Beyond the agile methods: a diagnostic tool to support the development of hybrid models

Abstract

PurposeWhile agile methods have been adapted to different industries, agility depends on the alignment between the practices and project environment. Nevertheless, it is unlikely to find the best combination without a diagnosis of these variables. This paper proposes a project management agility diagnostic tool (PM/ADT), aimed at diagnosing the project environment, management practices and agility performance to find the right balance between them.Design/methodology/approachThe tool was developed by combining multiple techniques during a three-year research program, including an extensive systematic literature review, exploratory case studies, a survey and three case studies involving 25 projects from information and communications technology, software development and technology-based companies.FindingsThe results indicate potential discrepancies between environmental factors, management practices and agility performance that affect project management in organizations, allowing the diagnosis and analysis of the situation for the development of better management solutions.Research limitations/implicationsThe study reinforces the hypothesis that it may not be possible to adopt pure agile models or methods in most projects, except in specific cases, as with some projects in the software industry. This is in line with the hybrid models. However, further testing is needed with a larger sample of projects and organizations.Practical implicationsThe tool can be useful to assess different types of projects from different industry sectors to improve the management process, allowing the development of agility beyond the software industry.Originality/valueThe article discusses agility beyond measurement, assessing the most appropriate environment for using practices from one approach or another.