Agile IT Project Management Consulting In SME

Managing small and medium enterprises (SME) is not always easy. Owners of small businesses have to do everything, including juggling their responsibility and shifting one role to the other. While there are fewer business elements to deal with, keeping account of every aspect is usually a challenge. It is even more challenging when you have to deal with project management. An agile IT project management consultant will advise and guide you in choosing the right project management framework for your business.

Why SMEs Need Agile IT Project Management Solutions

Many of the SMEs struggle with the need to do more with less. This calls for most of the owners to utilize project management tools to become more competitive, effective, and profitable. In fact, businesses that invest in proven project management practices save up to 28 times the amount of money wasted by other businesses. Agile IT project management help in improving efficiency alongside other benefits to keep the business ahead of the curve.

Essentially, an agile IT project management software is considered more beneficial to small businesses than traditional tools. For instance, traditional project management tools are less functional when dealing with small projects. Although they may be beneficial for larger projects, SMEs usually focus on multiple small ones. In addition, traditional tools are less flexible in approach and usually attract larger overheads.

What is Agile Methodology Anyway?

Most people tend to associate the agile methodology with software development. However, this kind of approach to project management can be used across a multitude of industries. Unlike the traditional methodology, the agile approach prioritizes teamwork by the use of incremental and iterative work sequences (sprints). This is a period of time that is allocated to a project phase when the entire team is working together to capture constantly developing changes.

In agile project management, an iterative approach is used to deliver the project, program, or initiative throughout its life cycle. The agile or iterative life cycle comprises of several incremental steps (iterations) towards the completion of the project. The approach is usually used in software development projects because it promotes adaptability and velocity. In particular, the benefit of each iteration is that it can be used to adjust the next step on the project instead of following a linear path. This way, the benefits of the project can be released throughout the project instead of waiting for project completion.

When applied in an SME, the agile methodology galvanizes values throughout the IT development process. For SMEs, this means better handling of larger projects and improved capacity of what the business can complete. When properly implemented, the methodology allows you to reach project goals within your budget, time, and resource constraints.

Project Management Features Suitable for SMEs

Project management tools differ greatly depending on the needs of a business. Among the top five most requested and used features in project management software include time tracking, file sharing, Gantt Charts, email integration, and budget management. Since no two businesses are the same, the tools that work for one will not necessarily work for the other. A project management consultant will recommend features depending on the specific needs of the business. The features selected should relate to the project management style adopted by the business and their time. Nonetheless, the bottom lines for all businesses are the same and include:

• Better products quality
• Increased collaboration
• Improved customer satisfaction
• Higher team morale

Given that the needs of a business differ greatly, the services of project management consulting firms can never be overlooked. The current business climate is both dynamic and complex, with requirements changing fast with an increase in demands. Not only do SMEs have to deal with fast turnaround demands, but they also face the challenges of limited resources and tight budgets. In an era of stiff competition, project management firms seek to help a business come up with workable formulas. For instance, agile transformation consulting is an area that focuses on helping businesses adopt a more relevant approach to project management.

Although the list of challenges SMEs face is long, the most common ones are tight budgets, personnel reductions, and rising costs. These challenges demand improvement in the impact of IT projects in the efficiency of the business. To deliver such an impact, the IT and other project teams need to do more than just work hard. They need to increase how they solve new problems by introducing new management technologies and processes. This also includes learning new skills and tasks quickly and increasing the efficiency of operations. On the other hand, the organization should demonstrate its ability to manage and support a high level of efficiency across all projects.

Efficiency in a small- and medium-sized business is achieved by bringing together of complex, interrelated factors. This may range from processes and technology to culture, reward, and incentive systems. Since the goal of every business is to maximize its bottom line, SMEs must address these factors in a more holistic manner. They need to ensure that all the contributing factors are addressed at all levels, from top management to junior staff. An agile approach to project management is a key step to achieving this.

The success of a project in an SME organization depends on the organization’s ability to build a project management culture. The organization should identify the technological and functional gaps to develop solutions for improved efficiency. A project management consultant will partner with you in gathering information to assess the problems, exploring options, and identifying solutions that will make an impact at your business in the following areas:

• Organizational performance development
• Learning and talent development
• Project management methodology
• Project review and recovery

Adopt Agile IT Project Management Framework

Project management consulting companies usually recommend an agile approach to IT project management for SMEs. For your business to achieve this, it needs to take an iterative approach when introducing the framework. This means implementing the model bit by bit to meet the IT needs of the business.

