Using Agile Project Methodologies in Military Action Planning

Authors

  • Ionuț-Alexandru RADU Universitatea Națională de Apărare „Carol I”

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53477/2284-9378-25-32

Keywords:

Agile Methodologies, Scrum, Kanban, Project, Military Operations, Planning.

Abstract

To improve the responsiveness and adaptability of decision-makers in the ever-changing and unpredictable world of contemporary military operations, flexible and adaptable approaches to planning are essential. Originally created for software development, Agile approaches offer a new way to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of planning in the military context through the use of project management. This study examines the application of Agile concepts - such as collaboration, flexibility, and iteration - to the planning of military operations. This study highlights the advantages and challenges of applying these concepts in a military setting, emphasising how they can improve strategic adaptability and rapid response times. Focusing on their development, fundamental ideas and various project management applications, the study summarises the body of research on Agile approaches. The main focus of the paper is on the way in which Agile frameworks such as Scrum and Kanban can be adapted for use in military contexts, emphasising teamwork, customer satisfaction and continuous improvement. Key studies show that by encouraging greater cooperation and adaptability, Agile approaches dramatically improve project performance in dynamic contexts. However, obstacles such as reluctance to adapt, lack of qualified staff and problems in scaling Agile methods are also reported.

Author Biography

Ionuț-Alexandru RADU, Universitatea Națională de Apărare „Carol I”

Ionuț-Alexandru (Ionuț) RADU is a Romanian military officer currently serving in National Defence University “Carol I” as Head of the Project Implementation Office since 2024. His responsibilities include the coordination and management of defense-related projects financed through European structural funds, with a complementary specialization in public procurement. He is also preparing for admission in doctoral studies.

From 2021 to 2024, he served in the Mareșal Alexandru Averescu Military Intelligence Brigade, where he successively held the positions of Specialist Officer, Office Chief, and Section Chief. In these roles, he contributed to operational planning, capability development, and organizational restructuring efforts.

His areas of expertise include project management, Agile methodologies, military planning, and institutional development. He holds a B.Sc. in Administrative Sciences from the Nicolae Bălcescu Land Forces Academy and a Master’s degree in Program and Project Management from the Carol I National Defence University. He also completed an International Humanitarian Law course at the University of Turin in 2019.

His academic work focuses on the intersection of project management and defense institutional reform. He is the author of Defence Resource Management from a Project Management Perspective (Strategies XXI, 2024) and co-author of Toward an Evidence-Based Program of Mentoring in the Romanian Military (Strategies XXI, 2021).

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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

RADU, I.-A. . (2025). Using Agile Project Methodologies in Military Action Planning. BULLETIN OF "CAROL I" NATIONAL DEFENCE UNIVERSITY, 14(2), 311–325. https://doi.org/10.53477/2284-9378-25-32

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Articles