Cynefin-Framework as a Guide to Agile Leadership: Which Project Management Method for Which Type of Project? - Waterfall, Scrum, Kanban?

By Charles E. Stuart

The Cynefin framework is used to provide a compass for decision makers and business experts to better assess a situation or problem and derive appropriate actions from this assessment.

An important aspect is the choice of the right method or framework. The author, a successful project manager for several decades, relates the findings of the Cynefin framework to the introduction and implementation of agile methods such as Scrum and Kanban. He points out that not every method fits every task to the same extent and that it makes sense to choose the right approaches - instead of using a general standard that always fits halfway.

As a basis for a suitable decision, he offers an introduction to agility and the importance of agile working for companies and organizations. It enables managers to use effective approaches and thus to implement successful and low-risk projects.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Books on Demand
• Release date: Dec 16, 2020
• ISBN: 9783743120112

Book preview

Table of Contents

Foreword

What is the Cynefin framework?

The five categories of the Cynefin Framework

Obviously

Complicated

Complex

Chaotic

Disorder

The importance of the Cynefin Framework

Methods and project management approaches for different cynefin categories

Agility from the perspective of Cynefin

The New New Product Development Game - 1986

Built-in instability

Self organized project teams

Autonomy (Authonomy)

Self-transcendence

Cross-fertilization

Overlapping development phases

Multilearning

Subtle control

Organizational learning transfer

The Agile Manifesto

Method and Mindset

Managers need to rethink

The different categories and the appropriate methods

Obviously

Complicated

Complex

Chaotic

Disruption

Bibliography

Foreword

In my work as a trainer and consultant in the context of agile methods I have encountered the Cynefin framework time and again. I often heard from many colleagues very simplistic, sweeping statements about the use of the framework and especially about the question which project management methods based on Cynefin should be used in which context. In doing so, I repeatedly found that they often made very simplifying assumptions, which often contradicted my practical experience.

In particular, I have noticed that many people are already stumbling over the question of what agility means and what are the critical success factors for the use of agile approaches

For this reason, I have sat down and written this publication on precisely these questions. It should answer the following questions:

What is the Cynefin framework and how can it be used beneficially?

What does agility mean and which success factors are important?

Which project management methods based on the findings of the Cynefin framework are suitable in which context?

Which important aspects and success factors need to be considered from a management perspective?