Management Challenges in Bimodal IT Organizations

Abstract

Most information technology (IT) organizations are experimenting on adoption of the dual mode of operation, involving traditional and agile methods of work. These two incompatible development worlds need to be in sync for IT to operate effectively. However, both types of operation map onto generic project management principles allowing the manageability of IT projects. Management issues and challenges are presented as points for paying particular attention when managing bimodal (both waterfall and agile practices) IT organizations in two stages: the transition from the traditional to the bimodal and after the adoption of bimodal. These issues and challenges belong to the management and organizational, people, process and technology categories. The management challenges presented in this study are important for the decisions to be made regarding the management and governance of projects into bimodal IT organizations.