Unveiling multilayered barriers to agile methodologies: an exploratory study on relationships among barriers

This scientific article explores the theoretical aspects of team management in the context of different management methodologies and compares the effectiveness of Agile and Waterfall project management methodologies. The study reveals that Agile methodologies are highly effective and provide significant cost savings but are still not widely used in Ukraine. Also, this article compares such methodologies as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, PRINCE2, SIX SIGMA, and Hybrid. The choice of methodology should depend on specific project conditions, such as team size and project complexity. The study presents new insights into the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches to team management. The study finds that teams using the Agile methodology achieve better results on average than teams using the Waterfall methodology. It also shows that using Agile methodologies is more common in small teams than in large ones. As project complexity increases, traditional methods such as Waterfall become more common. Therefore, the article provides a valuable contribution to the field of project management and can be helpful for project managers who are looking for an optimal approach to managing their teams. Purpose of the article. The purpose of this article is to investigate the theoretical aspects of team management in the context of different management methodologies and to compare the effectiveness of these methodologies in Ukraine and other countries. In addition, the paper aims to contribute to the ongoing debate about the benefits of using agile methodologies in project management and to highlight the need for further research in this area. Design/methodology/approach. This article is based on a comprehensive literature review of recent research and publications on team management and project management methodology. Research sources used include scientific journals, conference proceedings, books and online resources. The focus is on comparing and contrasting different approaches to team management across methodologies including Agile, Waterfall and Lean. The study also includes an analysis of empirical data collected during surveys conducted in Ukraine and other countries to determine the most effective team management practices for projects of various sizes and complexities. The research design used in this study is primarily qualitative as the focus is on exploring the theoretical aspects of team management through different management methodologies. However, research also includes a quantitative element, as the analysis of survey data involves the use of statistical methods to identify relationships between variables. Limitations of the study include the sample size of the survey participants and the geographical coverage of the study, which is mainly focused on Ukraine and other European countries. Особистий фінансовий консалтинг: світовий досвід та перспективи розвитку в Україні 141 Findings. The results of this study indicate that Agile methodologies are becoming increasingly popular in software development teams around the world. The study also found that the use of Agile methodologies is more prevalent in smaller teams compared to larger teams. This trend may be due to the fact that smaller teams are more flexible and can adapt more easily to the iterative and collaborative nature of Agile methods. However, the data also suggests that as the complexity of a project increases, the use of Agile methods becomes less prevalent, with more traditional methods such as Waterfall being used instead. In terms of team management, the study found that the use of Agile methodologies can lead to higher levels of team collaboration and communication, which can ultimately lead to more efficient and effective project outcomes. However, it is important to note that effective team management requires more than just the use of a particular methodology, and other factors such as leadership, communication skills, and team dynamics also play a crucial role. Overall, the findings suggest that Agile methodologies can be a powerful tool for software development teams, particularly in smaller teams and less complex projects, but that effective implementation and management are key to achieving success. Originality/value. The originality and value of this study lie in the comprehensive analysis and comparison of different management methodologies in the context of team management. The study presents new insights into the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches to team management and provides practical recommendations for organizations in Ukraine and other countries. Furthermore, the study contributes to the existing body of literature on team management by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of different management methodologies. The study also highlights the importance of considering the size and complexity of the project when choosing a management methodology. Overall, the findings of this study can provide valuable guidance for managers and organizations in selecting the most suitable team management methodology for their specific needs and circumstances. Practical implications. The results of this study have practical implications for project managers and team leaders who are responsible for managing teams in different countries with different project sizes and complexities. Research shows that using a specific methodology does not guarantee success in team management and that an individualized approach based on the specific needs of the team and project is more effective. Overall, the practical implications of this study can help project managers improve their team management skills and increase the likelihood of project success.

E-waste poses a significant challenge in Sri Lanka, as in many other nations, due to its high concentration of hazardous materials and its health and environmental effects. This study aims to identify the health and safety risks and develop effective mitigation strategies. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the e-waste recycling process and health and safety risks associated with e-waste recycling. A mixed-methods research approach was adopted in three phases. First, expert interviews were conducted with managerial-level personnel in e-waste recycling plants to assess the local relevance of health and safety risks identified in the literature. Second, a questionnaire survey was carried out to evaluate the probability and impact of these risks. Third, a second round of expert interviews was held with health and safety professionals to identify feasible mitigation strategies to overcome the health and safety risks. The identified mitigation strategies were prioritised using the Risk Priority Number (RPN), calculated by multiplying severity and occurrence scores. The study identified several mitigation strategies, including providing employee training, providing safe work procedures, installing a local exhaust system, installing a proper filtration system, providing lifting equipment, and regular maintenance of machines etc. According to the prioritasation, providing safe work procedures was prioratised as the most effective mitigation strategy. The study contributes actionable insights for enhancing occupational health and safety in Sri Lanka’s e-waste recycling sector.

