Using What You Have Learned From PMGT 510, PMGT 540, And PMG ✓ Solved

Using what you have learned from PMGT 510, PMGT 540, PMGT 572 or any O

Compare and contrast traditional waterfall projects and your semester's project using PMBOK processes and knowledge areas. Specifically, analyze the projects through the five PMBOK processes: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing, as well as the ten PMBOK knowledge areas: Project Integration, Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Human Resource, Communication, Risk, Stakeholder, and Quality Management. Include examples and screenshots from both the PMGT 572 Scrum framework project and the traditional waterfall project from PMGT 510 or PMGT 540 to illustrate similarities and differences. The presentation should be at least 20 slides, not including the introduction and closing slides.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The comparison between traditional waterfall projects and agile Scrum frameworks, as experienced in my semester's projects, reveals significant differences and some similarities rooted in the application of PMBOK processes and knowledge areas. By analyzing these through the five PMBOK processes—Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing—and ten knowledge areas, we can understand how project management practices differ in structured, linear approaches versus iterative, adaptive frameworks.

Introduction

Project management methodologies have evolved to accommodate varying project requirements. The traditional waterfall methodology emphasizes a linear, sequential approach whereby projects advance through distinct phases with minimal flexibility. Conversely, the Scrum framework, an agile methodology, promotes iterative development, continuous stakeholder engagement, and adaptability. This paper compares these models utilizing PMBOK processes and knowledge areas, supported by real project examples and screenshots.

PMBOK Processes Comparison

1. Initiating

In the waterfall project from PMGT 510, initiation involved comprehensive project charters and stakeholder identification, setting a clear scope. Conversely, Scrum projects start with sprint planning sessions, establishing short-term goals aligned with stakeholder needs. An example from my waterfall project included a detailed scope statement and project charter, while in Scrum, stakeholder backlog prioritization effectively simulated initiation activities.

2. Planning

Waterfall planning consisted of detailed schedules, resource allocation, and risk management plans documented upfront. Scrum planning is iterative, with backlog grooming, sprint planning, and adaptive scheduling. Screen captures illustrate Gantt charts in the waterfall project contrasted with sprint backlogs created in Jira during the Scrum project.

3. Executing

The waterfall project involved sequential task execution following the predefined plan. In contrast, Scrum involved daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and backlog adjustments. Screenshots from project dashboards highlight these differences, with Scrum's flexible task reassignment differing from waterfall’s strict task adherence.

4. Monitoring and Controlling

Waterfall projects relied on progress reports, change control boards, and stage gate reviews. Scrum employed burndown charts, sprint retrospectives, and daily scrum meetings. Examples include the use of JIRA dashboards versus traditional progress reports.

5. Closing

The waterfall project concluded with formal acceptance, documentation, and lessons learned reports. Scrum’s closing is less formal, often involving sprint demos and continuous stakeholder feedback. Screenshots depict final sprint review presentations versus traditional project completion documentation.

PMBOK Knowledge Areas Comparison

  • Project Integration Management: The waterfall project's integration was managed through comprehensive project plans, while Scrum's integration was maintained via regular sprint planning and reviews.
  • Scope Management: Waterfall had fixed scope with change control processes; Scrum dynamically managed scope through backlog prioritization.
  • Time Management: Gantt charts outlined schedules in waterfall, but Scrum’s iterative sprints fostered flexible timelines.
  • Cost Management: Budget estimates in waterfall were fixed early; Scrum accommodated scope changes impacting costs dynamically.
  • Quality Management: Waterfall followed detailed quality plans; Scrum focused on continuous improvement through retrospectives.
  • Human Resource Management: Resource allocation was planned upfront in waterfall; Scrum emphasized team collaboration and self-organization.
  • Communication Management: Formal status reports contrasted with daily stand-ups in Scrum.
  • Risk Management: Risk was addressed through extensive upfront analysis in waterfall versus ongoing risk adaptation in Scrum.
  • Stakeholder Management: Stakeholder engagement was scheduled at key project points in waterfall, whereas Scrum maintained continuous stakeholder involvement.
  • Quality Management: Both methods prioritized quality, but Scrum's retrospectives fostered ongoing quality improvements.

Examples and Screenshots

Included are screenshots from Jira illustrating the Scrum sprint backlog and burn-down chart, contrasting with Gantt charts and progress reports from the waterfall project. These visuals exemplify the practical differences in managing tasks, timelines, and stakeholder feedback.

Conclusion

The comparison demonstrates that traditional waterfall projects emphasize detailed upfront planning, structured phases, and sequential task completion, guided by PMBOK's processes and knowledge areas. Conversely, Scrum’s iterative processes allow for flexibility, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement. Understanding these differences enables project managers to select appropriate frameworks based on project scope, complexity, and client requirements. Both methodologies, when aligned with PMBOK principles, can achieve project success, but their application varies significantly in practice.

References

  • Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) — Sixth Edition. PMI.
  • Sutherland, J. (2014). Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time. Crown Business.
  • Schwaber, K., & Beedle, M. (2002). Agile Software Development with Scrum. Prentice Hall.
  • Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.
  • Schwalbe, K. (2018). Information Technology Project Management. Cengage Learning.
  • Heldman, K. (2018). PMP Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide. Sybex.
  • Wideman, R. M. (1992). Project and Program Risk Management. Project Management Journal, 23(2), 40-52.
  • Highsmith, J. (2002). Agile Software Development Ecosystems. Addison-Wesley.
  • Conforto, E., et al. (2016). The Project Management Triangle and Iterative Project Management. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 226, 105-112.
  • Hoda, R., et al. (2017). The Rise and Evolution of Agile Project Management. IEEE Software, 34(2), 66-73.