Comparative Analysis of Agile and Lean

Project Management Methodologies

Assessing Efficiency and Effectiveness in
Project Delivery
Table of Contents
Table of figures............................................................................................................................................3
List of tables................................................................................................................................................3
Chapter: 1....................................................................................................................................................4
Abstract.......................................................................................................................................................4
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................4
1. Background..........................................................................................................................................5
2. Project Overview.................................................................................................................................6
3. Objectives............................................................................................................................................7
4. Problem Statement.............................................................................................................................7
5. Methodology.......................................................................................................................................7
6. Project Management Methodologies................................................................................................10
7. Agile and Lean PM Methodologies....................................................................................................11
7.1 Agile Methodology........................................................................................................................11
7.2 Lean Methodology.........................................................................................................................11
7.3 Project Management Methodologies............................................................................................12
7.4 Principles of Agile& Lean Methodology.........................................................................................12
7.5 Lean + Agile Approach for Software Development........................................................................13
8. Comparative Analysis of Agile and Lean Project Management Methodologies to access the
efficiency and effectiveness in project delivery.........................................................................................14
Literature Review......................................................................................................................................21
References.................................................................................................................................................27
Table of figures

Figure 1 Methodology Explanation..........................................................................................................9

Figure 2 PM Methodology......................................................................................................................10
Figure 3 Metrics.......................................................................................................................................19

List of tables
Table 1 Principles of Agile & Lean Methodology.................................................................................12
Table 2 Comparative Analysis-1............................................................................................................14
Table 3 Comparative Analysis -2...........................................................................................................15
Chapter: 1

Abstract

The research study titled "A Comparative Assessment of Agile and Lean Project Management
Methodologies" endeavors to evaluate and contrast the efficiency and effectiveness of Agile and
Lean approaches in project delivery. These methodologies have gained significant traction owing
to their ability to adapt to evolving project requirements and their beneficial influence on project
outcomes.

The study will examine the core principles, practices, and applications of both Agile and Lean
methodologies. It will investigate their influence on project success rates, stakeholder
satisfaction, and overall project performance. The research will utilize existing literature, existent
empirical studies, case studies, and research articles to gain insights into the strengths,
weaknesses, and suitability of these methodologies across various project types and industries.

Through a comparative analysis, the research seeks to identify the unique characteristics of Agile
and Lean methodologies and their points of convergence or divergence. The findings will offer
valuable guidance to project management practitioners and organizations in choosing the most
appropriate approach based on their specific project contexts. Additionally, the study aims to
address the current gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive assessment of the
effectiveness of Agile and Lean methodologies in project delivery.

Ultimately, this research aims to enhance project management practices by providing evidence-
based recommendations for the selection and implementation of either Agile or Lean
methodologies to achieve successful project outcomes.

Introduction

In the modern business environment, accomplishing organizational objectives in a streamlined

and effective manner heavily relies on successful project management. Project management
methodologies offer systematic structures and approaches that empower project teams to
strategize, execute, and monitor projects to attain desired results[13]. Two notable methodologies
that have garnered significant interest are Agile and Lean project management. These
methodologies are renowned for their flexibility in adapting to evolving project needs and their
capacity to optimize project efficiency [14]. This thesis intends to perform a comparative
examination of Agile and Lean project management methodologies to assess their effectiveness
and efficiency in project implementation[2].

1. Background
In recent times, project management practices have experienced a noticeable transformation, as more
organizations are embracing Agile and Lean methodologies. Traditional project management approaches,
like the Waterfall model, follow a linear and sequential process, necessitating completion of each phase
before moving to the next. However, in dynamic and fast-paced environments, these inflexible
methodologies may prove insufficient, resulting in project delays and stakeholder dissatisfaction[13].

Agile project management arose as a solution to these challenges, prioritizing iterative and
incremental development, continuous feedback, and adaptability to evolving requirements. Agile
methodologies, such as Scrum and Kanban, emphasize collaboration, communication, and
customer involvement, enabling teams to deliver value early and frequently. Agile principles
advocate self-organizing, cross-functional teams, empowering team members to make decisions
and drive project progress[14].

