Abstract
This study does a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of traditional and agile project management in digital transformation. Digital transformation is a complex and multidimensional process that encompasses several interrelated characteristics. It extends beyond a simple adoption of technology, it includes structural, cultural and strategic organisational transformation. Project management plays an important role in digital transformation by ensuring that activities involved in digital transformation are delivered systematically and strategically. Project management practices provide the framework that aligns digital transformation meeting organisational strategic objectives.
This study adopts a quantitative research method that employs a survey to collect data from professionals involved in digital transformation and traditional and agile project management. The research aims to provide evidence-based insight into how project management practices align with digital transformation characteristics, including digital transformation dimensions and objectives.
Research findings reveal that both traditional and agile project management practices are highly valued by respondents, as reflected by consistently high mean score across all practices. This suggests that practitioners perceive both approaches as important for digital transformation. Traditional project management practices, detailed planning and clear documentation, correlated strongly with value creation and human well-being. This suggests that project control, predictability and compliance are important during digital transformation. Agile project management practices did not strongly correlate with digital transformation dimensions or objectives. However, practices such as, testing and continuous integration, consistent engagement with customers and sprints were rated highly by respondents, highlighting their perceived relevance in fostering flexibility, innovation, and stakeholder engagement.
Overall, the finding suggests that both traditional and agile project management approaches play complementary roles in digital transformation, with traditional project management providing structure and governance, and agile project management enabling adaptability and innovation.
The study showed that hybrid project management, integrating t and agile project management practices, may offer the most effective way of navigating digital transformation. This integration allows organisations to balance structure with flexibility. The findings contribute to both academic understanding and practical application by clarifying how project management practices can best support digital transformation. The research concludes that characteristics, organisational culture, and project complexity determine which project...