Hold on if you were about to answer Yes to this question. Well, most of the people whom I asked this question answered me Yes. It is almost ‘Do you know Agile?’. Everybody says Yes. However, give a project to them, and you will realise within one week whether they know Agile or not.
Before proceeding, let me introduce you to the Standish group. Standish group is a primary research advisory organisation that focuses on software project performance. Standish Groups says their mission is “to change the world in the way software projects are managed”. The organization has project data of 50000 projects and uses extensive research to help the communities. Most of the organisations do rely on this group to get the latest research data on software project management successes or failures.
They produce Chaos report which included the latest trending reports on successful or failed project data. Below is an extract from the report which showcases Agile versus Waterfall project success.
Well, I guess now you got your answer. Sorry If it has been a disappointment.
This is data. According to this, waterfall projects are still successful, but when you compare it with the project which applied Agile, that success is very low. You may have noticed that only 3% of large waterfall projects have been successful. So, I do not know why project managers do not seriously think about it before suggesting any project to be waterfall.
However, some people are smart, in a different way. They are not waterfall, they propose Agile like below.
Is Agile easy?
Data says it well. Isn’t it. According to the above report, even Agile projects have failed. Moreover, a significant percentage of projects have been challenged (means struggled). That means Agile is not as easy as we think. If I add a bit of personal touch, in my history, I managed to rescue waterfall projects which had been screwed big time by converting those to agile. However, it was damn hard.
Why?
Because, in my viewpoint, Agile is a mindset change, behavioural change. Do you want to challenge? Ok, attend any Agile team’s standup and see if they finish on time? Well, some teams do, but those teams have lived and breathed Agile.
Agile has never been easy; in fact, it is one of the most challenging methodologies to implement just because it is a mindset change. However, it is worth an attempt; in fact, one of the most fruitful investment. 39% success compared to 11% is very promising. Isn’t it?
