Scaling Agile And Hybrid Project Management Methodologies For Sustainability In Global Oil And Gas Operations: Overcoming Cultural And Organizational Resistance
Keywords:
Agile, Sustainability, Oil and gas, Hybrid Methodologies, Oil and Gas, Cultural Resistance, Project ManagementAbstract
This paper explores how agile and hybrid project management practices are scaled in oil and gas operations, their role in promoting sustainability, and the organizational resistance they face. A systematic review of case and empirical studies reveals that Agile offers significant benefits, including flexibility, improved stakeholder collaboration, and adaptability to market changes. However, scalability challenges, regulatory constraints, and entrenched centralized hierarchies hinder widespread adoption. For large projects, a Hybrid approach combining Agile flexibility with traditional project structure is more feasible. Hybrid models have demonstrated success in enhancing coordination, efficiency, and sustainability alignment while maintaining regulatory compliance. They help bridge cultural gaps between conventional and Agile methods, reducing resistance and increasing project success rates. To effectively implement Agile or Hybrid practices, oil and gas companies should prioritize leadership support, provide adequate training, and encourage cross-functional collaboration. These focus areas can overcome resistance, improve project outcomes, and support sustainable operational practices.
References
Abedin, B., Gabor, M. R., Susanu, I. O., & Jaber, Y. F. (2024). Exploring the perspectives of oil and gas industry managers on the adoption of sustainable practices: A Q Methodology Approach to Green Marketing Strategies. Sustainability, 16(14), 5948. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145948
Abu, Z., Aun, I. I., & Oluwasanmi, O. O. (2018). Technology transfer and entrepreneurial development in the value chain system of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Pacific Journal of Science and Technology, 19(1), 50-54.
Adebayo, O, T. (2022). Agile and organizational culture: Fostering agile values and mindset. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 7(2), 672–681. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra.2022.7.2.0265
Adedokun, O. J., Akunna, N. L., Olalemi, A. A., Sanni, I. O., & Hammed, V. O. (2025). Integrating agile methodologies with traditional project management frameworks: A hybrid approach for enhanced efficiency and risk mitigation. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 25(3), 2298–2304. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2025.25.3.1003
Ahmad, T., Ravi, C. S., Chitta, S., Yellepeddi, S. M., & Venkata, A. K. P. (2018). Hybrid project management: Combining agile and traditional approaches. Distributed Learning and Broad Applications in Scientific Research, 4, 1–15.
Åkvik, J. Mr., & Nesse, S. K. (2023). A case study on business model innovation to empower sustainable development in the oil and gas supplier industry [Master's thesis]. University of South-Eastern Norway.
Al - Hajji, H., & Khan, S. (2016). Keeping oil & gas EPC major projects under control: Strategic & innovative project management practices. Paper presented at: Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference. Abu Dhabi, UAE, doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/182970-MS
Alikornwo, P. M., Elechi, A., & Echendu, S. I. (2024). Hybrid Work-Models and Agility of Indigenous Oil and Gas Firms in Rivers State. Nigerian Journal of Management Sciences Vol. 25(1)
Alita, E. C., Ajaegbo, I. K., Asu, U. A. & Cyprian-Ogah, H. C. (2023). Energy Diplomacy and Strategic Engagements: Nigeria's role in Shaping the Global Energy Landscape, African Journal of Politics and Administrative Studies AJPAS, 16(2):64-83. https://www.ajpasebsu.org.ng/ https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajpas.v16i2.4
Almeida, F.; Bálint, B. (2024) Approaches for Hybrid Scaling of Agile in the IT Industry: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda. Information 2024, 15, 592. https://doi.org/10.3390/info15100592
Amajuoyi, P., Benjamin, L. B., & Adeusi, K. B. (2024). Agile methodologies: Adapting product management to rapidly changing market conditions. GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 19(2), 249–267. https://doi.org/10.30574/gscarr.2024.19.2.0181
Azenha, F. C., Reis, D. A., & Fleury, A. L. (2020). The role and characteristics of hybrid approaches to project management in the development of Technology-Based products and services. Project Management Journal, 52(1), 90–110. https://doi.org/10.1177/8756972820956884
Bassi, A. (2025). The dual face of Hybrid Project Management (HPM). PM World Journal. Vol. 14 Issue 4 https://pmworldjournal.com/article/the-dual-face-of-hybrid-project-management-hpm
Borges, F. M., Rampasso, I. S., Quelhas, O. L., Filho, W. L., & Anholon, R. (2022). Addressing the UN SDGs in sustainability reports: An analysis of Latin American oil and gas companies. Environmental Challenges, 7, 100515. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2022.100515
