How is Conventional Approach Different for Agile?

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How is Conventional Approach Different for Agile?

Learn what is Conventional approach, check the Agile vs Conventional approach comparison. Also, how Conventional approach is used in different fields.
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Published on
Apr 19, 2024
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3570
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10 Mins

 

When I talk about the "Conventional Approach," I mean the tried-and-true methods we've always used in project management and operational strategy. It's a clear-cut, step-by-step process: each task is tackled one at a time, carefully planned out and executed in order. Over my career spanning more than 15 years, I've seen a lot of emphasis on forward planning and predicting future outcomes. But things started shifting when Agile methodologies entered the picture, offering a far more adaptable and flexible model.

In my view, what makes Agile really shine is its emphasis on getting constant feedback, its quickness to adapt to necessary changes, and how it encourages teams from different departments to work together. Although there are many differences and a few similarities between these methods, each has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s dig deeper into these approaches so I can show you from my own experience how Agile really sets itself apart from the conventional methods I've been working with for years. 

Master CSM Training Chennai with StarAgile – Enroll Now to Boost Your Career with Hands-On Training and Industry-Recognized Certification!

What is the Conventional Approach?

In all the years I’ve been a Certified Scrum Trainer(CST), I’ve run into the Conventional Approach time and again conventional approach meaning is same as "traditional project management" or the "Waterfall method." This way of doing things is all about tackling tasks one at a time, in a straight line. When I handle projects like this, I make sure everything is nailed down tight: we plan, design, develop, and test in strict order, finishing up one phase completely before moving on to the next. This method works like a charm for projects where everything’s clear from the start and outcomes are predictable.

The Waterfall method includes several key steps:

Throughout my career, I've always put a huge emphasis on the need for careful planning. For me, it's about drawing up a detailed blueprint that sets clear boundaries and identifies all the necessary resources to get the job done. This kind of rigorous preparation is what traditional project management is all about its core focus is on delivering solid results. I stick to the original plan like glue and keep a tight grip on any changes. This is key to making sure we hit our deadlines and stay within budget.

This structured way of managing projects really helps keep everyone on the same page. By laying out everyone's roles and responsibilities from the start, it boosts communication and ensures everyone knows their place in the pecking order. But, I've seen times when this stiffness can get in the way of making quick pivots or adapting when unexpected things pop up.

When it comes to managing risks, being proactive is non-negotiable. I’m always tweaking and improving our strategies to manage risks, which lets us spot potential problems before they become real headaches. This proactive stance on risk management is a huge part of why we succeed in traditional project settings it's all about staying one step ahead.

Also Read: Agile Coach Vs Scrum Master

The Agile Approach

Throughout my career, I've really leaned into the Agile Approach. It's a sharp pivot from the traditional methodologies I used to rely on. What's to love about Agile? It thrives on teamwork, thrives on the push-pull of continuous feedback, thrives on tight deadlines, and thrives on rapid iterations. The real game-changer, in my view, is its flexibility. It's just perfect for teams that need to work closely it really gets the best out of us.

Every iteration of our software moulds itself around user feedback, evolving constantly and making sure the final product isn't just good it's exactly what the users need.

Now, traditional project management? That's a whole different beast. It's all about rigid structures, but Agile? Agile loves adaptability, thrives on collaborative effort. I've watched project managers from all corners of the world switch to Agile and never look back all thanks to its ability to adapt swiftly to changes. This adaptability is crucial, especially with how fast technology moves nowadays.

I've embraced frameworks like Scrum, SAFe, and Kanban, and I can't tell you enough how beneficial they've been. They help streamline decision-making and cut down time spent on the less crucial stuff. Diving deep into Agile began for me with earning a Scrum Master Certification an experience that wasn't just educational but downright transformative. It didn't just end with learning; I got a CSM certification recognized by the Scrum Alliance.

And the impact of using Agile? Tremendous. The companies I've worked with have seen a significant boost in client satisfaction and a faster software development process. It's more than just enhancing workflow; it's about aligning our development teams with the real, evolving needs of our business and our users. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

Also Read: Agile Remote Working

How is the Conventional Approach Different from Agile?

Whenever I pause to reflect on my journey using both Conventional and Agile methodologies. The contrasts between Agile vs Conventional approach jump out at me, not just in their execution but also in their adaptability to change and approach to project development. From my own experience, conventional methods are all about detailed planning and moving methodically through each project phase. There’s a certain merit to this structured approach, but it can sometimes be too rigid.

Agile, on the other hand, completely turns this old-school concept on its head. In my day-to-day work, embracing iteration over sticking strictly to a pre-set plan has opened up much greater flexibility. Working closely with clients and staying receptive to rapid changes has revolutionized how we tackle projects. Agile practices like Scrum, Kanban, and Lean split projects into shorter, more manageable segments called iterations or sprints, which usually run for just a few weeks.