Conversely, Lean project management originated from the manufacturing sector, particularly
from the Toyota Production System. Lean principles center on waste reduction, process
streamlining, and efficient resource utilization. Lean project management aims to eliminate non-
value-adding activities and promote continuous improvement, ensuring projects are delivered
efficiently with minimal resources and delays [16].

In the past decade or two, the focus of developers has significantly shifted towards agile software
development, departing from the conventional engineering approach to software development.
This study seeks to identify the fundamental differences and potential conflicts between these
two software development paradigms by examining various traditional and agile methodologies,
methods, and techniques. Surprisingly, the core distinctions between traditional software
engineering and agile software development do not solely revolve around iteration length or
project management. Instead, they center on other factors such as the diversity of models used,
their intended purpose, and the modeling approach employed. Nonetheless, the research
concludes that these two approaches are not inherently incompatible, opening up the possibility
of a future concept known as Agile Software Engineering (ASE) [21].

Project Overview

The purpose of this project is to conduct a thorough investigation comparing the efficiency and
effectiveness of Agile and Lean project management methodologies. In today's rapidly changing
business landscape, effective project management is vital for achieving project objectives and
meeting stakeholder expectations. Agile and Lean methodologies have gained popularity as
viable alternatives to traditional project management approaches, mainly due to their adaptability
and focus on improving project outcomes [1][15][20].

The project aims to address the research problem of understanding the strengths and limitations
of Agile and Lean methodologies in addressing the challenges posed by complex projects,
technical requirements, and the need for quicker project completion. Through a comprehensive
literature review and analysis of relevant empirical studies, the research will delve into the core
principles and practices of both methodologies. Additionally, it will investigate how Agile and
Lean methodologies impact project success rates, stakeholder satisfaction, and overall
project performance [18][19][11].

To achieve its objectives, the project will adopt a secondary data analysis approach, utilizing
existing studies, research papers, and academic articles. Thematic analysis and statistical
techniques will be applied to integrate the findings and provide valuable insights into the
comparative analysis of Agile and Lean methodologies.

The significance of this project lies in its potential to offer valuable guidance to project
management practitioners in selecting the most suitable methodology for their specific projects.
By understanding the best practices and unique features of Agile and Lean, project managers can
enhance project performance, increase stakeholder satisfaction, and achieve successful project
completion. The research findings will contribute to the existing literature by bridging the gap in
comprehensive comparative analysis of these two methodologies and their impact on project
outcomes.
Overall, this project aims to contribute to the field of project management by deepening the
understanding of Agile and Lean methodologies' efficiency and effectiveness. It is expected that
the study's outcomes will have practical implications for project management practitioners,
enabling them to make informed decisions and improve project success rates in various project
types and industries.

2.[3.] Objectives

1. To explore the principles, applies, and applications in managementpractices of Agile and

Lean.
2. To evaluate the impact on project success rates by using Agile and Lean practices.
3. To evaluate the influence of Agile and Lean methodologies on stakeholder satisfaction.
4. To compare the overall project performance between Agile and Lean approaches.
5. To determine the suitability of Agile and Lean methodologies for different project types
and industries.

3.[4.] Problem Statement

While Agile and Lean methodologies have shown promise in improving project outcomes, there
is a need to conduct a comparative analysis to understand their efficiency and effectiveness in
project delivery. Project managers and organizations face the challenge of selecting the most
suitable methodology for their projects based on factors such as project type, industry, and team
dynamics. Therefore, it is essential to assess the strengths, weaknesses, and suitability of Agile
and Lean methodologies to guide decision-making and enhance project success rates.

