The squabbling continues
Articles abound purporting the benefits and problems associated with one method or another. Agile has been no stranger to this criticism; however the search for innovation does not just lie in technology development, but also in the manufacturing process, itself. The difference being solely one way of doing the work, where in fact there are many.
The tremendous improvements that are core to Agile development include; transparent and continuous communication within development teams and customers; willingness to listen and integrate changing requirements and total interdependence of team members. These are foundational principals that should be a part of any project; regardless whether the end product is a software system or a residential home.
However, believing that Agile alone will instantly create a Kumbaya atmosphere for your project is not a good assumption. Team members also need structure to work successfully, and much the elements from other Project Management methods can be integrated with Agile to get the best of both worlds.
Imagine having an argument for which drink is best … coffee or milk? They are different but both serve a purpose to satisfy a need for refreshment, and provide nourishment; perhaps less nourishment in the case of coffee. The bottom line is many like to have both coffee and milk together. So goes it with Agile and Non-Agile Project Management methods; different but not incompatible.
