Hybrid project management – this year’s PPM buzzword

Agile methodologies and project and programme management (PPM) skills are essential in supporting organisations to work more efficiently. When combined they have the potential to boost project success rates, which may be why this year our research found that 46% of organisations are either actively using, transitioning to, or planning to transition to using a hybrid approach.

What is hybrid project management?

Hybrid project management combines multiple methodologies, most typically the agile and traditional approaches. This allows project managers to combine flexibility and structure to create a tailorable method that better suits their needs.

Agile project management

Agile approaches are more fluid in nature. Projects are broken down into iterations, which allows time for client feedback and adjustments to be made throughout.

Waterfall project management

The waterfall method is a traditional approach to project management that follows a more linear sequence of actions, where the completion of one project stage marks the start of the next.

What has led to the rise in hybrid project management?

There are three main factors that have led to the rise in hybrid project management, increased project complexity, increased market competition, and evolving customer expectations leading to greater client demands. These factors mean that using one standardised approach may no longer be enough to meet the differing needs of each individual project.

What are the benefits of using a hybrid approach?

Hybrid project management provides many benefits for individuals and organisations that will contribute to higher project success rates and skills development:

• Better resource management
• Clearly defined roles and responsibilities
• Enhanced team collaboration
• Faster time to market
• Improved learning culture
• Increased stakeholder engagement and collaboration
• More opportunities for feedback to ensure customer satisfaction
• Quicker risk identification and more effective risk mitigation
• And more!

What skills do you need to successfully implement a hybrid project management approach?

To effectively implement a hybrid approach, project managers need to possess good communication skills to convey project goals and expectations to the team and external stakeholders. They need to be adaptable, responding quickly to risks and exhibiting problem solving skills, as well as showing strong leadership qualities and the ability to build a collaborative team dynamic.

Training is essential in helping develop these necessary skills. By combining an understanding of PRINCE2® and PRINCE2 Agile®, individuals will in the best position to start working a hybrid way.