Agile DOES NOT Mean Faster Project Completion!
There is one common misconception 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.
At the same time, Agile methodologies do 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.
What is faster:
Value delivery to the customer
Adaptation to changing requirements
Working product
Communication speed and frequency with the customer
Prioritization and re-prioritization of work
What is the Same:
Total project timeline (Delivery schedule set at the start and refined, like predictive projects)
Total Project Cost (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)
Have more questions about your projects and how to integrate Agile methodologies, send us an email at askthepros@pm-prolearn.com. Looking to get your team trained as Agile Certified practitioners or looking for an Agile Fundamentals course? Email trainingquote@pm-prolearn.com