Agile Methods for ERP Projects

Traditional project management methods are based on scientific principles that would be considered “normal science,” but lacks any theoretical basis for this approach. [31, 32, 63] These principles make use of linear step– wise refinement of the project management processes based on a planning–as– management paradigm. Plans made in this paradigm and adjusted by linear feedback methods cannot cope with the multiple interacting and continuously changing technology and market forces. This paper suggests that adaptive control theory may be a suitable foundation for a model of agile project management. Using closed loop adaptive control system rules, parallels are drawn between control systems and agile project management. From these parallel, a comparison can be made between project management practices and adaptive control algorithms. Finally a control systems view of the project management practices is provided with a discussion of how this view can be applied to agile project management practices. Constructing the connection between control systems, especially adaptive control systems, and project management is the goal of this paper. From this connection it is believed that a theory of project management will emerge.