Part 1- Accelerating outcomes with a hybrid approach within a waterfall environment
A few years ago, when I reviewed for the first time and out of my curiosity the following article, published by Chris Kaufman, Deloitte Consulting LLP and Project Management Institute (PMI), I was not sure if it is possible or beneficial to implement Hybrid Project Management methodology in infrastructure projects.
Today, I don’t think this is the case in some of our projects that are being delivered by more progressive contractual models. In projects using Progressive P3, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), Design-Build-Finance-Operation-Maintenance (DBFOM), DBOM, Alliance and other similar collaborative models, we are working in big consortiums formed by local and international corporates, working collaboratively with project sponsors and owners to define our own scope, and ultimately budget and schedule. Actually, in many cases during the bid phase, we are creating the technical scope of work to deliver a specific service level or function. The limits, however, can be high-level estimated budget and timelines provided in the business cases (BCs) used for the federal or provincial funding applications.
Reviewing this article once more after the Regional Express Rail (RER) OnCorr proposal preparation experience which was following DBOM model, I see the similarities and differences clearer, also the opportunities for using more flexible and efficient hybrid models in infrastructure projects.
It might be beneficial to bring a few principles to the reader’s attention before diving into the full article which initially has been written for software development projects:
- In repetitive and more predictable projects like construction and infrastructure, we normally use Waterfall methodology because we have access to project’s golden triangle including: scope, schedule and budget and we have delivered more or less similar projects in the past.
- In Agile, however, the project starts with unclear scope, but a specific budget and timeline in mind.
- Different types of Hybrid project management methods might be defined or utilized by different industries considering the scale, complexity and work components of the project. Hybrid methods usually combine waterfall, agile or iterative project management methods to manage different stages or components of the program or project.
Shortly, I’ll share more thoughts to explain in more detail why my perspective has been changed. For now, it might be beneficial to first get familiar with the general idea and other industries’ experiences comparing to what we do in Infrastructure and construction projects following waterfall methodology.
I would like to hear about your opinion and experience on different projects, also the perspective of different involved parties in these major projects. Please share your thoughts in the comments below or contact to: info@tact-hive.com