Prefabricated prefinished buildings (PPVC) is a more innovative and cleaner way to reorganize production in the construction industry. Although the application of PPVC has been well received over the past few decades, the limitations of using PPVC have not been explored. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the main factors influencing the adoption of PPVC and propose a set of feasible mitigation strategies to address these factors. To achieve these goals, a comprehensive literature review was conducted first, followed by a structured questionnaire survey of 41 Singapore construction organizations. The analysis showed that the top five major limiting factors and found the top three most effective mitigation strategies. This study contributes to the knowledge system by studying the constraints and mitigation strategies of PPVC. At the same time, the results of this study also have some implications for the industry to understand and implement PPVC better.

Key constraints and mitigation strategies for prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction

Distribution of spreading viruses during COVID-19 pandemic: Effect of mitigation strategies

A tolerant JPEG-LS image compressor foreseeing COTS FPGA implementation

A reduction in both power and electricity usage was determined using a previously validated zero-dimensional energy balance model that implements mitigation strategies used to reduce the urban heat island (UHI) effect. The established model has been applied to show the change in urban characteristic temperature when executing four common mitigation strategies: increasing the overall (1) emissivity, (2) vegetated area, (3) thermal conductivity, and (4) albedo of the urban environment in a series of increases by 5, 10, 15, and 20% from baseline values. Separately, a correlation analysis was performed involving meteorological data and total daily energy (TDE) consumption where the 24-h average temperature was shown to have the greatest correlation to electricity service data in the Phoenix, Arizona, USA, metropolitan region. A methodology was then developed for using the model to predict TDE consumption reduction and corresponding cost-saving analysis when implementing the four mitigation strategies. The four modeled UHI mitigation strategies, taken in combination, would lead to the largest percent reduction in annual energy usage, where increasing the thermal conductivity is the single most effective mitigation strategy. The single least effective mitigation strategy, increasing the emissivity by 5% from the baseline value, resulted in an average calculated reduction of about 1570 GWh in yearly energy usage with a corresponding 157 million dollar cost savings. When the four parameters were increased in unison by 20% from baseline values, an average calculated reduction of about 2050 GWh in yearly energy usage was predicted with a corresponding 205 million dollar cost savings.

The reduction of urban heat island (UHI) and carbon emission is of great importance for thermal environment of urban residential areas. This paper aimed to establish a method to analyze the effect of different underlying surface layouts on the reduction of heat island intensity and carbon emission. Taking Tianjin, China, as a case study area, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, satellite-based remote sensing retrieval technology, and orthogonal experimental design were performed to investigate and quantify the performance of mitigation strategies (i.e., urban green space or water body, cool/high reflectivity pavement, and reflective roofs and facades) on UHI. The results indicated that urban green space is the most natural and effective mitigation strategy, while the widespread application of cool/high reflectivity materials is suggested as a mitigation strategy for building height more than 10 m above the ground. Application of urban water body is the next preferred strategy for air at 1.5 m pedestrian level. Green roofs, rainwater gardens, and permeable brick pavements are also more feasible in high-density cities for mitigating the UHI effect. The above mitigation and adaptation strategies of community scale can be acted on UHI and as a global urban climate change response.

The production of Scottish Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) involves a global supply chain with greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted at every step. With the UK government setting a net zero target by 2050, and the Scottish Government having committed to achieving net zero by 2045, the Scottish salmon aquaculture sector now needs to start to develop and implement comprehensive emissions reductions measures. The methods demonstrated here and the identified imbalances in carbon emissions mitigation strategies provide a route to support this process. We use two international aquaculture operators in Scotland, Grieg Seafood and Mowi, as case studies to understand the scale of GHG emissions in the industry, how these compare to mitigation strategies, and where reduction efforts should be focused. Environmental data disclosed to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), which includes in-depth breakdowns of GHG emissions in Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 categories were used for the first time in this comparison. This was contrasted with interview data from academics, industry experts and NGOs to identify routes to the most effective mitigation and reduction strategy. CDP data successfully identify imbalances between GHG emissions and mitigation strategies, and demonstrate that while Scope 1 emissions in Scottish aquaculture operations are high compared to other countries, Scope 3 emissions represent the majority of emissions. In terms of mitigation, Scope 1 and Scope 2 strategies are adequate, but Scope 3 mitigation strategies do not match the scale of emissions, identifying a potential route for future carbon emission reductions.

