Traditional vs. Modern Project Management Methods. Theory and Practice

The Purpose: The purpose of the article is to investigate the relationship between traditional project management (TPM) and modern project management (MPM), with a special focus on agile project management (APM). Moreover, the results of the studies on the application of APM in non-IT companies are presented. Methodology/methods: Based on the literature review, the descriptions of TPM and MPM methods are given. Furthermore, the questionnaire-based survey is applied to obtain relevant knowledge on the application of APM methods in the non-IT companies. Scientific aim: The scientific goal of the article is to ascertain the prerequisites for applying the TPM and MPM methods in the organisations, with a special focus on non-IT companies. Moreover, the conducted survey shed some light into the current state of application of APM methods in non-IT companies. Findings: The TPM methods have been developed since the sixties and are suitable for application in large, long-term projects in a stable environment. The prerequisite for their application is the ability to plan, in detail, the project ex-ante, while MPM methods seem to more accurately match the client's needs, especially if the requirements have the tendency to change frequently over time. However, the result of the study showed that the application of APM methods is very limited, even if the companies reported that they mostly operate in turbulent environments. Conclusions: The MPM methods, with a special focus on APM, are a good alternative for non-IT companies seeking new ways of managing projects in a turbulent, client-oriented environment. However, the results of the studies revealed the limited application of APM methods in non-IT companies. They outlined directions for further research that should try to answer what hampers APM application in non-IT companies. Moreover, research dedicated to select industries should be performed