Is Agile Project Management Dead?

I recently came across an article claiming that Agile is dead. While Agile as a concept is undoubtedly more flexible and less bureaucratic than traditional methodologies such as Waterfall or PRINCE2, I have witnessed first-hand how it can be misused. In some cases, stakeholders exploit Agile’s adaptability to introduce endless changes, causing projects to stagnate and supplier costs to spiral. This misuse can be a significant risk, but it does not mean Agile itself is obsolete.

Agile is no more dead than PRINCE2. However, I firmly believe in a hybrid approach to project management. In every other aspect of business, we tailor processes, benchmark best practices, and innovate by building on what works. Why should project management be any different? A rigid, one-size-fits-all approach rarely delivers optimal results. Instead, combining elements from different methodologies allows organisations to create a framework that suits their specific needs.

Consider the following:

• Is it necessary to follow a multi-step project process for a small initiative? No. Simplicity often leads to efficiency.

  
  

• Is it cost-effective to complete extensive documentation for a straightforward project? No. Unnecessary paperwork drains resources and delays delivery.

  
  

• If your team is already highly familiar with a system, does an iterative approach make sense? Yes. Agile allows for incremental improvements without disrupting workflow.

  
  

• For high-value, complex projects requiring full accountability, is an audit trail essential? Yes. Governance, risk management, and financial transparency are non-negotiable in such cases.

  
  

These four questions highlight why a hybrid project management model makes sense. No methodology is perfect in isolation—success lies in understanding the project’s scope, risks, and stakeholders and then selecting the right tools and processes to achieve the best outcomes.

At Innomovate Consulting, we champion adaptive project management, which balances agility with structure. We work with organisations to refine their delivery models, ensuring they remain efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with strategic goals. Whether it's an Agile, PRINCE2, or hybrid methodology, the key is to stay flexible, pragmatic, and focused on results.

Agile isn’t dead—it just needs to be applied correctly.

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