Construction delays are a persistent challenge in the global construction industry, leading to increased project costs, contractual disputes, and reduced profitability. This systematic review explores the causes of construction delays, their financial and contractual implications, and effective mitigation strategies. A comprehensive literature review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, analysing studies from the past 20 years to identify key factors contributing to delays, including poor project, inefficient resource management, labour shortages, financial constraints, and unforeseen environmental conditions. The impact of these delays on project profitability is examined through cost overrun analysis, cash flow disruptions, and productivity losses. Furthermore, the study reviews contemporary mitigation strategies, including risk management frameworks, best contractual practices, digital transformation, and advanced project management techniques such as building information modelling, lean construction, and artificial intelligence-driven predictive analytics. The role of emerging technologies, such as blockchain-based smart contracts and Internet of Things-enabled real-time monitoring systems, is also discussed in enhancing project efficiency and minimising risks. The findings emphasise the need for integrated project management approaches, adaptive legal frameworks, and data-driven decision making to effectively mitigate construction delays. This study provides valuable insights for engineers, project managers, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to enhance construction project efficiency and financial sustainability.

В условиях современного быстро меняющегося рынка организации сталкиваются с необходимостью адаптироваться к изменениям и поддерживать высокую производительность. Традиционные методы управления проектами часто не справляются с этими требованиями, что привело к росту интереса к гибким методологиям управления проектами (Agile). Цель данной статьи – исследовать влияние внедрения гибких методологий на производительность и адаптивность команд. В рамках исследования проведен анализ результатов внедрения Agile методологий в различных организациях. Использованы методы качественного и количественного анализа, включая интервью с участниками команд, анкетирование и анализ ключевых показателей производительности до и после внедрения Agile. Выборка исследования состоит из 20 команд в 10 различных компаниях, работающих в IT отрасли. Результаты исследования показывают значительное улучшение адаптивности команд, в том числе сокращение времени на принятие решений и повышение скорости реакции на изменения в проектной среде. Также отмечено улучшение ключевых показателей производительности, включая снижение числа дефектов в конечных продуктах, повышение удовлетворенности клиентов и улучшение настроения в коллективе. Важным результатом стало выявление факторов успешного внедрения Agile, среди которых ключевую роль играют поддержка со стороны руководства, обучение сотрудников и культура компании. Проведенное исследование подтверждает гипотезу о том, что внедрение гибких методологий управления проектами положительно влияет на производительность и адаптивность команд. Однако, успешное внедрение Agile требует выполнения ряда условий и учета особенностей конкретной организации. В статье также обсуждаются возможные трудности и ограничения, связанные с переходом на агайл методологии, такие как сопротивление изменениям и необходимость постоянного обучения. В заключение, данное исследование демонстрирует, что внедрение гибких методологий управления проектами может значительно повысить адаптивность и производительность команд, что особенно важно в условиях быстро меняющегося рынка. Организациям, рассматривающим переход на Agile, следует уделить внимание подготовке и поддержке всех участников процесса для достижения максимальных результатов. In the conditions of the modern rapidly changing market, organizations face the need to adapt to changes and maintain high productivity. Traditional project management methods often fail to meet these requirements, which has led to a growing interest in agile project management methodologies (Agile). The purpose of this article is to explore the impact of implementing agile methodologies on team productivity and adaptability. The study includes an analysis of the results of implementing Agile methodologies in various organizations. Methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis were used, including interviews with team members, surveys, and analysis of key performance indicators before and after the implementation of Agile. The research sample consists of 20 teams in 10 different companies working in the IT sector. The results of the study show a significant improvement in team adaptability, including a reduction in decision-making time and an increase in the speed of response to changes in the project environment. There is also an improvement in key performance indicators, including a reduction in the number of defects in final products, increased customer satisfaction, and improved team morale. An important result was the identification of factors for the successful implementation of Agile, among which the key roles are played by management support, employee training, and company culture. The conducted study confirms the hypothesis that the implementation of agile project management methodologies positively affects team productivity and adaptability. However, the successful implementation of Agile requires meeting a number of conditions and taking into account the specifics of the particular organization. The article also discusses possible difficulties and limitations associated with the transition to agile methodologies, such as resistance to change and the need for continuous learning. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the implementation of agile project management methodologies can significantly increase team adaptability and productivity, which is especially important in a rapidly changing market. Organizations considering transitioning to Agile should pay attention to the preparation and support of all participants in the process to achieve maximum results.