Within each of these sprints, my teams go through cycles of planning, executing, and testing. This dynamic setup allows for ongoing feedback and quick tweaks, dramatically enhancing both efficiency and effectiveness in our projects.

Also Read: Agile Team

Agile vs Conventional Approach 

Feature

Conventional Approach

Agile Methodology

Project Structure

Linear and sequential phases

Iterative and incremental cycles

Flexibility

Limited; changes are difficult and costly

High; encourages change and adaptation

Planning

Extensive upfront planning; scope, timeline, and budget are fixed early

Continuous planning; scope and plans evolve based on feedback

Team Structure

Hierarchical, with defined roles and responsibilities

Cross-functional, self-organising teams with shared responsibilities

Feedback Loop

Feedback is incorporated at the end or specific milestones

Regular feedback loops and reviews at the end of each iteration

Risk Management

Risks are identified early; changes later in the project can be problematic

Frequent reassessment and adaptation reduce long-term risks

Customer Involvement

Typically limited after the requirements phase

Continuous involvement and collaboration

 

Conventional Approach Example

Reflecting on a classic project that exemplifies the strengths of standard project management, the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge stands out in my mind.It's a clear-cut, step-by-step process: each task is tackled one at a time, carefully planned out and executed in order. Over my career spanning more than 15 years, I've seen a lot of emphasis on forward planning and predicting future outcomes. But things started shifting when Agile methodologies entered the picture, offering a far more adaptable and flexible model.

In my view, what makes Agile really shine is its emphasis on getting constant feedback, its quickness to adapt to necessary changes, and how it encourages teams from different departments to work together. Although there are many differences and a few similarities between these methods, each has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s dig deeper into these approaches so I can show you from my own experience how Agile really sets itself apart from the conventional methods I've been working with for years.

Boost Team Collaboration – Discover key Scrum Master Facilitation Techniques for successful sprints.

Conventional Approach in Different Fields

Reflecting on my years of experience across various fields, I've seen how the Conventional Approach contrasts sharply with Agile methodologies. As we've shifted towards Agile thinking, I've noticed teams becoming more adaptable and quick to respond to new challenges. The traditional method, which I've worked with extensively, re

 

When I talk about the "Conventional Approach," I mean the tried-and-true methods we've always used in project management and operational strategy. It's a clear-cut, step-by-step process: each task is tackled one at a time, carefully planned out and executed in order. Over my career spanning more than 15 years, I've seen a lot of emphasis on forward planning and predicting future outcomes. But things started shifting when Agile methodologies entered the picture, offering a far more adaptable and flexible model.

In my view, what makes Agile really shine is its emphasis on getting constant feedback, its quickness to adapt to necessary changes, and how it encourages teams from different departments to work together. Although there are many differences and a few similarities between these methods, each has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s dig deeper into these approaches so I can show you from my own experience how Agile really sets itself apart from the conventional methods I've been working with for years. 

Master CSM Training Chennai with StarAgile – Enroll Now to Boost Your Career with Hands-On Training and Industry-Recognized Certification!

What is the Conventional Approach?

In all the years I’ve been a Certified Scrum Trainer(CST), I’ve run into the Conventional Approach time and again conventional approach meaning is same as "traditional project management" or the "Waterfall method." This way of doing things is all about tackling tasks one at a time, in a straight line. When I handle projects like this, I make sure everything is nailed down tight: we plan, design, develop, and test in strict order, finishing up one phase completely before moving on to the next. This method works like a charm for projects where everything’s clear from the start and outcomes are predictable.

The Waterfall method includes several key steps:

Throughout my career, I've always put a huge emphasis on the need for careful planning. For me, it's about drawing up a detailed blueprint that sets clear boundaries and identifies all the necessary resources to get the job done. This kind of rigorous preparation is what traditional project management is all about its core focus is on delivering solid results. I stick to the original plan like glue and keep a tight grip on any changes. This is key to making sure we hit our deadlines and stay within budget.

This structured way of managing projects really helps keep everyone on the same page. By laying out everyone's roles and responsibilities from the start, it boosts communication and ensures everyone knows their place in the pecking order. But, I've seen times when this stiffness can get in the way of making quick pivots or adapting when unexpected things pop up.

When it comes to managing risks, being proactive is non-negotiable. I’m always tweaking and improving our strategies to manage risks, which lets us spot potential problems before they become real headaches. This proactive stance on risk management is a huge part of why we succeed in traditional project settings it's all about staying one step ahead.

