Team composition varies significantly across different project management methodologies, reflecting their unique approaches to delivering project outcomes.
In Traditional/Waterfall methodology, teams are typically structured hierarchically with clearly defined roles. The Project Manager holds cent…Team composition varies significantly across different project management methodologies, reflecting their unique approaches to delivering project outcomes.
In Traditional/Waterfall methodology, teams are typically structured hierarchically with clearly defined roles. The Project Manager holds central authority, overseeing Business Analysts, Technical Leads, Developers, Testers, and other specialists. Team members often work in silos based on their expertise, with handoffs occurring between phases. Resources may be assigned part-time across multiple projects, and team membership can change throughout the project lifecycle.
Agile methodologies emphasize cross-functional, self-organizing teams. Scrum teams typically include a Product Owner (representing stakeholder interests), Scrum Master (facilitating the process and removing impediments), and Development Team members (typically 5-9 people with varied skills). These teams are dedicated, co-located when possible, and empowered to make decisions collectively. The flat structure encourages collaboration and shared accountability for deliverables.
Kanban teams are similarly cross-functional but may have more flexible membership. The focus is on workflow optimization rather than fixed team structures, allowing specialists to contribute as needed based on work-in-progress limits.
Hybrid approaches combine elements from multiple methodologies. Teams might have a traditional project manager working alongside Agile team structures, or use iterative development within a phase-gated framework. This flexibility allows organizations to adapt team composition based on project requirements, organizational culture, and stakeholder needs.
Key considerations for team composition include skill requirements, availability, communication needs, geographic distribution, and organizational constraints. Successful project managers assess these factors when assembling teams, ensuring the right mix of technical expertise, domain knowledge, and soft skills. Understanding how different methodologies influence team dynamics helps project managers select appropriate structures and foster environments where team members can perform effectively and deliver successful project outcomes.
Team Composition in Different Methodologies
Why Team Composition Matters
Understanding team composition across different project management methodologies is essential for the CompTIA Project+ exam. The way teams are structured significantly impacts project success, communication flow, decision-making speed, and overall project outcomes. Different methodologies require different team structures to function effectively.
What is Team Composition?
Team composition refers to how project teams are organized, the roles assigned to team members, and how these individuals interact within the project framework. Each methodology has specific expectations about team size, hierarchy, and member responsibilities.
Team Composition Across Methodologies
Waterfall/Traditional Methodology: - Hierarchical structure with clear reporting lines - Project Manager has central authority - Functional teams organized by specialty (developers, testers, analysts) - Roles are well-defined and documented - Team members may work on multiple projects - Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) provide specialized knowledge
Agile/Scrum Methodology: - Cross-functional, self-organizing teams - Typically 5-9 team members (ideal Scrum team size) - Key roles: Product Owner, Scrum Master, Development Team - Product Owner manages the backlog and represents stakeholders - Scrum Master facilitates processes and removes impediments - Development Team is empowered to make decisions - Dedicated team members (100% allocation preferred)
Kanban: - Flexible team structure - No prescribed roles beyond existing organizational structure - Focus on workflow rather than specific team composition - Teams can vary in size based on work capacity
Hybrid Approaches: - Combines elements from multiple methodologies - Team structure adapts based on project phase - May include both dedicated Agile teams and traditional functional groups
Key Roles to Remember
Traditional Roles: - Project Manager: Overall project responsibility - Project Sponsor: Provides funding and executive support - Business Analyst: Gathers and documents requirements - Functional Manager: Manages resources within a department
Agile Roles: - Product Owner: Voice of the customer, prioritizes work - Scrum Master: Servant leader, process facilitator - Development Team: Delivers working increments - Stakeholders: Provide input and feedback
How It Works in Practice
In traditional projects, the project manager assigns tasks, monitors progress, and serves as the primary communication hub. Team members report status to the PM, who then communicates with stakeholders.
In Agile projects, the team collaborates to determine how to accomplish sprint goals. The Product Owner sets priorities, the Scrum Master ensures the process runs smoothly, and the team self-organizes to complete the work.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Team Composition
1. Know the methodology context: Read questions carefully to identify which methodology is being referenced. Team composition answers differ based on whether the scenario is Agile or traditional.
2. Remember team sizes: Scrum teams are typically 5-9 members. If a question mentions a team of 15+, consider whether the scenario suggests splitting into multiple teams.
3. Understand role boundaries: In Scrum, the Product Owner handles requirements prioritization, not the Scrum Master. Know which role handles which responsibility.
4. Self-organizing vs. directed: Agile teams are self-organizing and make their own decisions about how to accomplish work. Traditional teams receive direction from the project manager.
5. Watch for hybrid scenarios: Some questions may describe situations where combining approaches is appropriate. Be prepared to identify when hybrid team structures make sense.
6. Cross-functional is key for Agile: Agile teams should have all skills needed to deliver a complete increment. If a question asks about team composition for Agile, cross-functional capability is essential.
7. Dedicated vs. shared resources: Agile prefers dedicated team members, while traditional projects may share resources across multiple projects. Consider this when answering resource allocation questions.
8. Servant leadership: Remember that the Scrum Master serves the team rather than managing it in a traditional sense. This distinction frequently appears in exam questions.