| Primary Goal |
Stability, control, and achieving a predetermined future state. |
Adaptability, rapid response, and continuous value delivery. |
| Time Horizon |
Long-term (typically 3–5 years). The plan is an enduring document. |
Short-term iterations (e.g., quarterly or bi-annual), continuously linking back to a stable, overarching vision. |
| Planning Process |
Comprehensive upfront planning (analysis paralysis risk). Strategy is set, and execution follows linearly. |
Continuous and adaptive planning. Strategy is set at a high level, and detailed plans are created iteratively (“just-in-time”). |
| Response to Change |
Change-resistant. Changes require a formal, lengthy approval process (Change Control Boards). |
Change-embracing. Flexibility is prioritized, and changes are incorporated quickly with minimal disruption. |
| Decision-Making |
Top-down. Direction is set by senior leadership and cascaded through the hierarchy. |
Decentralized/Empowered. Teams are self-organized and empowered to make tactical decisions that align with the strategy. |
| Execution |
Phased. Deliverables are produced at the end of a long phase (e.g., testing only occurs at the end). |
Iterative and Incremental. Work is broken into short “sprints,” with working deliverables and feedback loops throughout. |
| Best Suited For |
Stable environments 🏛️ (e.g., heavily regulated industries, large-scale fixed-scope construction projects, monopolies). |
Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) environments 🚀 (e.g., technology, e-commerce, competitive consumer markets). |
