Hybrid project management and its effects on project performance

Purpose Drawing upon the contingency theory, this study examines hybrid project management, where Traditional Project Management (TPM) and Agile Project Management (APM) are combined to make a new construct known as hybrid project management, which possesses properties of both constructs. This study also investigated the mediating mechanism of teamwork quality between hybrid project management and project performance. Design/methodology/approach Using a convenience sampling technique, 153 responses were obtained from practicing project management professionals spread across three industries, i.e. IT, Construction, and Operations, in Pakistan. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Findings The study illustrates that the integration of TPM, APM, and HPM methodologies significantly enhances project performance, particularly when supported by high teamwork quality. The findings underscore the importance of Team Work Quality (TWQ) as a critical element in successfully implementing hybrid project management approaches. Research limitations/implications The findings indicate that effectively employing hybrid project management methods, along with a focus on enhancing Team Work Quality (TWQ), can result in improved project performance. Practical implications The findings of this study offer valuable practical implications for organizations seeking to enhance project performance. By adopting Hybrid Project Management (HPM), organizations can tailor project approaches by combining the structure of Traditional Project Management (TPM) with the flexibility of Agile Project Management (APM) to meet diverse project needs. This integration enhances cost efficiency, adherence to schedules, and quality outcomes. The emphasis on teamwork quality highlights the need for effective collaboration and training to optimize team dynamics. Originality/value Drawing on contingency theory, this study demonstrates that no single project management approach fits all contexts; instead, aligning a hybrid of traditional and agile methods with specific situational factors drives superior performance. It also highlights that high teamwork quality is a critical contingency variable mediating this alignment, providing managers with a theoretically grounded and practical framework for navigating complexity and enhancing performance in diverse project environments.