LINKSOFT’s approach on Project Management: AgiFall methodology

Have you ever wondered how top industries like IT, consulting, and professional services manage their projects? These projects are complex and require meticulous planning, execution, and monitoring. That’s why adhering to a solid methodology is crucial. To achieve transparency, visibility, and flexibility in project management, the Agile methodology has become indispensable.

Agile’s benefits are widely recognized and applied across various industries and project types. However, we shouldn’t overlook traditional methods. Combining new and traditional approaches – often called the hybrid, AGIFALL approach – can be highly effective when done correctly. At LINKSOFT, we’ve seen great results by blending these methodologies, which is proved through our experiences and success stories.

We invite you to explore LINKSOFT’s approach to project management and see how we strike a balance between traditional and modern methods, ensuring the best of both worlds.

Traditional methods: Waterfall approach

The Waterfall project management process is the best option for rigidly structured projects where scope typically takes the lead, driving the calculation of time and cost. The clear communication and expectations of the Waterfall methodology reduce confusion and keep things relatively on track if unexpected shifts or new ideas will not interfere during project lifecycle.

The typical stages of Waterfall project management:

Project brief: During the brief, the solution provider presents a business proposal in which the project’s goals, scope, objectives, and benefits are well-defined and documented, providing a clear foundation for the project’s initiation.

Requirements: Products, processes, dependencies and constrains are analyzed, input is gathered from all involved stakeholders in order to deliver a complete project specification documentation.

System design: The project team designs the project’s workflow model and creates solution strategies that meet the outlined requirements.

Implementation: This is where the actual construction of the project takes place based on the design documents and specifications. It’s a critical phase where the project starts to materialize through coding, development, and the integration of components.

Testing: During the testing phase, the implementation outcomes are rigorously evaluated to make sure they meet the initial requirements and design specifications. This phase is essential for verifying the functionality, performance, and reliability of the project deliverables.

Deployment and Maintenance: Finally, the deployment and maintenance phase see the project being put into production and maintained over time. This phase is significant as it involves not only the actual launch of the project into a live environment but also the ongoing support and enhancement.

Agile project management principles

Agile project management is both a framework and a mindset focused on adapting to evolving requirements efficiently. It emphasizes delivering the highest value in alignment with business priorities within set timeframes and budgets, particularly when urgency is paramount. Four principles distinguish Agile from Waterfall:

• • • • Customer Collaboration Over Contract Negotiation: Agile prioritizes collaborative efforts between the team and end users, refining deliverables iteratively. This approach enhances innovation and customer satisfaction through robust collaboration, quality maintenance, teamwork, and effective management.
    • • Individuals and Interactions Over Processes and Tools: Agile emphasizes people-driven benefits through engaged, accountable, and high-performing teams. It fosters a culture of data sharing, openness, effective communication, and continual learning.
    • • Embrace Change Over Following a Rigid Plan: Agile sets resources and timeframes to shape project scope, unlike Waterfall’s linear path. Projects evolve through multiple delivery windows (sprints), starting with a minimum viable product (MVP) that evolves as new opportunities are identified.
    • • Working Solutions Over Complex Documentation: Agile teams focus on problem-solving within a ‘cocooned’ environment, continuously adjusting the product scope to meet changing requirements. Short development cycles (sprints), iterative processes, and continuous feedback and testing are key to addressing changes and ensuring the best possible product.

Linksoft’s approach: AgiFall

At LINKSOFT, we understand that change is a fundamental component of software projects. Stakeholder requirements can pivot, and testing may reveal unexpected challenges. Instead of being constrained by a rigid project management plan, our approach allows for flexibility and adaptability to create the best possible product.

We employ a hybrid project management methodology known as AgiFall, which combines the structured planning of Waterfall with the iterative, adaptive processes of Agile. This enables us to tailor our approach to fit the client’s operational style, the complexity, and specific requirements of each project. While we incorporate elements of both methods, our tendency leans towards Agile principles, with shorter development cycles, iterative processes, and continuous feedback, ensuring we stay responsive to change.

Phase 1: Let’s kick off the project!

Project kick-off is the inaugural huddle where the project’s journey officially begins. It’s the gathering that brings together the project team, stakeholders, and sometimes even clients. This meeting serves a composite role: the platform where the project’s objectives are laid out, roles are defined, and expectations are set. In some cases, if the high-level requirements have already been discussed, during the kick-off meeting we proceed to present a detailed plan for the project’s first phase.

“Mission: possible”  aka  Defining the project scope and objectives:

This is the first step in which we clearly define the project’s scope and objectives. This involves understanding the requirements, what needs to be achieved and setting specific goals. By doing this, we ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same targets.

