Kanban - The Difference Between Classical and Agile Project Management

Dear readers, today I want to talk about a direct comparison between classical project management and agile project management, with a particular focus on the Kanban method. As an Agile Coach, I have worked with both approaches in various projects and would like to present the advantages and disadvantages of both methods. Classical project management, also known as the Waterfall method, is characterized by a sequential approach. Individual phases such as analysis, planning, execution, and closure are completed one after another. A major advantage of this method is its clear structure and the ability to plan the project in detail in advance. This makes milestones and deadlines easy to define and track.

However, this rigid plan can also lead to problems if requirements change during development. Changes often incur high costs and take a lot of time, as the work would have to revert to the previous phase in the classical method. The agile approach, on the other hand, aims to increase flexibility and adaptability to changes. This is where methods like Kanban come into play.

Kanban is a visual project management tool that focuses on continuous improvement. The process is based on a board that shows tasks in different categories, ranging from the queue to being processed, to completion. The biggest advantage of Kanban is that it allows team members to complete work at their own pace. There are no fixed schedules or deadlines. Tasks are only passed on when a team member has the capacity to take them on. However, the flexibility of Kanban can also lead to challenges.

It requires a high degree of responsibility and self-organization from each team member. Furthermore, without a clear structure, there is a risk of tasks being left undone or bottlenecks occurring. Therefore, clear communication and good teamwork are essential to ensure that everyone involved is on the same page. Overall, both classical and agile project management, and specifically Kanban, can complement each other and be applied depending on the individual requirements of a project. The Waterfall method is well-suited for projects with clear requirements where specifications are clearly defined from the outset. Agile methods like Kanban, on the other hand, are suitable when requirements may change or when continuous improvement is desired.

As an Agile Coach, I am convinced that Kanban is a valuable tool in project management. It allows teams to be flexible and adapt quickly to changes. It promotes transparency, communication, and continuous improvement. However, it should be noted that Kanban is not the best choice for all projects, and it is important to choose the right method for each individual project. With this in mind, I wish you much success in deciding on the right project management framework for your organization!