Project Management and the Importance of Agile Methodologies

We often forget about the the great importance of good project management and how the use of different agile methodologies in conjunction with the continuous innovation They can help us develop great ideas and business projects in various sectors. 

As director of the innovation division at IECA… Could you briefly tell us about your current job and your career path?

«I am civil engineer. I started out working at a construction company, then moved on to an engineering firm, and now I'm in the cement-based materials, at a technical high school. 

I was recently reassigned to a new role. I have traditionally been in charge of innovation at IECA, although currently, my responsibilities include Technical Director and Head of Innovation. 

Right now, I'm not directly involved in innovation; I focus more on coordination rather than research. 

As the head of innovation, one of my responsibilities is to establish an innovation roadmap for cement-based materials. From there, we need to identify niche markets where innovative solutions can be developed. Once those niches are identified, we establish the projects that will address those opportunities—always from a perspective that is closely aligned with the market, of course. 

Specifically, we focus on new applications, improvements in equipment performance, adjustments to new market needs and regulations. 

For example, we have been working on new designs that take advantage of concrete's thermal inertia in the improving the energy efficiency of buildings, since the European Union has emphasized the need to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and reduce energy consumption. In this regard, concrete offers considerable potential, but we must find new ways to harness that potential. 

We do the same for any application involving cementitious materials. Our Its capacity for innovation seeks to advance traditional materials and the way they are developed to adapt them to new needs that arise, whether regulatory or market-driven«.

There's a lot of talk about agile methodologies in the project management as a way to approach a task we've been doing for centuries. What do they involve?

«An agile methodology consists of establish a path to get a product to market quickly. It doesn't have to be the optimal or perfect product, or completely finished. 

It is rapid prototyping, which seeks market feedback as soon as possible to gather customer opinions. The important thing is for the customer to try the product or service and say whether they like it or not, and what they think needs to be changed in terms of features, design, etc. 

These methodologies are related to the concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). In other words, having a product that, in general terms—not in great detail—offers the features you want to bring to market. And then, from there, evolve. 

Let's look at an example to illustrate this better. If I want to bring a car to market, a minimum viable product could be a scooter; just like a car, it's a vehicle that takes you from one place to another. Does it have the features of a car? Of course not, but you can keep refining it until it becomes a car. 

The idea behind these methodologies is to verify that there is a need vehicles to get from point A to point B. It's a very simple example, but it helps illustrate the idea. 

The big mistake that is often made is offering too many features but failing to fulfill the original purpose.

Returning to the original question, all of these agile methodologies could be summarized in three steps: Get to market quickly, gather feedback, and use that feedback to iterate. That's agile«.

Why did you decide to complement your extensive career with teaching? What does it bring you?

«For me Teaching is a calling. SI've always liked it. I teach graduate-level courses because professional experience is valued.

On the other hand, share knowledge I've always considered it a moral obligation. Those who come after us need to learn from the mistakes we've made, which is why I like to share my experiences and the challenges I face in my day-to-day life, since that kind of learning isn't found in books.  

Agile methodology, for example, is covered in the book; you can study it. As a teacher, I can't add any more value than a book, but I can I can add value in practice, Because I have a team, I've worked on projects, and I've encountered challenges.

What's in the book is great, but You have to understand how to apply it in real life, and you learn that from practicing professionals«.

Why do you think agile methodologies are relevant in the field of digitalization?

«It's very simple. 

Digitalization is happening very quickly. So if you're not quick to bring a product to market, you'll get left behind. 

I come from the construction industry, a sector where it’s very difficult to innovate. Furthermore, innovations take much longer to reach the market than in other sectors. In this case, you can actually afford to take things a bit slower. But in tech sectors, for example, where digital transformation is essential, you either have to be able to quickly bring the product to market, start collecting metrics, and make improvements—or you’ll fall behind.«.

How do these methodologies relate to risk?

«Part of creating a Minimum Viable Product is building and launching it with little investment. 

We're talking about projects that are usually funded out of one's own pocket (or with the ‘3 F's": family, friends, and fools). So the goal is to get that product to market as soon as possible. Often, it's just a concept, without any actual features. 

You don't have any money, so you have to launch that product as inexpensively as possible to minimize risk«.

By being in direct contact with professionals who want to transition into this industry… What skills do you think are missing that aren't taught in college?

«Two things: Practical experience and connection to the market.

I'm familiar with the Spanish university system, which is very strong in theory—since it helps develop the skills needed to succeed in the job market—but it isn't as connected to the real world as it should be.  

It is necessary to introduce concepts related to the company. Above all, the focus should be on the fact that the company must be user-centered. 

To give an example from my own experience: when I graduated from college, I thought I was the one who mattered, that I could solve problems. No one told me that what I had to do was solve problems for someone, that what matters is the person whose problem you're solving. You learn that through practice. 

That market perspective, customer perspective, end-user perspective, »This is lacking in college. I believe that college must be connected to the business world; otherwise, it won't be able to prepare professionals who are ready to contribute.".

What is the impact of agile methodologies on business?

«It depends on the company and the industry. Implementing agile methodologies in a traditional giant—such as a bank—is a waste of resources.  

The implementation costs—in terms of time and materials—will not outweigh the potential benefits that agile methodologies can provide. 

Agile methodology must deliver a return on investment. It's a matter of numbers. 

»These methodologies tend to work well in small companies because they are more cost-effective and the teams' mindset aligns with the processes.".

Jeff Sutherland says that the Agile methodology was created to make people happy at work… Do you think it's possible to transform an organization to that extent?

«I think this statement is related to tangible results. When tangible results are achieved at work, motivation increases and the people involved are more satisfied. 

However, in projects involving long periods of research and documentation, morale tends to decline.  

In general, I think that if you see quick results from your work, it's rewarding. 

»It's not so much about the methodology as it is about the results and the motivation it provides.".

To achieve goals in an industry such as construction through innovation… What do you think a different methodology can offer?

«As we were saying, construction is a highly regulated industry, where it’s very difficult to innovate. We have to keep in mind that the end result is a structure—it could be a building, a company, a tunnel, etc. Its purpose is to remain standing. It’s essential to prioritize safety and reliability. Not just any innovation will do. And that is the main requirement.”.

Any innovation related to structural issues that enters the market requires a Minimum Viable Product has gone through certain processes (testing, trials, etc.).

Can agile technologies be applied to the construction industry? Yes, just like in any other industry, but not everything has to be fast—those aren't the only methodologies. It depends on the company. What matters is the result, not the methodology. If I am able to innovate and offer products that provide value to the customer, The methodology I use is secondary. It is a means, not an end.

So, Is it necessary to change the methodology used in the construction industry? I think we need to change people's mindset—both among those working on-site and those managing projects. The methodology would be the next step. First, The construction industry needs to understand that it must adapt to the times and innovate. Above all, to improve their productivity. Because, at the end of the day, if productivity isn't improved, margins won't improve and profits won't be made.

From Structuralia We would like to thank César Bartolomé his contribution and willingness to conduct this interesting interview, which has brought us a little closer to the fast-paced world of agile methodologies.