Also Read: Agile Coach Vs Scrum Master

The Agile Approach

Throughout my career, I've really leaned into the Agile Approach. It's a sharp pivot from the traditional methodologies I used to rely on. What's to love about Agile? It thrives on teamwork, thrives on the push-pull of continuous feedback, thrives on tight deadlines, and thrives on rapid iterations. The real game-changer, in my view, is its flexibility. It's just perfect for teams that need to work closely it really gets the best out of us.

Every iteration of our software moulds itself around user feedback, evolving constantly and making sure the final product isn't just good it's exactly what the users need.

Now, traditional project management? That's a whole different beast. It's all about rigid structures, but Agile? Agile loves adaptability, thrives on collaborative effort. I've watched project managers from all corners of the world switch to Agile and never look back all thanks to its ability to adapt swiftly to changes. This adaptability is crucial, especially with how fast technology moves nowadays.

I've embraced frameworks like Scrum, SAFe, and Kanban, and I can't tell you enough how beneficial they've been. They help streamline decision-making and cut down time spent on the less crucial stuff. Diving deep into Agile began for me with earning a Scrum Master Certification an experience that wasn't just educational but downright transformative. It didn't just end with learning; I got a CSM certification recognized by the Scrum Alliance.

And the impact of using Agile? Tremendous. The companies I've worked with have seen a significant boost in client satisfaction and a faster software development process. It's more than just enhancing workflow; it's about aligning our development teams with the real, evolving needs of our business and our users. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

Also Read: Agile Remote Working

How is the Conventional Approach Different from Agile?

Whenever I pause to reflect on my journey using both Conventional and Agile methodologies. The contrasts between Agile vs Conventional approach jump out at me, not just in their execution but also in their adaptability to change and approach to project development. From my own experience, conventional methods are all about detailed planning and moving methodically through each project phase. There’s a certain merit to this structured approach, but it can sometimes be too rigid.

Agile, on the other hand, completely turns this old-school concept on its head. In my day-to-day work, embracing iteration over sticking strictly to a pre-set plan has opened up much greater flexibility. Working closely with clients and staying receptive to rapid changes has revolutionized how we tackle projects. Agile practices like Scrum, Kanban, and Lean split projects into shorter, more manageable segments called iterations or sprints, which usually run for just a few weeks.

Within each of these sprints, my teams go through cycles of planning, executing, and testing. This dynamic setup allows for ongoing feedback and quick tweaks, dramatically enhancing both efficiency and effectiveness in our projects.

Also Read: Agile Team

Agile vs Conventional Approach 

Feature

Conventional Approach

Agile Methodology

Project Structure

Linear and sequential phases

Iterative and incremental cycles

Flexibility

Limited; changes are difficult and costly

High; encourages change and adaptation

Planning

Extensive upfront planning; scope, timeline, and budget are fixed early

Continuous planning; scope and plans evolve based on feedback

Team Structure

Hierarchical, with defined roles and responsibilities

Cross-functional, self-organising teams with shared responsibilities

Feedback Loop

Feedback is incorporated at the end or specific milestones

Regular feedback loops and reviews at the end of each iteration

Risk Management

Risks are identified early; changes later in the project can be problematic

Frequent reassessment and adaptation reduce long-term risks

Customer Involvement

Typically limited after the requirements phase

Continuous involvement and collaboration

 

Conventional Approach Example

Reflecting on a classic project that exemplifies the strengths of standard project management, the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge stands out in my mind.It's a clear-cut, step-by-step process: each task is tackled one at a time, carefully planned out and executed in order. Over my career spanning more than 15 years, I've seen a lot of emphasis on forward planning and predicting future outcomes. But things started shifting when Agile methodologies entered the picture, offering a far more adaptable and flexible model.

In my view, what makes Agile really shine is its emphasis on getting constant feedback, its quickness to adapt to necessary changes, and how it encourages teams from different departments to work together. Although there are many differences and a few similarities between these methods, each has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s dig deeper into these approaches so I can show you from my own experience how Agile really sets itself apart from the conventional methods I've been working with for years.

Boost Team Collaboration – Discover key Scrum Master Facilitation Techniques for successful sprints.

Conventional Approach in Different Fields

Reflecting on my years of experience across various fields, I've seen how the Conventional Approach contrasts sharply with Agile methodologies. As we've shifted towards Agile thinking, I've noticed teams becoming more adaptable and quick to respond to new challenges. The traditional method, which I've worked with extensively, re

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About Author
Madhavi Ledalla

Certified Scrum Trainer

Agile transformational enthusiast having over 20 years of IT experience in key domain areas of HCM, e-commerce, Gaming Industry, Service Cloud, Medical products, Integrated Control Systems, Security products, SP3D modelling, Workflow automation systems, Pay Roll and neural networks.• Trained over 1000 participants so far in CSM, CSPO, Kanban and SAFe

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