Most organizations conduct at least some of their projects using both agile and waterfall techniques. Others haven’t yet committed to widespread use of agile, but they are at least using it in some of their software development projects. Then there are organizations that are exploring the use of agile principles in their more strategic functions. While this is not always a scaled agile approach, it is at least an attempt to make the business more responsive when there is a need to adapt and pivot.
This need to be responsive is also driving changes into the way that work is being done. In part that’s resulting in greater consideration of the use of agile project execution techniques across the enterprise, perhaps even leading to the decision to commit to an agile transformation to make the practice common across most if not all business areas. However, it’s also resulting in the growth of something else.
That something else is hybrid project delivery. In simple terms hybrid project delivery means the use of elements of traditional, waterfall-based project delivery in combination with elements of agile. The specific combination of techniques is determined by the project manager who is given the freedom to adapt their project delivery technique based on the preferences of the team, the needs of the project and various other factors.
This project management autonomy has come about because of the need for enterprise agility. In order to shift and adjust with minimal disruption and maximum effectiveness, organizations are recognizing that project teams must operate in a way that suits the situation – not tied to a prescribed approach.
Hybrid is rapidly growing in adoption and popularity because by focusing on how best to deliver every piece of work, rather than on following a standardized ‘one size fits all’ approach, teams are enabling their employer to achieve better, more consistent business outcomes in less time.
Of course, to do all of this requires an environment that is managed effectively. Teams aren’t operating without any guardrails, but the governance model is deliberately lean. Teams must also have crystal clear insight into what their work has to achieve, even as that evolves with changing circumstances and priorities.
This is where ServiceNow’s SPM (strategic portfolio management) solution comes in. With support for both traditional and agile work management tools, organizations have the ability to effectively re-embrace hybrid work delivery approaches without compromising visibility. And as part of the Now platform, all information is integrated across the entire enterprise, allowing teams to not only work in the way that they want, but to understand how that work aligns with the strategic priorities of the business.
For leaders, ServiceNow SPM provides contextualized insight into everything that is happening, and how that work is supporting the ability to achieve goals and objectives. Whether the work is being delivered using waterfall, agile or hybrid - see how Hybrid Management can support your business portfolio.
