AgileSHIFT vs. APMG Change Management: A Complete Comparison

Change is an essential aspect of organisational growth and its ability to adapt. Organisations can utilise frameworks like AgileSHIFT and APMG Change Management to effectively manage change. However, many organisations compare AgileSHIFT vs APMG Change Management to understand which would suit them better.  

AgileSHIFT focuses on enterprise-level agile implementation, while APMG Change Management offers a structured approach to managing the people side of change. This blog provides a detailed comparison of AgileSHIFT vs APMG Change Management, helping you understand their features, differences, and benefits.   

Table of Contents

1) What is AgileSHIFT?  

2) What is APMG Change Management?  

3) Key differences between AgileSHIFT vs APMG Change Management 

   a) Scope and focus 

   b) Certification and qualifications 

   c) Agile methodologies 

   d) Organisational culture 

   e) Level of detail 

4) Which is better? AgileSHIFT or APMG Change Management 

   a) AgileSHIFT strengths 

   b) APMG Change Management strengths 

   c) Considerations for AgileSHIFT 

   d) Considerations for APMG Change Management 

5) Conclusion  

What is AgileSHIFT?  

AgileSHIFT is a comprehensive framework developed by Axelos, an organisation renowned for creating globally recognised methodologies like ITIL and PRINCE2. It is specifically designed to enable organisations to embrace and implement Agile practices at an enterprise level. It recognises the growing need for organisations to become more adaptable, responsive, and innovative in the face of ever-evolving business landscapes.  

At its core, it focuses on cultural transformation, acknowledging that adopting Agile principles requires a shift in mindset and behaviours across the entire organisation. It provides a structured approach to enable this transformation, equipping individuals, teams, and leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive organisational change effectively.  

The key principles of AgileSHIFT revolve around value-driven delivery, collaboration, and continuous learning. It encourages organisations to prioritise delivering value to customers and stakeholders, fostering a customer-centric approach. It also emphasises the importance of empowered teams, enabling them to make decisions, take ownership of their work, and collaborate effectively.  

It enables organisations to leverage the effectiveness of Agile methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, and Lean while simultaneously fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By adopting AgileSHIFT, organisations can navigate the complexities of digital transformation, overcome resistance to change, and drive successful Agile initiatives throughout their operations. 

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What is APMG Change Management?  

APMG Change Management is a widely recognised qualification and methodology that provides a structured approach to managing the people side of change within organisations. Developed by the APM Group, it focuses on equipping individuals and organisations with the skills and tools necessary to effectively plan, implement, and sustain change initiatives.  

The methodology emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the human aspects of change within the change management plan.

APMG Change Management offers a set of best practices, techniques, and tools that guide organisations in navigating change successfully. It offers a framework for evaluating the effects of change, identifying stakeholders, developing communication strategies, and effectively managing resistance to change. The methodology helps organisations build a structured and proactive approach to change, enabling them to minimise disruption, ensure stakeholder buy-in, and maximise the chances of successful outcomes. 

Key differences between AgileSHIFT vs APMG Change Management  

While AgileSHIFT and APMG Change Management aim to facilitate effective organisational change, several key differences set them apart. Understanding these differences can help organisations choose the best approach to their needs and context. 
 

Let's explore some of the differentiating factors. 

Scope and focus  

AgileSHIFT primarily focuses on implementing Agile practices at the enterprise level, emphasising cultural transformation, value-driven delivery, and empowered teams. It provides a holistic framework for organisations to embrace agility throughout their operations.  

On the other hand, APMG Change Management focuses specifically on managing the people side of change. It offers a structured approach to address the human aspects of change, including stakeholder engagement, communication, and managing resistance. It can be applied to any type of change initiative, regardless of whether it involves Agile practices or not.  

Certification and qualification  

AgileSHIFT offers a certification program that allows individuals to demonstrate their understanding and application of the framework. The certification covers various topics, including the agile mindset, value-driven delivery, creating a culture of transparency and collaboration, and leading organisational change.  

APMG Change Management offers a globally recognised qualification that certifies individuals as proficient in this methodology. The qualification covers key areas such as change management principles, processes, stakeholder engagement, communication, and managing resistance. It gives individuals a comprehensive understanding of change management practices and techniques.  

Agile methodologies  

AgileSHIFT focuses on implementing Agile practices at the enterprise level. It emphasises cultural transformation, recognising that agility is not limited to specific teams or projects but should permeate throughout the entire organisation. The framework aims to shift the mindset, behaviours, and ways of working to foster agility across departments and functions.  