4.[5.] Methodology
The research methodology for this study involves a secondary data analysis approach. The study will
utilize existing research papers, studies, and academic articles that have employed primary research
methods, such as interviews, questionnaires, and observations [12]. The selection of these materials will
be based on specific criteria, including their relevance to the research questions and objectives,
publication date, and alignment with the research problem [20].
Data extraction and synthesis will entail extracting pertinent information from the chosen
materials, organizing the data according to themes and research questions, and combining the
findings to provide a comprehensive analysis. Qualitative analysis methods, like thematic
analysis, will be employed to examine qualitative data, while quantitative analysis techniques,
such as statistical analysis, will be applied to quantitative data, if available. It's essential to note
that this research methodology exclusively involves analyzing existing secondary data and does
not entail primary data collection. Ethical considerations concerning the use of secondary data
will be taken into account, and appropriate referencing and citation practices will be followed
[20].

The research is planned to be conducted over a 12-month period, with distinct stages distributed
accordingly. The initial two months will be dedicated to conducting an in-depth literature review
and selecting the most suitable research approach. Subsequently, four months will be allocated
for data collection and case study analysis. The subsequent three months will be dedicated to
data evaluation, during which the findings will be synthesized and analyzed to draw conclusions.
Finally, the last two months will be utilized for preparing the final report and formulating
recommendations [21].

The research aims to provide valuable insights into the comparative analysis of Agile and Lean
project management methodologies, supporting project management practitioners in making
informed decisions and enhancing project success rates. The conclusions of this learning will
donate to the current literature by as long as a complete assessment of Agile and Lean
methodologies about project delivery efficiency and effectiveness [21].
 Comparative Analysis
Research Objective Enhance project management decision-making |Improve
project success rates

Secondary Data Analysis | Existing studies, research papers,

Research Methodology etc. | Specific criteria for selection | Ethical considerations
and referencing

12-Month Research Timeline | Literature Review (2 months)

Timeframe | Data Collection (4 months) | Data Evaluation (3 months) |
Final Report (2 months)

Extract relevant info | Organize data by themes| Synthesize

Data Extraction & Synthesis
findings

ualitative Analysis Thematic analysis

Quantitative Analysis Statistical analysis

Research Outcomes Insights into methodologies | Comparative assessment

Contribution to Literature Enhance existing | knowledge

Applications Assist PM practitioners | Improve project success rates

Conclusion & Recommendations Draw conclusions | | - Provide practical suggestions

Figure 1 Methodology Explanation

 5.[6.] Project Management Methodologies
As a project manager working with new clients, it is crucial to select the most effective collaboration
method to ensure a smooth workflow, efficient communication, and project success. With numerous
methodologies available, it is essential to comprehend the commonly used models and determine the most
suitable approach for your projects [6].

Each project management methodology offers unique steps and strategies that contribute to
successful project delivery. By carefully choosing the right methodology, you can establish
guidelines for team collaboration, set clear deliverables, define test processes, implement
effective governance, and gain other valuable advantages [5].

In this guide, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of widely used project management

methodologies. We explore their core functions, compare their elements, and present practical
examples of their application. This will enable you to evaluate and formulate the most
appropriate approach, aligning your project management practices with your clients' needs for
enhanced project outcomes [20].

Figure 2 PM Methodology
 6.[7.] Agile and Lean PM Methodologies
Agile and Lean methodologies for project management represent two separate strategies
employed to efficiently and effectively manage and execute projects across different industries
[4][18][21][5][9][17][19][20][21].

7.1 Overview of Agile Methodology

1. Agile represents a project management strategy that centers on iterative and incremental
development.

2. It prioritizes flexibility, adaptability, and customer engagement throughout the project's

life cycle.

3. Agile projects are subdivided into small iterations or sprints, enabling teams to deliver
functional components or features gradually.

4. Continuous integration of customer feedback facilitates quick responses to evolving

requirements and priorities.

5. Agile fosters cross-functional teams, self-management, and frequent communication to

improve project visibility and team cooperation.

7.2 Overview of Lean Methodology

1. Lean project management draws inspiration from lean manufacturing principles and
seeks to reduce waste and maximize value in project processes.

