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Category: Policy, Projects & Programmes

Published: Friday, 07 August 2026 10:40

Written by: Matt Pye - HWD

Managing Analytical Agile Projects

Overview

Many analysts, economists and researchers often work in a rapidly changing political environment, where there is a degree of uncertainty and work requirements can be unclear because of this context. Grappling with this, along with not necessarily knowing what the end work result/solution will look like, let alone the process involved in achieving this, is a significant challenge.  Navigating through this requires an adaptive approach and a different response to mainstream project management such as ‘Waterfall’.  Working in an ‘Agile’ project environment enables a more flexible, iterative and incremental approach to design, development and delivery.  Analysts’ work processes and practices can benefit from greater agility, improved responsiveness, innovation and work/product ‘time to market’ for internal deployment, all of which is at the heart of this way of working.  ‘Agile’ methodologies emphasise iterative development and continuous feedback from stakeholders and users which allows Analysts to adapt to changing requirements and can modify product solutions quickly and efficiently. 

This approach also promotes a more collaborative work environment where cross-functional teams work together, which enhances problem solving, learning and innovation, as diverse perspectives contribute to more comprehensive and creative solutions.  ‘Agile’ can also increase client and user satisfaction by keeping stakeholders involved at every stage of the project – through regular reviews and direct feedback, where the final work solution better matches actual user needs.

 

This practical course introduces the ‘Agile’ principles, processes and techniques needed to manage analytical projects successfully from initiation through to completion.  Participants will explore the analytical project lifecycle, from start up through to product delivery, managing product requirements and changes, to benefits realised and closure.  The course will also look at how to establish, nurture and grow a collaborative team that works towards common goals, are problem solvers, creative and focussed on delivering innovative business solutions, that meet stakeholders needs.  

Whether you work ‘solo’, currently in a project team or you are leading a team the ‘Agile’ framework offers a number of different tools and techniques that will support the successful execution and delivery of your project.  This course will specifically draw out these elements for you to explore and learn from so that you can apply these to your projects once back in the workplace (whether they are individual practices/processes/tools or the entire project lifecycle).

 

No formal project management qualification is required, although participants will benefit from having some experience of working on analytical projects.

Throughout the course, participants will have the opportunity to apply the concepts and tools to their own projects, using practical exercises and real-world examples to develop approaches that can be implemented immediately in the workplace.  The course is delivered through tutor-led presentations, facilitated discussions, practical activities and case studies.  

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand and apply the ‘Agile’ principles, processes and techniques across the full analytical project lifecycle
• Start up and initiate a project process that responds to the commissioning requirements and business need
• Create a collaborative work environment so that cross-functional teams are aligned, working towards common goals and are encouraged to problem-solve, innovate and learn together
• Direct, control and manage project delivery agility and progress against quality, cost and time objectives
• Develop effective communication with stakeholders ensuring they are engaged and informed, so that the final product meets their needs
• Close out and review a project, evaluate and confirm project acceptance, capture lessons learned, realise the benefits and transition to the commissioner/business