его метод Agile, управление проек-управления. Из-за высокого уровня неопределенности и сложности тами, строительные проекты
строительных проектов, традиционное управление, имеющее фиксированную структуру, стало нецелесообразным. Метод Agile появился как новый способ управления проектами. Целью данного исследования является обзор метода Agile в строительном секторе. Гибкость к изменениям, межфункциональная работа команд над частями проектов и высокий уровень качества признаны преимуществами применения метода Agile управления проектами.
Дата поступления в редакцию
05.08.22
Дата принятия к печати
08.08.22
Ссылка для цитирования:
A. M. Elsheikh, S. M. Al-Oayef, M. I. Aberrah. Agile Project Management: Pros and Cons. — Системные технологии. — 2022. — № 43. — С. 12 - 17.
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