The business will need to become familiar with the agile project management framework first before launching the system. This is a key step that should be achieved across the top management, including the business owner, key executives, senior managers, and project managers. Once the framework has been understood, the readiness of the organization should be evaluated. This includes identifying and evaluating various organizational forces that can support or hinder the organization’s transition to an agile framework. Important considerations for this include:

• The ability of the business to make an independent decision related to projects and products without consulting with clients (end-users)
• The amount of value the business places on innovation and creativity over stability
• Business ability to allocate and dedicate full-time resources to a project
• The ability of the business to understand and embrace different approaches to measure and document project progress

An important aspect of adopting agile IT project management methodology is a manual for future use. With a good project management consultant, you will be able to develop a customized project management manual that fits the needs of your business. The manual will be used as a guide to establishing a common framework for use on all your IT projects. You can also customize it with your logo, tools terminology, and other items that are unique to your organization.

The development of a project management guide is an essential service provided by a project management consultant. The purpose is to leave the project management expertise with you, and help you customize the methodology to your business. This way, the responsibility of the project will not be interrupted once continuous improvement has been transferred to your internal management. The guide includes all the necessary information, including a description of roles and responsibilities, vital processes and structures, and needed tools.

How Project Management Consultancy Services Help

Transitioning to agile IT project management is a process that involves several steps. Project management advisors work to help you choose the right approach and avoid missing any steps. Since the process ought to be iterative, project management consultancy services usually come in handy. A project management consultant is a business practice of a professional person who provides expert advice to others. They usually provide advice related to project management to businesses that lack project management expertise.

Project management consulting services provide SMEs with a holistic approach to improve their performance of their project management. Using modern and relevant assessment tools, the consultants identify opportunities for the business to improve its current project management practices. Usually, SMEs tend to apply old-fashioned and ineffective processes and structures to manage their initiatives. The role of the consultant is to identify these weaknesses and recommend approaches that are more effective in the current competitive business environment. 

Project management consulting – typical services

SMEs can benefit from a project management consulting group, either fully or partially. A consultant is different from a contractor in that their work is to consult. While project management firms offer project management services, project management consulting firms only offer advice and support. In other words, they are not responsible for the execution of the project. Some of the typical services of a project management consultant include:

• An overview of weaknesses in the business current processes and controls
• A review of the current project management capabilities and processes
• Support in implementation of new processes, tools, and procedures
• Recommendations for better controls and process
• Change management and support for process transformation

When you hire a consultant, they will not be involved in the typical tasks of managing a project. They will not create project plans for you, execute or control your projects. Instead, you will get project management coaching and mentoring. The consultant will help in giving your employees the right tools for completing project tasks on their own. In other words, your employees are empowered to become more effective in project management and meet all deliverables as needed.

Why Agile Consulting Services are Important

Although a general project management consultant can provide all the necessary advice and guidance, agile consulting companies focus more on providing guidance of an agile approach to project management. Their services are designed to provide a wider range of agile advisory. Small- and medium-sized businesses can benefit from services that will increase their agility based on the key agile principles. With end-user satisfaction being a priority, your employees will be trained to be more effective in their duties. This will lead to enhanced and increased ROIs on the major processes within the organization.

Agile consulting services are ideal for businesses in almost every industry. This includes healthcare, avionics, telecom, oil and gas, automobiles, and banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI). Regardless of your area of specialization, an agile coach consultant will guide you in transforming and implanting agile processes like XP, SCRUM, and Kanban. Aligning an agile framework with Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMi) process area is also a common service offered by agile management consulting teams.

Key Steps of Agile Transformation in SMEs

Agile consulting companies are established with the vision of helping businesses achieve their full potential in the current ever-changing environment. With technology being an essential element of running a business today, an agile methodology is increasingly becoming a necessity. With agile IT project management in place, your business is likely to achieve its full potential insofar as the use of technology is concerned. Agile consulting services adopt an iterative process in agile transformation. The process involves the following 4 key steps:

1.  Business Agility Assessment

The first step is assessing the agility of the business. This helps to visualize your operations and define improvement opportunities. With experienced and certified agile coaches, your business leadership and delivery team can assess your business agility to understand your unique challenges. Once the assessment is complete, the consultants highlight the root causes of project management problems in your business. This includes identification of the real problems beyond the obvious symptoms and effects. This step is important in analyzing the problem from different perspectives and recommend appropriate solutions.

2.  Strategic Plan Development

Once the business agility has been assessed, the next step is implementing a strategic plan for the organization. The plan should align with overall organizational objectives to ensure your business becomes fully agile. Usually, a dedicated team of agile consultants will work with you or your management to create a roadmap that best suits your business needs.

