Adapting Agile Development Methods: Hybridizing Iterations and Agility

Authors

 Bernard Farkas, H. Roland Weistroffer  (Virginia Commonwealth University)

Publication

Information and Management

Year

Under review

Abstract

The choice of systems development methodology and the appropriate processes and techniques is important to the success of any information systems development effort. This paper proposes a methodology and technique selection framework that enables the customization of a specific development approach to fit the organization-related, solution-related and people-related factors in an information systems project. An actual systems development case is described to validate the framework.

A Conceptual Model: Impact of Usage of Social Media Tools to Enhance Project Management Success

Authors

James Wynne, John Palesis, Bernard Farkas (Virginia Commonwealth University), Chandrashekar Challa (College of Business, Longwood University)

Publication

The European Journal of Management Studies

Year

2015

Abstract

The research agenda on the impact of social media in the workplace has focused on identifying ways in which the latest modes of shared communications has influenced productivity in project development, testing, and implementation. Traditionally, a written formal project management communication plan has been key in supporting the integration management that coordinates the project from beginning-to-end to not only ensure a greater level of collaboration when managing project scope, schedule, budget and quality, but also to provide a greater sense of confidence in completing the project successfully.

However, how beneficial are social media networks in improving the project team’s dynamics, which are important for successfully managing scope verification, budget adherence, and schedule compliance? How will these tools support those techniques that play a significant role in ensuring greater user involvement, senior management commitment, and user/system requirements?

Whereas recognition that social media networks are playing a greater role in work environments, the degree to which they have already, and perhaps may become, commonplace tools, has not been vetted sufficiently to determine what might be the best social media network(s) for achieving the greatest positive value for managing projects. The purpose of this research is to recognize what types of social media networks have been used and accepted as potential models for improving project management, and secondly; to promote a discussion to advance research paradigms for investigating the impact of implementing social media networks in project management.