Using The Scenario Organization You Selected For Milestone O ✓ Solved

Using The Scenario Organization You Selected For Milestone One Case S

Using the scenario organization you selected for Milestone One (Case Study – Valpak “Valpak’s ability to utilize technology to transform their business is a very significant factor in their business success, and Valpak’s IT group is an integral part of the business transformation and growth of the company. To compete with the quickly changing digital savings marketplace, Valpak transitioned the entire IT organization to agile Scrum/Kanban process with two-week sprint delivery cycles. They embraced this change and quickly adapted.”), you will now develop an Approach Selection decision paper. The decision paper will be targeted for the senior program manager in the Program Management Office (PMO) of your scenario organization.

The decision paper will build upon the information paper you developed for Milestone One in Module Two. Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed: Analyze alternatives of various project management (PM) approaches. Provide a project management approach selection with explanation and defense of decision. Provide an approach analysis with detailed examples. Your Milestone Two submission, Approach Selection decision paper, must be 1–2 pages in length (plus a cover page and references) and must be written in APA format.

Use double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins. Include at least three references cited in APA format.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Approach Selection Decision Paper for Valpak’s Agile Transformation

Introduction

Valpak’s successful transition to an agile Scrum/Kanban process signifies a strategic shift towards more flexible and responsive project management practices. As the organization aims to sustain its competitive edge in the digital savings marketplace, selecting the most appropriate project management approach is critical. This paper analyzes various project management methodologies, evaluates their suitability for Valpak’s current environment, and presents a recommended approach with supporting rationale.

Analysis of Project Management Approaches

Traditional Waterfall Methodology:

The Waterfall approach is a linear and sequential project management methodology. It emphasizes detailed planning and a fixed scope, making it suitable for projects with well-defined requirements and minimal expected change (Winston & Kern, 2020). However, for Valpak’s dynamic environment, this approach lacks the flexibility to adapt to rapid market or technological changes, potentially leading to delays or misalignment with business needs.

Agile Methodology (Scrum/Kanban):

Agile methodologies promote iterative development, continuous feedback, and adaptability. Valpak’s recent adoption of Scrum/Kanban exemplifies this approach, allowing for faster delivery cycles and increased stakeholder engagement (Highsmith, 2019). Agile methodologies are particularly effective in environments characterized by fast-paced change, uncertain requirements, and a need for ongoing innovation.

Hybrid Approach:

A hybrid approach combines elements of traditional and agile methodologies, offering structured planning alongside flexibility. This approach can be tailored to match project specifics, balancing control with adaptability (Boehm & Turner, 2004). For Valpak, a hybrid model could be beneficial for projects that demand regulatory compliance or detailed documentation but still require agility in execution.

Recommended Approach: Agile Scrum/Kanban

Given Valpak’s strategic focus on leveraging technology for transformation and growth, along with its successful recent implementation of Scrum/Kanban, the agile approach remains the most suitable. Its emphasis on rapid iteration, customer collaboration, and responsiveness aligns with Valpak’s business goals. Additionally, adopting Agile allows the organization to maintain its momentum in innovation and quickly adapt to marketplace shifts, which are critical in the digital savings industry.

Implementation Considerations

To maximize the benefits of Agile, Valpak should invest in ongoing training for teams, establish clear communication protocols, and utilize project management tools that support Scrum/Kanban workflows. Regular retrospectives and feedback sessions should be institutionalized to continuously improve processes and outcomes.

Conclusion

Choosing an appropriate project management approach is vital to Valpak’s ongoing success amid rapid industry changes. While traditional methods offer control, Agile Scrum/Kanban provides the flexibility and speed necessary to thrive in today’s digital environment. Based on this analysis, adopting and continuously refining Agile practices is recommended to sustain Valpak’s competitive advantage.

References

• Boehm, B., & Turner, R. (2004). Balancing agility and discipline: Evaluating, selecting, and integrating agile and plan-driven methods. Proceedings of the 26th International Conference on Software Engineering, 718-719.
• Highsmith, J. (2019). Agile Project Management: Creating Innovative Products. Addison-Wesley.