Agile projects need co-project managers

March 5, 2010 by rwysocki 

Agile projects present the organization with projects whose goal is clearly defined but whose solution is not. To find a solution that delivers acceptable business value requires a subject matter expert (SME) or Business Analyst (BA) familiar with the business processes involved. Ownership on the part of the business unit is assured with the meaningful involvement of the SME or BA. One way to cultivate that ownership is to give the client-side of the proejct equal management responsibility with the Project Manager (PM). I have successfully used the co-PM model for over 20 years in my consulting practice. It works and I am hesitant to take on an engagement unless the client agrees to that co-PM model.

Agile projects by nature are complex and filled with uncertainty. I believe that a co-PM model will significantly reduce the risk of project failure. And so the reason for a PM and a BA to co-manage the agile project makes sense to me.

Any thoughts you care to share?

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