In an ever-evolving landscape of project management, organisations are embracing agile methodologies to adapt to changing market dynamics and deliver projects more efficiently. Agile PPM (Project Portfolio Management) combines the core principles of agile project management with portfolio management practices to enable organisations to prioritise, execute, and manage projects in a more flexible and collaborative manner.

What is agile?

Agile is an iterative project management approach that puts emphasis on collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement. Agile promotes frequent and incremental delivery of project outcomes, encourages self-organising and cross-functional teams, and values collaboration and feedback. It focuses on embracing change, maintaining transparency, and fostering a flexible mindset to achieve project success.

The role of agile in PPM

Agile plays a significant role in PPM by bringing its principles and practices into the portfolio management process. It enables organisations to align their project portfolios with strategic objectives, whilst adapting to change and responding quickly to market shifts.

Agile PPM facilitates prioritisation based on value, promotes collaboration between stakeholders, and fosters continuous improvement in project execution. By incorporating agile practices into portfolio management, organisations can enhance their ability to deliver high-value projects with increased efficiency and customer satisfaction.

How does agile PPM differ from standard PPM?

Traditional or standard PPM approaches often follow a sequential and rigid project management methodology, where projects are carefully planned and executed based on predetermined requirements. Agile PPM on the other hand embraces an iterative and adaptive approach, where projects are executed in small increments called sprints.

Agile PPM focuses on delivering value early and frequently, fostering continuous feedback and learning, and adapting to changing priorities and requirements. It encourages flexibility, collaboration, and empowerment, enabling teams to respond effectively to evolving project needs.

Other types of PPM approaches:

Apart from Agile PPM, there are other types of PPM approaches that organisations can adopt based on their specific needs and industry requirements. Some common types include: 

Traditional PPM

As mentioned earlier, traditional PPM follows a sequential and structured approach, emphasising careful planning, control, and risk management.

Lean PPM

Lean PPM applies lean principles to portfolio management, aiming to eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and maximise value delivery.

Strategic PPM

Strategic PPM focuses on aligning the project portfolio with organisational strategy, ensuring that projects contribute to long-term goals and objectives.

How to approach PPM from an agile methodology

Prioritise Based on Value

Use value-driven prioritisation techniques to identify and select projects that align with strategic objectives and deliver the highest value to the organisation and its customers.

Embrace Iterative Planning

Adopt iterative planning processes, such as Agile Release Trains (ARTs) or Scrum of Scrums, to allow for incremental project planning, execution, and frequent adaptation based on feedback and changing priorities.

Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration

Encourage collaboration and communication between different teams and stakeholders, fostering a culture of transparency, trust, and shared responsibility.

Implement Agile Metrics

Utilise agile metrics, such as velocity, burn-down charts, and cumulative flow diagrams, to measure project progress, identify bottlenecks, and drive continuous improvement.

Fluid and agile PPM

Fluid is an all-in-one, leading project management software, provides an array of features and capabilities that support agile PPM practices. Teams can effectively manage their project portfolios, embrace agile methodologies, and drive successful project outcomes with Fluid. The software enables agile planning, resource allocation, collaboration, and real-time reporting, empowering teams to make data-driven decisions, adapt to change, and maximise the value delivered by their projects.

Check out a recorded demo to take a look at Fluid first-hand.