Budget and timeline constraints

Before we start, we make sure to understand the project’s limitations on both the budget and timeline. By doing this, we ensure a smooth and successful project from start to finish.

“Yes, but…”  aka  Establishing the applicability and the exceptions

This entails understanding where and how the software will be utilized (applicability) and identifying any specific scenarios or conditions where standard functionalities might not suffice (exceptions) across the target products, clients, or processes.

External constraints and limitations

Sometimes, the constraints come from outside organizations, especially in highly regulated industries. For example, in the utility industry, regulatory bodies may require specific approvals, documentation, adherence to strict timetables, and integration with other applications. At LINKSOFT, we know all the rules and how to play the game when it comes to utilities projects, making us the ideal partner for your next endeavor.

Bring the future in!  aka  High level timeline

We plan the major phases of a project, typically outlined on a broad scale such as months or quarters, depending on the project’s complexity. Here, we incorporate a Waterfall element, where project tasks are completed sequentially, moving from one phase to the next in a linear fashion. In this way, we limit the uncertainty, which can be uncomfortable for stakeholders.

“Welcome to the ceremony”  aka  Project set up and organization

During this step, we set up a clear framework to guide the project’s execution by outlining the project management approach, defining workstreams, establishing meeting protocols and schedules. With key meetings (ceremonies) such as Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective, we ensure every step is purposeful and every outcome optimized for success.

No blind spots!  aka  Risk management

Risk management tools such as the RACI matrix and Risk Analysis Matrix (with probability of occurrence) are instrumental in our project planning process as they enable us to eliminate potential blind spots. By systematically assessing risks and developing mitigation strategies, we ensure that no critical issues are overlooked. For example, when considering team availability during peak periods of the year, these tools help us anticipate resource constraints and adjust project timelines accordingly, including go-live dates.

“Hi, I am…”  aka  Team presentation

This step it’s actually more than “Hi, I am…”, this is when each team member is highlighted, not just for who they are but for what they bring to the table. Understanding each person’s role creates a sense of accountability and sets the stage for effective collaboration.

Phase 2: Project blueprint and backlog

At LINKSOFT, we tailor our project management approach to suit the client’s needs and field of activity, whether it calls for a more Agile or Waterfall approach. If the high-level requirements are already defined, we kick off the project by either creating a comprehensive backlog for all sprints, following Agile principles, or by working closely with the team to detail tasks through the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) process, in line with Waterfall practices. This flexibility ensures that our planning and execution align perfectly with the client’s operational style.

If we go Agile…

…we often choose Scrum, a common Agile methodology ideal for small teams. Scrum involves short, iterative work cycles called sprints. Our Scrum teams are led by a Scrum Master, whose main responsibility is to remove obstacles and facilitate smooth day-to-day operations for the development team. Daily Scrum meetings are held to discuss active tasks, identify roadblocks, and address any issues that might impact progress.

Detailed Way of Work Preparation and Alignment

We ensure that a detailed plan of action is prepared and aligned with the entire team. This step is crucial for setting clear expectations and ensuring that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. We are true believers that through transparency we can lay the foundation for effective collaboration and successful project execution.

First Backlog Refinement

In the initial backlog refinement, we allocate significant effort to create a comprehensive product backlog. The product backlog is a prioritized list of tasks derived from the product roadmap and requirements. Items of highest importance are placed at the top, ensuring the team knows what to deliver first. This refinement process is essential for organizing and prioritizing work, providing a clear path for development.

Sprint Length, Specific Roles, and Definition of Done

During this phase, we define the sprint length, specific roles, and the “Definition of Done” (DoD) for all backlog items. Sprints are short, time-boxed periods during which the Scrum team works to complete a specific set of tasks. Our sprints usually take from 2 to 4 weeks. The DoD is a shared agreement among the team about what it means for a task to be considered complete. This ensures consistency and quality in the deliverables.

At LINKSOFT, roles are not tied to job titles, we ensure that any team member with the appropriate skills can fulfill one of the four key roles:

• • • • Scrum Master: The Scrum Master ensures adherence to the Scrum framework. Their main responsibilities include fostering communication, facilitating meetings, maintaining tools, supporting the team, removing blockers, reporting, and providing Agile coaching.
    • • Developer Role: Developers are team members equipped with the necessary skills to carry out the work. Their responsibilities include delivering tasks during sprints and maintaining transparency throughout the development process.
    • • Product Owner: The Product Owner understands customer and business requirements, creating and managing the product backlog based on these insights. Their responsibilities encompass managing the backlog, overseeing release management, and handling stakeholder communications.
    • • Business Matter Experts: Team members from the client side with the role of Business Matter Experts bring specialized knowledge and insights to the team, ensuring that all aspects of the project are thoroughly understood and addressed.

