What are the differences between traditional and agile project management in non-profit program development?

1 Traditional project management

Traditional project management is a linear and sequential method that follows a predefined plan with fixed scope, budget, and timeline. It is based on the assumption that the program requirements and risks are known and stable, and that changes are costly and undesirable. Traditional project management typically involves five phases: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closure. Each phase has specific deliverables and milestones that must be completed and approved before moving to the next one. The main advantages of traditional project management are that it provides clarity, structure, and accountability for the program team and stakeholders. However, some of the drawbacks are that it can be rigid, inflexible, and slow to respond to changing needs, opportunities, and feedback.

3 Choosing the right approach

When it comes to non-profit program development, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Factors such as the complexity and uncertainty of the program environment, the scope and scale of the program deliverables, and the culture and capacity of the program team and stakeholders can all influence your decision between traditional or agile project management. For example, if the program operates in a volatile and dynamic environment, agile project management may be more appropriate. On the other hand, if the program delivers a large and comprehensive product or service where quality and functionality are critical, then traditional project management may be more effective. Additionally, if the program team and stakeholders are comfortable with following a structured and formal process, then traditional project management may be more convenient. However, if they are open to adopting a collaborative and informal process, agile project management may be more engaging.

4 Best practices for both approaches

No matter which approach you take for your non-profit program development, some best practices can help you achieve your objectives and improve program performance. Before you start, make sure to define your program vision, mission, and goals so that you can align activities with outcomes and communicate value to stakeholders. Involve stakeholders in the development process by seeking their input, feedback, and support - this will build trust and increase the relevance, quality, and impact of your program. Additionally, monitor and evaluate your program results by tracking both outputs (tangible products or services) and outcomes (changes or benefits). Use appropriate tools to collect, analyze, and report on your data to inform decisions, actions, and improvements.

5 Examples of both approaches

To illustrate the differences between traditional and agile project management in non-profit program development, here are some examples of how they can be applied to different types of programs. For instance, a literacy program that aims to improve the reading and writing skills of children in rural schools may involve conducting a baseline assessment and designing a curriculum with a traditional approach. However, an agile approach may involve creating a minimum viable product (MVP) and testing it with a small group of children before making changes and expanding the scope. Alternatively, a health program that aims to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS among sex workers in urban areas could involve conducting a needs analysis and developing a strategy with a traditional approach. On the other hand, an agile approach may involve identifying a problem and proposing a solution before testing it with a sample of sex workers and measuring the impact. Finally, for fundraising programs that aim to increase donations and awareness for non-profit organizations, a traditional approach may involve setting a target and creating a plan. Conversely, an agile approach may involve defining a value proposition and experimenting with different channels before measuring the response and optimizing the strategy.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?