Agile methods raise efficiency

Clearly defined processes and interface descriptions, clear responsibilities, an early reaction to errors and easy organisational methods lead to stable processes to make the work more efficient.

That is true, but easier said than done: The more people participate in a project, the more complex get the communication and coordination. Big companies are normally organised in departments, which act like silos – you would not call that “lean”. Unfortunately, entangled decision-making paths are a typical feature for those department, which are sealed off from each other. This makes effective progress difficult for the project. Rigid and old-fashioned management concepts are far too slow to keep up with our fast-changing daily life.

People who have not experienced agile project management in real life often surmise that it will lead to chaos. Well, in a world without hierarchies everybody can do what they want. But a project needs clearly set and divided responsibilities.

Yes, that is true – and it will be achieved using the agile approach.

According to the pull principle the tasks will be done if the need arises, not only after the supervisor said to do so. This leads to higher awareness of responsibilities in the project – not less.

Unforeseen events and changes in design can occur in every construction project and in all phases. Lots of process disruptions are caused by changes in the original design and schedule. Even the most competent planner cannot completely prevent it. New developments and information need to be integrated as soon as possible and fast. If the project organisation is prepared to react to planning changes since the beginning, the construction process will be accelerated and the costs reduced.

Agile methods facilitate the project management using prompt feedback, lessons learned from experience, a high level of transparency as well as constructive management and a fitting value system. This enhances the chance for the projects to profit from different experiences and skills of the participants and their perspectives. The basis is a well working self-organisation. The pull principle – working on demand not acc. to schedule – enhances self-responsibility and motivation to facilitate a joint view on the project.

In terms of cooperation the feedback is the crucial condition for continuously enhancing the process. An adjusted project environment ensures transparency and supports the agile work approach.

To the agile approach belong e.g.:

• Keeping track of the tasks in a central data base
• Structuring and prioritising tasks in sprints
• Regular stand-up meetings for faster identification and elimination of potential hurdles
• Sprint Review to evaluate the results

Learn about the advantages of the agile approach for your project from Martin Otte +49 30/ 84176710.