What is hybrid project management?

Hybrid project management is the process of combining Agile and Waterfall project management methodologies to create a flexible method that best fits the needs of the project. While this hybrid methodology may require some learning and adjustment by team members, the result is a more efficient workflow that benefits from the strengths of multiple project management methodologies while simultaneously reducing their weaknesses.

Benefits of Hybrid Project Management

Hybrid project management methodology offers several advantages. By combining only the necessary aspects of various methodologies, project managers benefit from:

More flexibility

By using Agile's adaptability with the planning and documentation of traditional methodologies, you can make adjustments throughout the project as it changes and evolves. This is particularly advantageous if your project requires many deliverables but also has task dependencies.

Personalization

One of the key benefits of hybrid project management is customization. You can adapt this methodology to fit the specific needs and requirements of your project and organization. While Agile is typically one of the included elements, another methodology can be selected to complement the workflow of a particular initiative.

More control

By taking the core aspects of different project management methodologies, you gain greater control over the development of a project. From the incremental deliverables of the Agile methodology to the documentation and planning of the Waterfall methodology, you can determine how much or how little to provide for each step of the project.

Scalability

For projects that may increase in scope, you can start the project using the waterfall methodology to have a detailed plan before it begins. As a project grows and changes, you can incorporate the agile methodology to have teams work in parallel, implementing deliverables in phases, or allocating resources where necessary.

Hybrid Project Management Process

The hybrid project management process can be as simple or complex as your project requires. While most people use an agile and waterfall methodology for hybrid project management, it is possible to use any number of methodologies together, such as:

• Scrum
• Kanban
• Six Sigma
• PRINCE2
• Mapping results

When working on complex projects with new teams, it is best to choose only two project management methodologies to combine. This reduces the learning curve and minimizes the need for adjustments.

Step 1: Customize your hybrid project management methodology

Once you’ve chosen the project management methodologies you want to combine, the next step is to select the best aspects of them for your team’s specific needs. For example, you might like the iterative development process of the Agile methodology and the detailed planning that comes with the Waterfall methodology.

By combining these two aspects, you have created a hybrid project management system that uses the parts of both methodologies that best fit your project.

Step 2: Develop a project management plan

Once you have designed a hybrid project management framework that leverages your chosen methodologies, the next step is to develop the project map. Start by outlining general concepts such as the project schedule, key milestones, and deliverables.

Next, identify the roles that need to be played for this project to be completed successfully. Assign these roles to team members and train them on how they can best use this hybrid project management methodology to fulfill their responsibilities.

Step 3: Implement tools

If you are using a hybrid project management methodology, take advantage of project management software to facilitate the project and streamline the documentation process.

For example, Monday Work Management offers collaboration, import, and customization tools that support a hybrid project management style. Its automation features work well with the waterfall methodology, allowing project managers to create automated processes that reduce downtime and allow the project to move forward to the next stage. For your agile project needs, you can track progress, make adjustments as needed, and report to stakeholders, all from the same interface.

Step 4: Train your team members

When working with a new project management methodology, your team members may need training to fully understand the workflow and expected timelines. Training is especially important with a hybrid project management system that is not familiar to everyone.

If you plan to use project management software, it's critical to set aside time in your schedule to onboard project participants who require access and train them on all the functions and features they'll be expected to use. Designate a person or team to be responsible for troubleshooting software-related issues as you move through the stages of the project.

Step 5: Review and make adjustments

Whether you use hybrid project management software with task tracking features, like Wrike or Jira, or track progress yourself through a custom spreadsheet, take the time to analyze each step of your hybrid project management process.

If there are bottlenecks or problems with the workflow, you can take a cue from the agile methodology to make dynamic changes through short sprints, scheduled reviews, and flexible roadmaps.

With the adaptability of a hybrid project management system, you always have the freedom to incorporate key aspects of other project management methodologies to keep things on schedule and on budget.

SEE: TechRepublic reviews Wrike and Jira

Challenges of implementing hybrid project management

While hybrid project management may seem like it’s as simple as taking components from different project management methodologies and combining them, it still comes with its fair share of challenges.

Training

One of the key issues related to implementing hybrid project management is training. Training your team to use two project management styles can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. It can also be difficult to adopt a new or more complex workflow than what your team is used to.

Complex systems

Another potential issue is complexity. Some elements, such as tracking and reporting, may be more difficult or complex with a hybrid project management system. If the components you've chosen stray too far from more traditional methodologies, you may need to heavily customize project management tools to fit your process.

Waterfall, Agile and Hybrid Project Management

When comparing different project management methodologies, they all have their strengths and weaknesses depending on the needs of the project. While some focus on a strict project management style, others prefer a more flexible and dynamic system.

Waterfall

The waterfall methodology focuses on a more linear progression of the project from start to finish. Project managers often adopt this methodology when each stage of the project requires detailed documentation and planning.

Agile

Agile divides the project management process into different phases that are independent of each other. This methodology aims to avoid bottlenecks and allows teams to work on their tasks without depending on others. This process usually requires constant collaboration, planning, and the ability to make adjustments as the project progresses.

Hybrid

Hybrid methodology leverages waterfall, agile, and other project management styles. For example, some project managers use the detailed planning aspects of waterfall methodology and combine them with the independent work aspects of agile process to make work more efficient.

When to use hybrid project management

Hybrid project management is most useful when you want to combine traditional methodologies with agile methodologies. In most cases, projects that require detailed documentation and planning, but also need periodic adjustments, are ideal for the hybrid project management methodology.

The hybrid methodology allows you to take a balanced and strategic approach to your projects, taking into account the unpredictable elements that may arise throughout each step of the process.