Debunking Myths: Agile Projects Are Completed Faster

One common misconception is that Agile Project Management means the project will get completed sooner or faster and somehow then be cheaper. This is just not the case.? The work required to complete the project is the same and the time it takes to complete the project is also theoretically the same.?

However, Agile methodologies can speed up various elements of the project that allow the customer to gain a rapid return on investment, refine requirements in stride, and make changes faster without the same traditional costs associated with predictive project management.?

So what can be faster?

• Value delivery to the customer/commander
• Adaptation to changing requirements (weather, enemy, threat, team dynamics, operation)
• Working product (getting something you can see and use)
• Communication speed and frequency with the customer/command
• Prioritization and re-prioritization of work (allows updates to tasks based on priority)

What is often the Same?

• Total project timeline (Delivery schedule set at the start and refined, like predictive projects)
• Total Project Cost/Resources (Cost is based on contract type and projected level of work regardless of methodology used)
• Time to complete work. (Agile work is broken down into blocks of consistent length that allow periodic review of the work and to incorporate additions and changes, but the work still must be accomplished)

Why is this true?

Agile methodologies encourage increased and continuous collaboration between teams and stakeholders, leading to faster decision-making and issue resolution but not necessarily a shorter project timeline. Additionally, Agile's iterative nature helps to identify and mitigate risks earlier in the process, reducing the chances of costly changes late in the project. It also allows for continuous feedback which can lead to higher customer satisfaction. This doesn't make the project faster, (it can actually sometimes make it longer) but it ensures the final product is more aligned with what the customer needs. Frequent testing and review cycles can help catch defects earlier, leading to a higher-quality product but not necessarily a faster one.

All in all, Agile can provide faster value delivery and adaptability but it doesn't mean you get a faster project overall. The misconception often comes up because stakeholders are able to see early benefits but they don't understand the full scope of the project.

Interested in learning more about agile and how it can help you or your teams? Request a consultation at www.pm-prolearn.com/request-info.