📊 Context Assessment Matrix
Comprehensive context evaluation framework for methodology selection
🎯 Project Characteristics
Evaluate the inherent nature and complexity of your project
Technical Complexity
How complex is the technical solution?
1. Simple & Well-Understood
2. Low Complexity
3. Moderate Complexity
4. High Complexity
5. Breakthrough Innovation
Requirements Clarity
How well-defined are the project requirements?
1. Crystal Clear
2. Mostly Clear
3. Somewhat Defined
4. Emerging
5. Exploratory
Scope Stability
How likely is the project scope to change?
1. Rock Solid
2. Stable
3. Some Evolution
4. Dynamic
5. Highly Volatile
Timeline Pressure
How much time pressure exists for delivery?
1. No Pressure
2. Mild Pressure
3. Moderate Pressure
4. High Pressure
5. Extreme Pressure
📐 Assessment Framework
🎯 How to Use
- Complete assessment for each dimension
- Be honest about current state, not aspirational
- Involve multiple stakeholders for diverse perspectives
- Review scores and discuss rationale
- Use recommendations as starting point for discussion
- Re-assess as project context evolves
📊 Interpretation
- • 1-2: Low complexity/pressure, favors agile approaches
- • 2-3: Moderate levels, good for hybrid approaches
- • 3-4: High complexity/constraints, may need traditional
- • 4-5: Very high uncertainty, innovation methods
- • Consider combinations and context, not just individual scores
- • Use as guidance, not absolute rules
Context assessment is critical for methodology selection, but remember that scores are starting points for discussion, not absolute answers. The conversation about scoring often reveals more insights than the final numbers.
— Jim Highsmith, Agile Methodology Expert
I've seen teams get too focused on perfect scores. Use this as a framework for structured thinking, but don't let it replace good judgment about your specific situation and organizational constraints.
— Kathy Schwalbe, Project Management Author