Project Management

Project Management Approach

MBL helps organizations identify and implement modern project management techniques based on the type of work you do and the clients you serve. We then take a maturity-level approach to implementing these techniques, building your team’s collective capability to use these techniques to improve project performance.

A small sampling of the methodologies we implement include:

• Agile: Originally intended as a software development methodology, Agile techniques apply to numerous project disciplines. By emphasizing rapid iteration and delivery cycles, Agile helps quickly deliver and improve functional products for users.
• Scrum: A sub-practice within Agile, Scrum implements Agile methodologies via small, self-organized teams with clearly defined performance metrics. MBL-certified Scrum Masters help you implement and refine Scrum techniques for flexible, rapid delivery.
• Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe): Popular in government settings, SAFe includes additional processes, executed in a templated format, that help larger projects and enterprises implement Agile methodologies.
• Kanban: Kanban is a visual scheduling system originally developed for lean manufacturing and product development with applicability to a wide array of project types. When combined with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Kanban offers a proven approach to improving workflow speed and quality.

U.S. Federal-Specific Project Management Approach

Federal project management is often based on the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) or waterfall type methodologies. This is especially true when managing long-term, legacy initiatives. And that’s OK. But even in a rules-oriented, risk-averse space, there are still opportunities to augment waterfall approaches with modern techniques, cautiously and responsibly.

MBL is equipped to help government organizations evaluate, pilot and expand modern project management techniques. We start slowly, introducing techniques to teams and projects best positioned to take advantage of these alternative approaches. We then document and distribute case studies highlighting successes and lessons learned to help other federal program managers determine whether modern techniques might benefit their efforts.

MBL also helps federal agencies run enterprise program management offices. We review and monitor project portfolios, manage risks and search for efficiencies. We also teach and develop templates to establish processes that withstand the test of time and become part of the agency’s standard operating procedures.