PMP vs Scrum or PMP + Scrum? Best management practices

We already know that PMP and Scrum are fully compatible, especially in the phase in which the project is executed and monitored.

The fact of having all the processes and scopes documented helps us to waterfall the project planning, but we feel that we lose agility when there is a deviation, and we are forced to start again with the approval processes.

In a correct scope change management in PMP, we must inform of the scope change, get it approved by the stakeholders, budget it, include it in the budget, plan it, and execute it. However, following Scrum, what we will do is to allow changes but evaluate their impact with respect to the effort, and try to negotiate with the client the possible exclusion of deliverables that are not so critical.

In most cases, the success or failure of any Project Manager will depend largely on the client's culture.

For a Project Manager, any good practice is to be welcomed and must make the best use of resources, get the most out of the team to deliver the project on time, on budget, and on scope. If the environment or nature of our company allows it, being able to interact with PMP and Scrum will provide us with greater capabilities to face the different risks of the project.

What is the Scrum methodology?

Scrum methodology is an agile approach to project management and development. It is based on collaboration, flexibility, and incremental delivery of results. Scrum focuses on self-organized teams working in short cycles called sprints, where tasks are planned, performed, and reviewed.

This methodology is characterized by its iterative and incremental approach, which means that the project is divided into small parts that are continuously developed and delivered. In addition, Scrum encourages constant communication among team members and adaptation to changes that may arise during project development.

Benefits of applying Scrum in your project

Applying the Scrum methodology in your project can provide numerous benefits. Some of them are:

• Greater flexibility and adaptability to changes.
• Greater productivity by working in short sprints and focusing on priority tasks.
• Greater collaboration and communication among team members.
• Better quality of the final product by performing constant revisions and adjustments.
• Increased customer satisfaction by delivering incremental and continuous results.
• Greater visibility and control over project progress through daily meetings and the development of Kanban boards or burndown charts.

Steps to implement Scrum in your team

Implementing Scrum in your team requires following some key steps. Here is a guide to implement Scrum in your project:

1. Form a Scrum team: Select the team members who will work on the project and define the roles of Scrum Master and Product Owner.
2. Establish the product backlog: Identify and prioritize the features and tasks needed to complete the project.
3. Plan the sprint: Define the objectives and tasks to be addressed during the sprint.
4. Conduct daily meetings: The team meets daily to share progress, identify potential roadblocks, and plan the day's tasks.
5. Perform the sprint: The team works on the planned tasks during the sprint, following the established plan.
6. Conduct sprint review: At the end of the sprint, the team reviews and evaluates the work performed, identifying areas for improvement.
7. Conduct a sprint retrospective: The team reflects on the process and looks for ways to improve for the next sprint.
8. Repeat steps 3 through 7 for each new sprint until the project is complete.

Useful Tools for Managing Scrum Projects

Several tools can be useful for managing Scrum projects. Some of them are:

• Kanban boards allow for visualizing and managing pending, in-progress, and completed tasks.
• Burndown charts provide a graphical representation of project progress and help identify possible deviations.
• Task management tools: Facilitate the assignment and tracking of project tasks.
• Communication tools: Enable fluid and constant communication between team members, even if they are working remotely.

These tools can help improve collaboration, organization, and project visibility.

Benefits of working with a PMP-certified vendor for excellent project management

By integrating a PMP-certified methodology into your IT project management, significant benefits can be realized. The optimization of resources and time is key to ensuring efficiency in project development, while the reduction of risks and errors contributes to a smoother and more successful execution.

In addition, working with a supplier certified in PMP methodologies can increase client satisfaction by ensuring professional and effective management. This combination of approaches provides the structure needed for detailed planning, but also the flexibility and agility required to adapt to project changes and challenges.

The combination of PMP and Scrum in project management is a powerful strategy that allows for the detailed planning and flexibility needed to adapt to changes. While PMP focuses on documentation and change approval, Scrum promotes incremental delivery and constant collaboration. By integrating both methodologies, a Project Manager can make the most of available resources and successfully address project challenges. The key is to find the balance between PMP structure and Scrum agility to achieve effective and satisfying results for all parties involved in the project.

Find out how to implement this combination of methodologies to boost productivity and collaboration in your team.