How to choose the best way of working in the age of Generative AI
The drivers to tailor the management methodologies
This article explores NTT DATA's ways of working based on the most relevant management methodologies, PMI and SAFe. NTT DATA has a strong relationship with the methodologies to explore new trends and bring new approaches, mindsets, tools, and techniques to our customers. NTT DATA competence centers analyze global trends to help internal deliveries and customers manage the complexity. New global trends request new mindsets and new ways of working, according to the context. The approach, similar to medieval schools, ranges from methodologies to experience, where NTT DATA mixes guidelines with feedback from the ground. Explore with us the new trends from the main methodologies.
NTT DATA is a partner of the main management methodologies. NTT DATA collaborates actively with PMI and it is an Authorized Trainer Partner in many countries. NTT DATA in 2024 became Scaled Agile Framework's (SAFe) first Global Transformation Partnership Platinum. NTT DATA attends all the most relevant events like the Global Summit of PMI and SAFe to understand and tailor the future of management approaches to be used in internal projects and to promote consulting services for the customers.
Carmine works in the Enterprise Agility and Program Governance practice at NTT DATA Italy. In their practice, they govern and manage complex transformation processes involving the entire company organization, promote the adoption of the most suitable approach among the traditional, agile, and hybrid ones according to the context, and encourage using innovative tools to be more efficient and find new ways to create value.
Explore with us the new trends analyzed by NTT DATA.
Redefining Agility: Adapting to Uncertainty
PMI and SAFe have redesigned their approach to agility. PMI is focused on mindset with the update of the PMI ACP certification. SAFe presented the new big picture to support customers in using a tailored approach to apply Agility.
The Agile manifesto was realized more than 20 years ago, a lot of companies have introduced agile in their processes with some difficulties. Some companies have doubts about agile applications, but all believe in the mindset and the principles. NTT DATA consultants have applied agility in different sectors with different approaches with a growth mindset. We have to share a clear vision of the initiatives with all the teams and the people involved, as described in the article Unlock Your Path To Delivering Successful Programmes.
Only a clear North Star can unlock the value that we have in our teams. Agile is becoming agility or adaptability, to survive in the age of uncertainty with clear and tailored ways of working according to the context.
Implementing Generative AI in Large-Scale Project Management
All the methodologies are focused on how to adopt GenAI. PMI launched PMI Infinity 2.0, and Scaled Agile Framework launched SAFe CoPilot. All managers require tools to automate activities and save time and money. NTT DATA is looking for the best tools to support projects, programs, and portfolios. Current maturity requires strong training and cross-checking to eliminate hallucinations. Managers have different needs and vendors are developing different tools. Different GenAIs can be used for different scopes. PMI and SAFe tools can provide a recommended knowledge base. NTT DATA is System Integrator who integrates multiple IT solutions for client. Gen AI must be a part of such IT solutions. It means that NTT DATA managers will not depend on single GenAI but use any GenAI. We will share lessons learned on Gen AI with clients as well as the best practices. We will evolve our management with Gen AI and with client.
Developing Skills Aligned with Modern Methodologies
PMI and SAFe are highly recognized approaches for traditional and agile ways of working. PMI started many years ago to include agility in the ways of working in a structured environment. The last PMBoK guides the people to analyze the context and set the best way of working, starting from the principles and the mindset. SAFe is softening the framework, focusing more on how to create value in different contexts, starting from the principles and the mindset. Both methodologies are focusing on value creation, linking activities with the strategy and reducing the time to action. NTT DATA, according to the methodologies, recommends focusing on roles and responsibilities. Regardless of the way of working that we decide to adopt it is mandatory to engage all the stakeholders with a clear vision of the expected outcomes, shared roles and responsibilities, and a common mindset.
NTT DATA has designed a comprehensive framework that ensures the successful delivery of every major IT project. It consists of principles and guidance. The principles will be adapted to various practices and various regions. The guidance is to work across countries and regions. You can see more at Global Delivery Assurance.
The Strategic Role of PMO in Transformations
Methodologies can be applied using the PMO or VMO, according to the frameworks. PMI and SAFe promote competence centers that can support organizations in the right application of tailored processes. Each company defines proper ways of working also according to the sector requirements or standards. The clear definition of roles and responsibilities ensures the right application of the shared approaches. Transformations requires structured processes that can be managed by staff teams with strong experience and knowledge. In Los Angeles, PMI presented many speeches on PMO, and it launched the new PMO standard and exam. NTT DATA helps companies applying the best way of working with consolidated approaches based on experience.
PMO helps companies work better, in the most effective way, reducing time and cost and improving the quality of the products and processes.
You can see more insight on PMO in EVOLUTION OF THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE (PMO).
Navigating Uncertainty with the Right Methods
In the age of uncertainty, we have to become more adaptive, keeping the focus on the future state, working on outcomes and not only on outputs, reducing the gap between strategy and execution and using all the tools and the new opportunities to work better. Been adaptive means using the right approach in a common agile mindset, tailoring the right way of working according to the team and the context. Hybrid approaches request a clear setting of roles and responsibilities.
Keeping the focus on the future state requires vision. When we apply transformation, we are realizing the strategy of our company. All the team members have to know why we are working together and where we want to go.
A new engagement of the team is requested. We need accountability and not only responsibility. Everyone works according to the vision to realize something that does not exist with an entrepreneurial mindset. Organizations have to unlock motivation in the people to create value, fostering the right environment for the team members.
The gap between strategy and execution is the issue that all the companies are facing due to the uncertainty. Strategies evolve faster and initiatives and projects have to follow the new directions with short terms activities, adaptive approaches and keeping simple.
GenAI is a big opportunity to improve our way of working, reducing the effort for low-value activities. We have to see what they can offer, choosing by opportunity. We do not have to follow a trend but pursue success to elevate our world.
Carmine Paragano
Senior Director at Enterprise Agility and Program Governance, NTT Data Italy, and PMI Central Italy President.