Does a Hybrid Approach of Agile and Plan-Driven Methods Work Better for IT System Development Projects?

Abstract

With a focus on large-scale IT system development projects in diverse enterprises, this research suggests that a hybrid approach combining agile and plan-driven management methods should fit in a wider context of specific project characteristics. Although the extant research illuminates the advantages of the hybrid approach, very few empirical studies actually suggested that the hybrid approach can improve the likelihood of project success. This research results show that the hybrid approach should be more scalable than the agile method, and that the hybrid approach can provide better cost-benefit ratios compared to the traditional plan-driven method. These quantitative and qualitative findings offer a practical recommendation for the project manager or the project management office to utilize the hybrid approach appropriately.