2. Its primary focus lies in identifying and eliminating non-value-adding activities or steps
that do not contribute to the project's objectives.

3. Lean fosters a culture of efficiency and continuous improvement, striving to streamline

project workflows and minimize lead times.

4. The methodology places emphasis on value stream mapping to identify areas for
enhancement and optimize project performance.

5. Lean project management endeavors to deliver projects with fewer resources, decreased
costs, and expedited delivery times, all while maintaining high-quality results.
7.3 Importance of Project Management Methodologies
1. In the contemporary and fast-paced business landscape, project management
methodologies play a crucial role in ensuring successful project delivery.
2. These methodologies offer structured approaches, frameworks, and best practices that
assist project managers and teams in efficiently planning, executing, and controlling
projects.
3. Agile and Lean methodologies bring distinct benefits suitable for various project types
and industries.
4. Agile's adaptability is well-suited for projects with evolving requirements and uncertain
environments, such as software development.
5. Lean's emphasis on efficiency and waste reduction is valuable in industries with well-
defined processes and a need for optimization, like manufacturing.
6. The selection of the appropriate methodology based on project characteristics, industry
context, and team dynamics is vital in attaining project success.

7.4 Principles of Agile& Lean Methodology

Principles of Agile Methodology Principles Lean Methodology

Iterative Development and Gradual Minimizing Waste and Optimizing

Delivery Workflows

Multidisciplinary Teams and Teamwork Value Stream Analysis and Smooth Operation

Customer-Focused Approach and User Ongoing Enhancements and Continuous

Engagement Improvement

Embracing Flexibility and Adjustability Visual Tracking and Openness

Table 1 Principles of Agile & Lean Methodology

7.5 Lean + Agile Approach for Software Development
Although Agile and Lean are often seen as separate methodologies, they share common foundational
principles. These methodologies have evolved and found success in various industries by combining
elements from both approaches. By using the systematic thinking and continuous improvement
philosophy of Lean, Agile development practices can help organizations build sustainable and innovative
structures that consistently deliver value to customers.

Lean Approach: "Lean" is a management philosophy originating from manufacturing but

appropriate to any process. It centers on excess reduction and generatingaimproved workplace
through "respect for humanity." It improves value, creation time, and cost by removing waste.

Agile Approach: The Agile Method is a specific project management approach widely used in
software development. It helps teams adapt to the unpredictability of software construction
through incremental, iterative work sequences known as sprints.

The Relationship between Lean and Agile: Both Lean and Agile emphasize open-mindedness,
recognizing the intricate interplay between efficiency, people, communication, and meaningful
results. However, there's a risk of adopting rigid systems as universal solutions. Combining the
best aspects of multiple approaches requires creativity and goes against rigid adherence to a
single process.

Lean focuses on eliminating waste to enhance efficiency, cut costs, and increase quality and
throughput. Agile, on the other hand, concentrates on delivering results by minimizing
unnecessary documentation and control while encouraging open and organic communication.
The continuous process improvement aspect of Lean, grounded in analytical systems and process
analysis, complements Agile's more informal, single-project-focused, intuitive approach. This
blend allows for lean and agile continuous improvement.

8. Comparative Analysis of Agile and Lean Project Management Methodologies to access the
efficiency and effectiveness in project delivery

A comparative analysis of Agile and Lean Project Management Methodologies involves

examining the similarities, differences, and effectiveness of these two approaches in
managing projects. Both Agile and Lean methodologies aim to enhance project delivery
efficiency, but they have distinct principles and practices [1][2][3][4][5][6][7].

AGILE LEAN
Agile is characterized by its iterative and Lean, inspired by lean manufacturing
incremental approach, dividing projects principles, concentrates on minimizing waste
into small, manageable iterations or and optimizing processes for project efficiency.
sprints.

