Lunch & Learn at BITS

a group of people in a room with tables and chairs

04.06.2024

Dagmar Plieske from BKK Landesverband Bayern was our guest at our last Lunch and Learn. She gave an exciting presentation on the topic of “Coordination of agile and traditional methods in IT projects – hybrid project management” at our event.

The Lunch and Learn format is a monthly event at BITS GmbH at which a colleague gives a talk on an informative topic for about an hour. The focus is usually on IT-related topics in order to ensure the internal transfer of knowledge: in some cases, presentations are also given on individual projects or special topics. The event will take place at lunchtime in the office and refreshments will be provided. The lecture follows a convivial meal and get-together.

“We are delighted to have had an external speaker for our event for the first time. As an expert in project management and IT projects, Dagmar has set the bar very high for future events.”

Nico Hartlieb-Weigner, Head of HR and Sales at BITS GmbH

Dagmar Plieske’s presentation offered exciting insights into one of the central challenges of modern project work. The question of how to effectively combine agile and traditional approaches in order to react flexibly to changes is one that concerns many companies.

The advantages and disadvantages of hybrid project management described below are only part of the topics presented:

Common goals

Clear objectives and defined exit criteria are essential for the success of a project. They provide orientation and create a common understanding of what is to be achieved.

Building trust

Dagmar emphasized the importance of appreciation, an open error culture and self-organization for building trust and promoting positive team dynamics. An environment in which team members can support and rely on each other is crucial to the success of a project.

Communication

Effective communication is the backbone of every successful project. Dagmar emphasized the importance of binding milestones, regular project status reports and daily stand-ups. Transparent communication creates clarity and promotes understanding of the current status of the project.

Solution orientation

In a dynamic project environment, flexibility is the key to success. Dagmar emphasized the importance of being solution-oriented and open to different approaches. The KISS principle (keep it simple, stupid) and the willingness to focus on the essentials help to overcome complex problems and ensure the success of the project.

Together with colleagues from BITS GmbH, the following success factors were identified interactively in the project:

Common goal: A clearly defined launch date, a binding business case and defined exit criteria create a clear direction for the project. The commitment of all those involved is essential.

Building trust: Appreciation, an open error culture and the promotion of self-organization in the teams are crucial to building trust. Support and having fun together and celebrating successes are just as important as providing assistance when necessary.

Communication: Binding milestones, regular internal project status reports (PPP) and participation in stand-ups create transparency and orientation in the project. Addressable project management and customer-oriented external communication promote effective collaboration.

Solution orientation: The use of skills, openness to different approaches and the application of the KISS principle (keep it simple, stupid) are crucial for a solution-oriented approach. Flexibility and the willingness to not only talk but also actively implement are further important success factors.

We would like to thank Dagmar Plieske for her inspiring presentation and valuable insights, as well as for sharing her experiences as a project manager!