2026 February ATS -- 4 PDUs
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Presentation Title:
The Reality Check: Why Pure PM Methodologies Are Failing
Presentation Topics:
Stop Using Waterfall or Agile Methodologies, rather shift to a Hybrid approach with the help of AI.
Hybrid project management combines the structured planning reliability of Waterfall with the flexibility and adaptability of Agile. Hybrid projects have proven to achieve a 48% success rate with only 9% failures—representing a 269% improvement over Waterfall and 14% improvement over Agile methodologies, hence, project management methodologies have emerged as a strategic response to the increasingly complex and dynamic business environments facing organizations today. Unlike the rigidity of waterfall or the pure flexibility of agile, hybrid approaches intentionally integrate structured planning with iterative execution, tailoring practices to fit specific project needs. This shift enables teams to harness the strengths of both methods: the control and predictability of traditional project management, and the adaptability and ongoing feedback integral to agile. As the demands for rapid innovation and stakeholder engagement intensify, hybrid methodologies offer a practical framework for managing changing requirements, scaling teams, and delivering quality outcomes while aligning with core organizational objectives.
Students who study hybrid project management can expect to gain:
- Practical skills in blending methodologies: Students learn to integrate structured planning with iterative execution, selecting the best approach for each project phase.
- Improved teamwork and leadership skills: Engaging with both agile and traditional roles enhances collaboration and leadership capabilities, including decision-making and emotional intelligence.
- Ability to manage complex, real-world projects: Classes often involve hands-on projects, providing experience in balancing predictability and adaptability in diverse project environments.
- Understanding of risk and change management: Students learn how to foresee risks, adapt strategies, and implement changes effectively, promoting project resilience.
- Enhanced stakeholder communication: Emphasis on stakeholder management prepares students to coordinate with diverse project participants and ensure alignment.
Learning Objectives:
Blending Methodologies: Structured and Iterative Approaches using AI
Learners will understand how to intentionally combine the structured planning found in traditional (waterfall) approaches with the iterative execution integral to Agile methodologies, selecting and adapting practices to fit project needs and phases using AI.
Teamwork, Leadership, and Stakeholder Communication
Learners will develop improved collaboration, leadership, and emotional intelligence skills by participating in both agile and traditional project roles, with an emphasis on effective stakeholder management and alignment within project teams.
Managing Complexity: Leveraging AI to assist with Risk Analysis
Learners will gain experience in designing, executing, and adapting projects in dynamic environments that leverage AI. They will also develop practical skills in risk forecasting, change management, and balancing predictability with adaptability for project resilience.
Practice Exercise Descriptions:
- Various Scenarios will be provided on an individual and group basis. Attendees will learn how to negotiate and think about their choices by understanding both sides the scenarios provide.
Bio
Francisco T. Avalos
Francisco T. Avalos is a seasoned Portfolio, Program, and Project Manager executing strategic and tactical initiatives in Information Technology. Mr. Avalos acumen revolves around customizing PMO/PM framework to ensure Governance, Budgeting, Risk-Mitigation, and Communication are in alignment with the strategic vision of the corporations.
Mr. Avalos has spent 20+ years in Business and IT roles for worldwide top-ranked banks, automotive companies, and an array of domestic and global entities that include healthcare, news-media, government, and non-profits.
Mr. Avalos earned his undergraduate degree from California Polytechnic Pomona in Information Systems and his MBA from Chapman University. Mr. Avalos serves in leadership roles for several non-profits and is also active in the triathlon Ironman community.
There are 4 PDUs for this event
PDU Category: Business Acumen (4.0 PDUs)
Location:
The ATS will be delivered via online webinar. The link will be sent to all registered attendees on the Friday before the ATS
Cost:
PMI-OC Members $45 pre-registered,
Non-Members $50 pre-registered,
For online registrations, we accept only full payment using credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express). Online registration ends at 10:00 p.m. PT on the Friday before the class.
For walk-in registrations, cash or check are accepted.
If you register online and receive an error message or are unsure if something is wrong, send an email to dir.ats@pmi-oc.org as soon as possible.
Cancellation Policy:
Reservations must be cancelled no later than 10 pm PST three days prior to the event in order to receive a refund. All cancellations (including duplicate registrations) are subject to a 10% Administrative fee. To cancel, send an email to registration_cancel@pmi-oc.org and include your name and event. Click here to view the PMI-OC Event Registration and Cancellation Policy in its entirety.
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Please include your PMI number to receive the PDUs credit.