While APMG Change Management is not exclusive to Agile Methodologies, it does not explicitly focus on Agile practices. Instead, it offers a broader set of tools, techniques, and principles to be applied in various change contexts. It can be applied to traditional waterfall projects, hybrid approaches, or any other change initiative requiring effective management of the people side. 

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Organisational culture  

AgileSHIFT strongly emphasises cultural transformation as a foundational element of successful Agile adoption. It recognises that the organisation's culture is crucial in enabling or inhibiting agility. It guides shifting mindsets, behaviours, and ways of working to create an environment that supports and sustains agility across the organisation.  

APMG Change Management acknowledges the importance of organisational culture, but its primary focus is on managing the people side of change. It provides methodologies and techniques to engage stakeholders, address resistance, and foster a supportive environment for change.  

Level of detail  

AgileSHIFT provides a comprehensive and detailed framework covering various enterprise agility aspects. It offers guidance on implementing Agile practices, fostering collaboration, and creating a customer-centric approach. The framework provides organisations with a structured roadmap and actionable steps to drive Agile transformation throughout the organisation.  

APMG Change Management offers a versatile framework that provides a broader set of principles and techniques for managing change. It allows organisations to tailor the methodology to suit their needs and context. It offers flexibility in its application, allowing organisations to choose the level of detail and depth required for their change initiatives.  

APMG Change Management, while also providing a structured approach, offers a broader set of principles and techniques that apply to managing change in general. It provides a more versatile framework that can be customised to suit different organisational needs and contexts. 

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Which is better? AgileSHIFT or APMG Change Management  

Comparing AgileSHIFT vs APMG Change Management, you can understand which is better suited for your organisation depending on various factors and considerations. Let's evaluate the strengths and considerations of each approach to help you make an informed decision. 

AgileSHIFT strengths  

a) Enterprise agility: AgileSHIFT provides a comprehensive framework for organisations to implement Agile practices at the enterprise level. It promotes cultural transformation, value-driven delivery, and empowered teams, enabling organisations to become more adaptable, responsive, and customer-centric.  

b) Alignment with Agile methodologies: It incorporates and promotes various Agile methodologies like Kanban, Scrum and Lean. If your organisation is looking to adopt and leverage these methodologies, AgileSHIFT can provide a structured approach to implementation.  

c) Focus on cultural change: It recognises the importance of cultural transformation and mindset shifts within the organisation. It provides guidance and tools to foster an agile culture and enable individuals and teams to embrace Agile principles.  

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APMG Change Management strengths  

a) Holistic change management: APMG Change Management provides a structured approach to managing the people side of change, applicable to a wide range of change initiatives. It offers a comprehensive set of tools and techniques for stakeholder engagement, communication, and addressing resistance to change.  

b) Flexibility and adaptability: It is adaptable to different methodologies and approaches. It can be customised to suit your organisation's specific needs and context, whether you are implementing Agile practices or following a more traditional project management approach.  

c) Globally recognised qualification: It offers a globally recognised qualification, providing individuals with a standardised understanding of change management principles and techniques. 
 

Considerations for AgileSHIFT  

Implementing AgileSHIFT requires a commitment to cultural change and may require significant effort to shift mindsets and ways of working across the organisation. Assessing your organisation's readiness and willingness to embrace and sustain Agile practices is essential.  

While it is designed for agility and is most beneficial in Agile environments, its principles and practices may not be as applicable to organisations with non-Agile projects or processes.  

Considerations for APMG Change Management  

If your organisation primarily focuses on agile practices and methodologies, APMG Change Management may not explicitly guide agile-specific change management. However, it can still be applied alongside agile methodologies. While it acknowledges the importance of organisational culture, it may not provide as detailed guidance on cultural transformation compared to AgileSHIFT.  

Conclusion  

Both AgileSHIFT and APMG Change Management offer valuable frameworks for effective change management. The choice between AgileSHIFT vs APMG Change Management depends on your organisation's specific needs, context, and goals. Change management principles helps in alignining as well as differentiating between approaches. If you are seeking to implement Agile practices at the enterprise level and prioritise cultural transformation, AgileSHIFT may be the better fit. If you require a flexible change management approach applicable to various methodologies and change initiatives, APMG Change Management can provide a comprehensive framework. 

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