The rapid evolution of technology and the increasing complexity of systems have made cybersecurity a critical concern for organizations, particularly in the context of Agile development. Agile methodologies prioritize flexibility, collaboration, and iterative progress, which can inadvertently introduce unique cybersecurity risks. This paper explores the integration of cybersecurity risk management practices within Agile development frameworks, emphasizing the need for organizations to proactively address vulnerabilities while maintaining the agility of their development processes. By examining common threats, risk assessment techniques, and mitigation strategies, this research outlines best practices for incorporating cybersecurity into Agile development cycles. The paper further discusses the importance of fostering a security-aware culture among Agile teams and leveraging DevSecOps principles to ensure that security considerations are embedded throughout the development lifecycle. Real-world case studies illustrate successful implementations of cybersecurity risk management in Agile projects, providing valuable insights for organizations seeking to protect their data and systems while remaining agile. Ultimately, this research aims to provide a comprehensive framework for integrating cybersecurity risk management into Agile development practices, thereby enhancing the overall security posture of organizations. The accelerating pace of digital transformation and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats have made cybersecurity a paramount concern for organizations operating within Agile development frameworks. Agile methodologies, characterized by their emphasis on iterative progress, collaboration, and rapid delivery, present unique challenges to traditional cybersecurity practices. This paper investigates the critical intersection of cybersecurity risk management and Agile development, highlighting the need for organizations to proactively identify and mitigate security risks while maintaining the inherent flexibility and responsiveness that Agile offers. Through a comprehensive examination of common cybersecurity threats faced by Agile teams—such as data breaches, insider threats, and third-party vulnerabilities—this research underscores the importance of integrating security into the Agile lifecycle. The paper details effective risk assessment methodologies tailored to Agile environments, including continuous risk assessment, threat modeling, and user story analysis. Furthermore, it presents a framework for risk mitigation that emphasizes the adoption of DevSecOps principles, automated security testing, and the cultivation of a security-aware culture among Agile practitioners. By fostering open communication and recognizing security champions within teams, organizations can enhance their cybersecurity posture without compromising their Agile values. Real-world case studies illustrate successful implementations of cybersecurity practices in Agile projects, providing actionable insights for organizations aiming to protect their data and systems. Ultimately, this research aims to equip stakeholders with a holistic understanding of how to integrate cybersecurity risk management into Agile development processes, thereby enhancing organizational resilience against cyber threats while supporting the goals of agility and innovation.

Microbial contamination, instability in production yields and cell lines are the challenges that must be faced by any pharmaceutical biotechnology industry when conducting cell culture as one of the stages of its production process. In the past, Company X has experienced twice contamination cases during cell culture process for its recombinant protein products. As a result, Company X suffered financial lossess at approximately 3.05 billion rupiah and resulted in disruption of the stock of recombinant protein drug which are the active pharmaceutical ingredient for most of injection products. Therefore, an effective mitigation strategies are needed to manage any potential risks in the cell culture process. This study aims to design a risk mitigation strategy for risk in cell culture process by using House of Risk (HOR) method. There are two HOR matrices used in this study. HOR1 is used to determine which risk agents should be prioritized for prevention. In HOR2, several effective risk management strategies will be chosen. There are 40 risks events and 31 risk agents identified. Based on risk assessment results and applying Pareto Chart analysis there are two risk agents selected. Five proactive actions to mitigate these risks are proposed. They are training and personnel qualification program periodically, changing workflow become more efficient and convenient, more detailed revision of related documents, changing manual process to semi-automatic process gradually and additional person on each team as a verifier for double-checking.

The construction industry has a dynamic and complex environment. The successful completion of a construction project depends on various factors. Accordingly, construction delay is observed to happen in construction projects. It is highly affecting the construction sector and the economy of the country too. Although previous research studies identified the causes, effects, and mitigation methods separately, this study adopts a linked approach and directs to identify the effective applicable mitigation methods and their practices on each significant cause of delay in construction projects. Moreover, contractors are noted as one of the main sources of construction delay from the previous studies. Hence, this research aims to develop a framework to determine the applicable mitigation strategies and the practices of each mitigation strategy for each significant cause of contractor’s delays in construction projects in Sri Lanka. A mixed research approach was adopted to generate the research process. A literature review was conducted on construction delays, organizational and project management factors, and professional competency, mitigation strategies in delay management. The significant causes of delays and effective mitigation strategies were ranked through a questionnaire survey using a Likert scale. Project Managers and Quantity Surveyors in the Sri Lankan construction industry were selected in the ratio of 1:3 respectively for the interview as they are mostly engaged with delay management. Also, the respondents were limited to 68 and the collected data were analysed through the Relative Important Index (RII) method, to rank the significant causes and mitigation strategies. Then techniques and possible mitigation strategies were found through interviews and content analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings indicated that most of the contractor’s delays can be mitigated through applying proper mitigation strategies as effective management approaches in the construction projects such as effective project planning and schedules of construction works, maintain positive financial stability and well qualified and experienced professionals and staff, effective strategic planning, risk analysis, and management, selection of suitable sub-contractor and management and effective site management and supervision. In addition to that, inaccurate planning and scheduling of the project, financial dishonesty, poor procurement of construction materials, ineffective time management of contractors, and incompetence of management professionals and staffs were identified as the most significant contractor’s causes of delays in construction management.
 Keywords: Delays, Significant Causes, Mitigation, Construction Management, Construction Projects.

Development of the mitigation strategy against the schedule risks of the R&D project through controlling the cascading failure of the R&D network