It promotes adaptability to changing It purposes to recognize and remove non-value-

requirements and customer collaboration added activities, streamlining workflows to
throughout the project lifecycle. decrease lead times and prices.
Agile emphasizes self-organizing, cross- Lean encourages value stream mapping to
functional teams, encouraging effective visualize project processes and identify areas
communication and continuous for improvement.
improvement.
The methodology focuses on delivering The focus on continuous improvement fosters a
value incrementally, allowing for culture of efficiency and resource optimization.
frequent feedback and adjustments to
improve project outcomes.
Agile methodologiesi-e Scrum and Lean methodologies are often employed in
Kanbanare most commonly used in manufacturing industries and projects with
software development environments. well-defined processes.

Table 2 Comparative Analysis-1

Comparative Analysis:Through a comparative analysis, the efficiency and effectiveness of Agile and
Lean methodologies are assessed across various project contexts. Key factors like project success rates,
stakeholder satisfaction, and overall project performance are evaluated to determine the most suitable
methodology for specific project types and industries [21].

The analysis may uncover that Agile performs exceptionally well in projects with dynamic
requirements and high uncertainty, offering flexibility and adaptability. Conversely, Lean may
prove more effective in projects where waste reduction and optimization are critical, resulting in
cost savings and faster delivery. Moreover, the exploration of hybrid approaches, incorporating
elements from both Agile and Lean, could be considered to capitalize on their respective
strengths [21].

Ultimately, this comparative analysis aids project managers and organizations in making well-
informed decisions while selecting the most appropriate project management methodology for
their unique projects, leading to enhanced project outcomes and improved overall project
delivery efficiency [21].

Agile Lean

Emphasis Working Software Eliminating Waste

Focus People Process

Use to Manage Uncertainty Deliver Value

Workflow Iterative Continuous

Change Embraced Limited

Table 3Comparative Analysis -2

Both Agile and Lean methodologies offer significant benefits that can enhance the delivery of
the team in a project. Here are some ways in which both methodologies can contribute to the
team's success: [4][15][19][21]

1. Agile Methodology Benefits:

a. Flexibility:Agile's iterative and incremental approach allows teams to adapt quickly

to changing requirements and priorities, promoting greater flexibility in project
delivery.
b. Faster Feedback: Regular reviews and feedback sessions in Agile enable teams to
identify issues early and make necessary adjustments, leading to faster and more
efficient progress.
c. Stakeholder Collaboration: Agile emphasizes continuous collaboration with
stakeholders, ensuring that their feedback is incorporated throughout the project,
resulting in higher satisfaction and better alignment with expectations.
 d. Empowered Teams: Agile promotes self-organizing teams with decision-making
authority, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment, which leads to increased
motivation and productivity.
e. Continuous Improvement: With retrospectives and continuous refinement of
processes, Agile teams are constantly improving their practices, which ultimately
benefits project delivery.

2. Lean Methodology Benefits:

a. Waste Reduction: Lean focuses on identifying and eliminating waste, allowing

teams to streamline processes and use resources more efficiently, resulting in faster
and smoother project delivery.
b. Value Delivery: Lean ensures that efforts are focused on delivering value to the
customer, reducing unnecessary activities and improving overall project
effectiveness.
c. Improved Flow: By optimizing the flow of work and minimizing delays, Lean
enables teams to maintain a steady and efficient pace of project delivery.
d. Enhanced Quality: Lean's emphasis on quality control and reduction of defects leads
to higher-quality deliverables, reducing the need for rework and improving overall
project outcomes.
e. Data-Driven Decisions: Lean relies on data and metrics to make informed decisions,
helping teams to prioritize tasks and allocate resources effectively for improved
project delivery.

By combining the strengths of both Agile and Lean methodologies, project teams can benefit
from a powerful and well-rounded approach to project delivery.

In both Agile and Lean methodologies, efficiency and effectiveness are continuously
assessed through various means: [3][18][21][20]

1. Agile employs metrics like velocity, burndown charts, and cycle time to evaluate team
performance and project progress.
 2. Lean relies on key performance indicators (KPIs) to track project metrics, such as lead
time, process cycle efficiency, and defect rates.

