Project managers often face the dilemma of which certification is best suited: Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam or PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP). The key to the solution depends on the career path one would want to choose for himself. It is easy to compare one to another but challenging to pick the superior one as both have benefits that are tailored to the approach a project manager opts for his/her career path.
The primary difference between the two certification exams would be PMP is predominantly based on ‘A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge’ (PMBOK Guide) which traces the Waterfall-Project Management best practice approach whereas PMI-ACP works on the grounds of Agile Project Management best practice approach. PMP is well suited for long term projects in which a Waterfall-based approach is applicable. However, for companies that need to deliver to sustain themselves in the market, Agility is required, and thus, PMI-ACP works best.
SKILLOGIC Institute is providing PMP Certification in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi and Mumbai. You can choose classroom training or ONLINE training for PMP certification.
Waterfall Project Management
Waterfall Project Management is linear, direct and sequential project management which comprises many distinct phases. Meticulous planning of the course of a project is done before the initiation of work and a goal for the project is set. Every module of the project is ultimate, and one cannot skip back to any of the discrete levels. The product is supplied at the end of the project.
Waterfall projects are traditional in their working. They have a fixed path in terms of functioning and a specific date of completion. It has particular procedures obeying the Deming's Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle. Inherited from the manufacturing and construction industry, the Waterfall-approach does not allow users to iterate any task and the requirements, scope and budget are fixed.
Advantages Of This Approach Include:
- Each project works as a template for the following scheme.
- The work, deadline, and scope can be readily determined.
- The organization restricts knowledge with minimal client interference.
Agile Project Management
Agile Project Management is a system of short constructive cycles of development aiming to supply high-quality products in a constantly evolving environment. Unlike the Waterfall approach, this does not have a definitive path or an end date set. Frequent delivery of the product allows the team to respond to the client's needs promptly and allows rapid improvement of design. Even though Agile Project Management also functions on Deming's Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle, it enables product adaptation and evolution. It instills a sense of collaboration and collective effort in the team.
Advantages Of Agile Include:
- The client is allowed to provide input after every stage which lets the team feedback.
- The product is delivered continuously until the customer is satisfied.
- There is no due date, budget or specifics of the project.
The Future Of Waterfall & Agile
The waterfall is often referred to as the direct opposite or antithesis of Agile. Although the number of projects pursuing the Waterfall approach is on a steady decline due to its rigidity, the traditional approach cannot be discarded entirely. Despite its superior workability, the fundamental workflow of Agile is similar to Waterfall.
However, industries have begun to welcome a Hybrid Project Management approach now which combines the best of Agile and Waterfall practices. A strong foundation in the basics will always be necessary.
Keeping this in mind, most aspiring or current project managers tend to secure their PMP certification followed by their PMI-ACP certification as this gives them an edge over other project managers in the field and consequently opens the door for most contemporary projects which usually follow the Hybrid approach.
Comments
Post a Comment