By adapting our approach to the client’s needs, whether favoring a more Agile or Waterfall methodology, LINKSOFT ensures that every project is managed effectively, delivering high-quality results tailored to each client’s unique requirements.

Phase 3: Solution creation

At LINKSOFT, we tailor our solution creation process to align with the client’s preferred methodology, whether Agile or Waterfall. Our adaptable approach ensures that each project is handled efficiently and effectively.

Agile Methodology

When choosing Agile methodology, we break the project into multiple iterations. Each iteration involves several phases: analysis, development, integration, and testing both from technical perspective but also from business side until every task from the current iteration complies with the agreed Definition of Done. This iterative process allows for continuous improvement and timely adjustments based on feedback.

Client-side Agile Testing: For clients who also follow Agile practices, the final phase of each iteration includes testing in the client’s environment. This ensures that each item meets the client’s standards and requirements, especially specific business flows conditions and/or exceptions before moving on to the next iteration, fostering real-time collaboration and quicker resolution of issues.

Waterfall Methodology

When adhering to the Waterfall methodology, our projects follow a linear progression through defined phases. This approach is highly structured and involves comprehensive planning upfront.

Client Testing in UAT Phase: For clients preferring Waterfall, all client testing is conducted during the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) phase. This occurs after the entire solution has been developed, integrated, and technically tested. By consolidating client testing into this final phase, we ensure that the entire solution is reviewed and validated in its complete form, adhering to the rigorous standards of the Waterfall approach.

Phase 4: Solution release & Hypercare

Go Live pre-requisites

First, we ensure all pre-requisites for go-live are met on both the technical and business sides. This means making sure all systems are fully integrated and operational, conducting final technical checks, and confirming that the necessary infrastructure is in place. On the business side, we provide comprehensive user training sessions and distribute detailed user manuals, so everyone is prepared to use the new solution effectively.

Regression and performance testing

Next, we conduct thorough regression and performance testing. Our regression testing ensures that new code changes do not negatively affect existing functionalities, while performance testing verifies that the solution can handle the expected load and run efficiently under various conditions.

Go Live!

When it’s time to go live, we implement the solution in the live environment and closely monitor the system for any immediate issues or bugs. Our team is on standby to resolve any problems promptly, ensuring a smooth transition.

Hypercare

After go-live, we enter the Hypercare period, where we provide intensive support to address any issues or adjustments needed as users begin to work with the new system. We continuously monitor the system to ensure it operates smoothly and meets your expectations, collecting feedback to identify any areas for improvement or additional training needs.

Lessons Learned

When the project comes to an end, we hold a “Lessons Learned” session to review the project, discuss what went well and what could be improved. We also aim to reinforce trust with our client by demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement and client satisfaction. We document these insights and recommendations to enhance our processes and outcomes for future projects.

All our success stories originate from a balanced project management approach that achieves project goals while aligning with the expectations of all stakeholders. We prioritize not only the quality of our final products but also the relationships we build with our clients, valuing their trust and feedback as essential components of our processes.

Key takeaways

At LINKSOFT, we embrace a hybrid project management methodology known as AGIFALL, which merges the structured planning of Waterfall with the iterative, adaptive processes of Agile. This unique approach allows us to deliver superior products more efficiently and cost-effectively. By leveraging Waterfall for high-level project phases, we ensure reliability in estimating time and budget, providing a clear roadmap. On the other hand, we adopt Agile principles during execution, facilitating rapid development cycles, continuous feedback, and flexibility to adapt to changing requirements. This combination ensures that clients receive a better product on a quicker timeline, representing a win-win situation.

Our AgiFall approach allows us to tailor our approach to each project’s specific needs and the client’s operational style. We recognize that both Agile and Waterfall methodologies have their strengths and weaknesses, and our flexible strategy enables us to choose the techniques that best align with the project’s objectives and environment. By emphasizing strong leadership, effective governance, and adaptive techniques, we foster optimal conditions for successful project outcomes.

About LINKSOFT

With over 10 years of experience, LINKSOFT has developed and implemented software solutions for major players across diverse business verticals. Our success stories result from a balanced project management approach that meets project goals and aligns with the expectations of all involved parties.

We value not only the quality of our final products but also the quality of the relationships we build with our clients, their trust and feedback are vital to us. Our hybrid approach allows us to go beyond standard CRM implementation, offering customization at each stage of the process, ensuring that every solution is perfectly tailored to the client’s unique needs.