3. Both methodologies encourage regular reviews and retrospectives to evaluate project

outcomes, identify challenges, and implement improvements.

4. Customer feedback and stakeholder satisfaction are vital components of assessing project
success in both Agile and Lean.

By adopting Agile and Lean methodologies, project managers can systematically assess the
efficiency and effectiveness of their projects. These methodologies provide a structured
framework for continuous improvement and a data-driven approach to enhance project delivery
outcomes. By focusing on collaboration, waste reduction, and delivering value, Agile and Lean
enable project teams to optimize their performance and ensure successful project delivery.

Agile and Lean project management methodologies assess project delivery efficiency and
effectiveness through different approaches: [1][3][7][10][20]

Agile Project Management Lean Project Management

Efficiency Efficiency
Effectiveness Effectiveness

Agile Project Management:

  Efficiency: Agile methodologies concentrate on early and frequent value delivery using
iterative and incremental development. Efficiency is measured by the team's ability to
produce and deliver functional software increments within short time frames referred to
as "sprints" or "iterations."

 Effectiveness: Agile gives priority to customer satisfaction and continuous feedback.

Effectiveness is evaluated based on how well the team meets customer needs and adapts
to changing requirements, ensuring that the delivered product aligns with customer
expectations.

Lean Project Management:

 Efficiency: Lean methodologies aim to minimize waste and optimize resource utilization.
Efficiency is assessed by identifying and eliminating non-value-adding activities,
reducing lead time, and streamlining the project flow from inception to completion.

 Effectiveness: Lean focuses on delivering the right value to the customer. Effectiveness
is measured by how well the project meets customer requirements, provides value, and
achieves intended outcomes with minimal delays and resource consumption.

Both Agile and Lean methodologies emphasize continual improvement and learning. They
utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate their performance and make
data-driven decisions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness throughout the project lifecycle.

Some common metrics used in both Agile and Lean project management to assess
efficiency and effectiveness include:
 TIme
Cycle Time
Velocity

Defect Rate Lead Time

Customer
Throughput
Satisfaction

Figure 3 Metrics

1. Cycle Time: The time taken to complete one iteration or cycle of work.

2. Lead Time: The time taken from project initiation to customer delivery.

3. Throughput: The rate at which the team delivers completed work items.

4. Customer Satisfaction: Feedback and satisfaction ratings from customers or end-users.

5. Defect Rate: The number of defects or issues found in the delivered product.

6. Team Velocity: The amount of work completed by the team within a specific time
frame.

By monitoring these metrics and continuously refining their processes, Agile and Lean project
management teams can optimize their performance, deliver projects more efficiently, and
achieve better outcomes.
Literature Review
Applying Lean to Improve Quality in Software Development Projects GaitisKasimsTuriba
University Department of Business Administration Riga, Latvia gaitis.kasims@gmail.com

Software quality assurance is required when IT's function changes from cost centre to core value
offering. This research investigates lean methodologies in software development and
demonstrates that high-quality solutions may be provided without compromising pace. Agile's
emphasis on speed frequently harmed quality. The idea that production declines as quality rises
was refuted by comparing two projects, one of which used lean techniques[1].

Kasims, G. (2018). Applying Lean to Improve Quality in Software Development Projects.

Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Business and Information
Management - ICBIM ’18. doi:10.1145/3278252.3278254

Lean Practices in Software Development Projects: A Literature Review

This paper discusses the growing pressure on enterprises, including software development firms,
to produce high-quality goods at competitive prices as a result of rising customer expectations
and market competitiveness. Applying Lean concepts to software development initiatives is the
main goal. It looks at how Lean is used differently in various industries, such as construction,
healthcare, aerospace, etc., before exploring how Lean is perceived and applied in software
development projects. Lean's concept, guiding principles (value, value stream, flow, pull, and
perfection), and practices/tools are all included in the inquiry. The article also examines how
Lean affects the success of software development projects in terms of inventory, lead time,
customer happiness, cost, and business value[2].

