Agile prototyping in construction and project management
Abstract
The Agile Prototyping model represents a new approach and tool for Project, Program, and Portfolio Management (PPM) within the Agile Project Management. Using agile methodologies such as prototyping can help project teams to identify potential issues and make changes early in the process, improving project outcomes. Agile prototyping involves creating a functional prototype or model of the project in an iterative and incremental way, allowing the team to test and refine the design before construction begins. This article aims to explore the benefits and challenges of using agile prototyping in construction especially in the scope of Project Management.
The primary objective of the agile prototyping model is to enable companies to provide value to their clients more frequently, respond swiftly to changes, and ultimately enhance their business performance. This methodology is particularly useful for breaking down complex projects into manageable tasks and completing them in short iterations throughout the project life cycle, which encompasses all phases from the initiation to the completion of the project.
While the agile prototyping model is flexible and adaptable to most projects, it is common for companies to resort to predictive models when dealing with projects that involve high levels of design complexity and significant scale. Architecture and construction companies frequently utilize this model to significantly enhance and improve the quality, durability and uniqueness of their designs [1].
History
The agile prototyping tool is part of the agile model. A model with a project management approach focused on adaptability and customer satisfaction. The Agile model emphasizes short-term planning and uses iterations or sprints to divide the project life cycle into manageable tasks. This model can be applied to almost any project, but it is particularly useful for complex projects where flexibility is crucial.
It was created in 2001 with the launching of the Agile Manifesto. 17 professionals in the scope of software developping gathered together and drafted the Agile Manifesto . They stated 4 principles for agile management to assist companies in creating better software: Individuals and interactions over processes and tools, working software over comprehensive documentation, customer collaboration over contract negotiation and responding to change over following a plan.
Agile model
The agile model consist of sprints with the following stages: Planning, design, testing and realease. If the result is not the expected as the main goal, the process stages will start over again (unlimited amount of sprints), until achieve the final product result aimed.
The agile methods satisfy high product quality, customer satisfaction, reduce risks and better and faster ROI (Return on Investment).
References
[1] Agile Prototying course 41938, DTU (Technical University of Denmark), proffesor Tim Pat McGinley.
[2]. A brief history of the agile methodology. Inforworld, United States.