The strategic plan step is also known as recommendations and solutions. A team of agile consultancy experts will help you identify the potential approaches you can use to solve the problems identified in your business project management. A participative approach is usually preferred in the creation of ideas to ensure you get ownership of the solutions recommended. The strategic plan created is meant to incorporate a roadmap for your business with all the key milestones to monitor progress. Other important elements include expected benefits, identification of short-term opportunities, and ways of pursuing quick wins to alleviate the challenges and most pressing issues.

3.  Employee Training

After developing a strategic plan, the agile consultancy will provide training sources to relevant stakeholders, including individual teams, executive leadership, and program or product management. The steps also include the provision of knowledge and tools to all organizational members to support the delivery of more value. A team of agile consultants and coaches will impart all those involved with the skills and knowledge needed for successful agile implementation across the organization.

Employee training of agile IT project management is specific to its goals. Instead of using generic course materials, the agile consultant will customize the training content to fit your business environment. This may include forms, policies, and tools needed by your team to start applying their new skills on the go.

4.  Continued Consulting and Coaching

The goal of agile coaching is to go beyond the implementation of the identified solution. It is more of project management coaching and mentoring to ensure that your business reaches its optimal levels. Once a customized agile methodology that fits your organizational cultures has been developed, it is important to review it constantly for growth and flexibility. Your staff is taken through coaching and mentoring processes designed to fit the culture and needs of your business.

What You Get from An Agile Management Consulting Firm

Working with an agile consultant gives you access to various advisory services. Whether you are looking to adopt or scale Agile methodologies in your SME, a consultant will help you make sure you are doing everything the right way. Some of the services you will get when you hire an agile consultant include:

1.  Agile Program Management

An agile tech consulting expert will provide you with all the advice and guidance you need to run an agile IT project management framework in your business. This is a full range of advisory and support for an agile project or program management, including process guidelines, templates, process improvement techniques, and defining team composition.

2.  Definition and Assessment of Best-fit Processes

If you are working with an agile project management consultant, they will help you identify and evaluate your business objectives for improvements. They will help in assessing processes to identify gaps and recommend best-fit agile methodology. The goal is to incorporate agile principles that have been proven to work across relevant parameters to increase business value.

3.  Implementation of SCRUM Methodology

An agile scrum coach is an expert that will guide you through the full process of SCRUM implementation. The process involves constant support for an agreed-upon number of sprints, with relevant advisory services to reflect the special needs of SMEs.

4.  Alignment of CMMi to Agile

Agile consultants support agile framework implementation to satisfy the requirements of the CMMi model. This helps business owners to map agile practices in an effective way to CMMi process areas. They also apprise you of the benefits of using an agile framework to implement the CMMi model.

5.  Implementation of Kanban

Project management consulting will provide you with a full range of support for Kanban process implementation. The goal is to help you manage the creation of products while emphasizing continual delivery without overburdening the development team.

6.  Implementation of XP

Agile consultancy firms provide extensive support for XP processes. This helps business owners to release plans in time, manage their risks, and develop metaphors. The goal is to ensure you adhere to XP practices by helping you tailor the best-fit XP process for your business.

7.  Reviewing Agile Processes and Checking Adherence

Agile consultants provide independent audit services and regular adherence checks for agile methodologies. They create review reports and provide guidelines for improvements.

Benefits of Agile Consulting Services

Agile consulting services provide a wide range of benefits to SMEs. Statistically, only 28% of companies utilize project performance techniques in their operations. Working with an agile consultant puts you among this group, giving your business a competitive edge over others in the industry. Whether you are working with a scrum master coach agile team or an entire agile management consulting team, you are guaranteed of complete adoption of the  agile methodology. These services will help you:

1. Create an agile transformation roadmap
2. Expand agile practices and awareness in an agile environment
3. Facilitate the different agile methodology processes with the program or project
4. Setup the project in agile Scrum/Kanban/XP
5. Use different models to measure the progress of the project in an agile environment
6. Facilitate metrics to measure how effective you have implemented agile methodology
7. Study approaches used by a different organization to measure the effectiveness of agile implementation
8. Bring in best practices from experience and research to enhance the quality and efficiency of the project
9. Train how to create meeting notes, product requirements, and project plans
10. Track time using project trackers

Final Remarks

The agile framework to project management is ideal for small and medium enterprises that value innovation. The approach has been gained popularity with 27.4% of manufacturing organizations relying solely on Agile while 56.6% use a combination of methodologies. Agile methodology is both fascinating and exciting to SME business owners who want to gain a cutting edge in their field. The approach focuses more on the end-results as opposed to standard project management procedures. Once integrated into an organization, the methodology provides better results and improves the overall quality of project output. Project management consultancy services are useful in guiding businesses to adopt this framework effectively. The approach may include ensuring that employees can make independent decisions, the organization is willing to become flexible and adaptable, and collaboration will be promoted throughout the organization.