This research presents a comprehensive assessment of the literature on traditional, Agile, and
Lean project management methodologies. The study offers an extensive review of these
approaches, considering both traditional-based techniques and Lean and Agile methodologies.
The systematic literature review (SLR) yielded nearly 3500 papers, out of which 80 were
carefully analyzed after applying exclusion criteria. The primary findings indicate that while
Lean project management approaches are implemented, Agile techniques remain the most widely
adopted [3].

Lean projects’ evaluation: the perceived level of success and barriers

This research delves into the differences in how lean projects are perceived and the obstacles faced based
on the roles of the managers involved. The study conducted surveys among top, middle, and non-
managerial staff from 171 firms across 23 countries. By using Multiple Analysis of Variance for data
analysis, significant variations were identified in how lean projects were evaluated across different
managerial positions and employee categories. Furthermore, the research examined the start-up and
sustaining phases independently. The findings highlighted that higher-level managers tend to have less
direct engagement in lean projects and hold different perspectives on success and barriers compared to
lower-level staff. These valuable insights provide useful guidance for managerial decision-making [4].

Agile Implementation and Expansive Learning: Identifying Contradictions and Their

Resolution Using an Activity Theory Perspective

In this research, the focus lies on investigating the hurdles organizations encounter during their
shift towards agile delivery methods. The study attributes suboptimal performance to historical,
cultural, and behavioral factors. By applying a customized framework based on Activity Theory
(AT) to a case study in a sizable public sector organization, six general activities linked to agile
implementations are discovered. The analysis highlights that the major learning and development
challenges arise at the interface between agile delivery teams and the organization's long-
established behavioral norms and practices, rather than from the use of agile tools and techniques
themselves [5].

Lean and agile software process improvement in traditional and agile environments

Traditional organisational cultures value firmly defined processes and standardisation. As a

result, implementing Agile and Lean techniques in these organisations is a difficult task. This
paper provides an overview and outlook on the most wellknown Agile and Lean methodologies
in order to determine the type of continuous software process improvement (SPI) that is inherent
in these approaches. The primary goal of this study is to demonstrate that Lean and Agile SPI
techniques can be adopted.Both traditional and agile organisations, depending on the intended
environment[6].

This paper presents a systematic literature review focused on the challenges faced by Agile
project management in handling scope and change. Additionally, it explores the impact of the
Covid-19 pandemic on project management and how Agile methodologies can provide flexible
solutions to address uncertainties. Agile's dynamic approach has gained popularity across
industries for its effective adaptability to changes. Nevertheless, the scope, a critical element
influencing budget and timelines, is often overlooked in both Agile and traditional project
management practices. The study identifies four major challenges posing the highest risk to
project success: People & Organization, User Requirement Prioritization, Over-scope
Requirement, and Communication & Coordination. Effectively managing these challenges is
crucial to avoiding project delays and overspending.

Overall, the paper pursues to provide valuable insights into handling scope and change in Agile
projects, offering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and the best practices to
overcome them. By adopting these recommendations, project managers can navigate
uncertainties more efficiently and ensure successful project delivery during the Covid-19
pandemic and beyond[7].

Initially, conventional methods were extensively utilized in software development projects. However, the
rapid expansion of the IT industry resulted in a significant number of unsuccessful projects, prompting
the emergence of agile methodologies. Among the traditional approaches, the Waterfall method was
commonly employed but faced limitations in handling various issues, such as unstructured code, low
team morale, limited visibility, poor communication among stakeholders, and frequent changes in user
requirements.To tackle these challenges, agile practices gained popularity. Agile methodologies
emphasize user collaboration, continuous testing, refactoring, and incremental development. This
research aims to conduct a comparative analysis of various IT project management
methodologies based on existing scientific research. The study delves into methodologies like
Scrum, Kanban, and Waterfall.The answers indicate a widespread preference for the agile Scrum
practice in IT companies. Often, a blend of multiple methodologies is employed to address
specific project requirements and mitigate the limitations associated with each approach [8].
Conceptual Framework of Agile Project Management, Affecting Project Performance,
Key: Requirements and Challenges

The goal of this research is to provide a comprehensive conceptual model that provides top
management, software engineers, project managers, and researchers with significant insights into
numerous agile approaches and processes. The mission is to complete projects on schedule,
within budget, and to high quality standards while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety and
environmental responsibility. However, project execution faces a number of limits and risks that
might have a negative impact on overall performance. A survey of existing literature revealed
that Agile techniques efficiently encompass the majority of project management factors.

Based on these findings, this study proposes a conceptual model that investigates the impact of
agile project management on project timeliness, cost, and quality. Given that project-influencing
elements are frequently unforeseen and might result in irreversible effects with considerable
costs, it is critical to investigate their impact on project results. This understanding is critical for
governments to manage risks, limit spending, and capitalize on possibilities within their
organizational and cultural contexts[9].

Organizational issues in embracing Agile methods: an empiricalassessment

This research contributes empirical insights to the existing knowledge base regarding the adoption of
Agile methodologies in software development organizations globally, encompassing organizations of
varying sizes. The study examines the factors influencing the adoption of Agile methodologies,
conducting a comprehensive analysis of Agile professionals from 52 software organizations across seven
different countries.

Statistical tools were utilized to analyze the collected data, yielding several noteworthy findings.
Organizational culture, team structure, and management support emerged as critical factors for
the successful implementation of Agile methodologies. Conversely, a lack of management
support, large organizational scale, and adherence to traditional organizational cultures were
identified as barriers to Agile adoption within an organization.
Additionally, the research emphasizes that the selection of an Agile approach depends on the
project size, with different organizations favoring various methods for each project size.
According to the study participants, one of the key advantages of Agile approaches is their
ability to provide better control over the work during the development process [10].

Agile Umbrella Methodologies and its Global Impact

Agile approaches have transformed the world of software engineering by embracing change as a
key feature and catering to the shifting needs of varied stakeholders. This study investigates the
transformational impact of Agile on the Software Engineering culture, providing a thorough
review of popular approaches such as Scrum, eXtreme Programming, and Kanban. The paper
gives a contemporary examination of these approaches by studying several repositories such as
Collabnet Version One, following their history from core notions to their extensive effect in the
IT sectors. Scrum emerges as the most widely adopted and influential agile umbrella
methodology. This study is a great resource for scholars since it provides a thorough and
centralized grasp of the various elements of agile techniques, giving it a one-stop option for
individuals looking to explore this dynamic topic[11].

The primary objective of this paper is to explore the application of blockchain technology
in establishing agile and lean supply chains tailored to the requirements of modern
corporate environments.

The researchers used a role-playing simulation to assess the benefits of various levels of
visibility in a typical supply chain. They also created a distributed ledger system to improve
supply chain visibility and a supply chain performance methodology that takes both lean and
agile characteristics into account.

The results show a considerable relationship between performance and visibility, but it is
important to emphasize that this relationship is not linear. The study reveals that boosting
visibility through suitable information sharing frequency (drumbeat) can result in a successful
Agile supply chain.

Furthermore, the article recognizes the complex relationship between trust and visibility in the
context of supply networks. It emphasizes the importance of human aspects while investigating
how blockchain technology might improve supply chain visibility, which is critical for attaining
agile supply chain performance. This study is notable for being one of the first to completely
address this topic, emphasizing the potential of blockchain technology in revolutionizing supply
chain operations[12].
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DevelopmentAshley AitkenSchool of Information SystemsCurtin University – Perth,
AustraliaA.Aitken@Curtin.Edu.AuVishnu IlangoSchool of Information SystemsCurtin
University – Perth, AustraliaVishnuIlango@gmail.co (Assessed Online: 02-08-2023]