Celestin, M., Sujatha, S., Kumar, A. D., & Vasuki, M. (2024). The rise of agile methodologies in managing complex business projects: Enhancing efficiency, collaboration, and adaptability. Indo American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Review, 8(2), 69–77. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13871832
Chathuranga, S., Jayasinghe, S., Antucheviciene, J., Wickramarachchi, R., Udayanga, N., & Weerakkody, W. a. S. (2023). Practices driving the adoption of agile project management methodologies in the design stage of building construction projects. Buildings, 13(4), 1079. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13041079
Chukwunweike, J., & Aro, O. E. (2024). Implementing agile management practices in the era of digital transformation. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 24(1), 2223–2242. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.24.1.3253
Daraojimba, E. C., Nwasike, C. N., Adegbite, A. O., Ezeigweneme, C. A., & Gidiagba, J. O. (2024). Comprehensive review of agile methodologies in project management. Computer Science & IT Research Journal, 5(1), 190–218. https://doi.org/10.51594/csitrj.v5i.717
Ebirim, W., Portillo Montero, D. J., Ani, E. C., Ninduwezuor-Ehiobu, N., Usman, F. O., & Olu-lawal, K. A. (2024). The role of Agile project management in driving innovation in energy-efficient HVAC solutions. Engineering Science & Technology Journal, 5(3), 662-673. https://doi.org/10.51594/estj/v5i3.864
Famoti, O., Omowole, B. M., Nzeako, G., Muyiwa-Ajayi, T. P., Ezechi, O. N., Ewim, C. P.-M., & Omokhoa, H. E. (2025). A practical model for agile project management to streamline engineering delivery in energy projects. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, 6, 1831–1840. https://doi.org/10.54660/.IJMRGE.2025.6.1-1831-1840
Farahat, A.M., & Defina, D. (2022). Novel adaptive approach for applying and combining traditional waterfall and agile project management methodologies. Paper presented at: ADIPEC. https://doi.org/10.2118/210867-MS
Faria, R. R., Lima, F. a. R., Secchi, A. R., & De Souza, M. B. (2024). Enhanced hybrid model for Gas-Lifted oil production. IFAC-PapersOnLine, 58(14), 7–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2024.08.305
Gemino, A., Reich, B. H., & Serrador, P. M. (2020). Agile, traditional, and hybrid approaches to project success: Is hybrid a poor second choice? *SAGE Project Management Journal, 00*(0), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1177/8756972820973082
Hanson, E., Nwakile, C., Adebayo, Y. A., & Esiri, A. E. (2024). Strategic leadership for complex energy and oil & gas projects: A conceptual approach. *International Journal of Management & Entrepreneurship Research, 6*(10), 3459–3479. https://doi.org/10.51594/ijmer.v6i10.1656
Kanu, M. O., Dienagha, I. N., Digitemie, W. N., Ogu, E., & Egbumokei, P. I. (2022). Optimizing oil production through agile project execution frameworks in complex energy sector challenges. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, 3(1), 769–775. https://doi.org/10.54660/.IJMRGE.2022.3.1.769-775
Koroteev, D., & Tekic, Z. (2020). Artificial intelligence in oil and gas upstream: Trends, challenges, and scenarios for the future. Energy and AI, 3, 100041. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyai.2020.100041
Larbi, S. Y., Boakye, K., Fakeyede, M., Asimolowo, A. J., Owusu, F., Omole, O. K., & Omuvwie, E. A. (2025). Leveraging agile and hybrid models to advance sustainability initiatives in the oil and gas industry. Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports, 19(5), 144–159. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajarr/2025/v19i51007
Mirzaei, M., Mabin, V. J., & Zwikael, O. (2024). Customising Hybrid project management methodologies. Production Planning & Control, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2024.2349231
Ndou, V., Ingrosso, A., & Di Girolamo, A. (2024). Framework for Agile Transformation: guiding organizations through cultural, structural, and competency shifts in project management. Administrative Sciences, 14(11), 301. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14110301
Olabi, A., Elsaid, K., Obaideen, K., Abdelkareem, M. A., Rezk, H., Wilberforce, T., Maghrabie, H. M., & Sayed, E. T. (2023). Renewable energy systems: Comparisons, challenges and barriers, sustainability indicators, and the contribution to UN sustainable development goals. International Journal of Thermofluids, 20, 100498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijft.2023.100498
Onifade, M., Zvarivadza, T., Adebisi, J. A., Said, K. O., Dayo-Olupona, O., Lawal, A. I., & Khandelwal, M. (2024). Advancing toward sustainability: The emergence of green mining technologies and practices. Deleted Journal, 1(2), 157–174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsme.2024.05.005
Osman, A. I., Chen, L., Yang, M., Msigwa, G., Farghali, M., Fawzy, S., Rooney, D. W., & Yap, P. (2022). Cost, environmental impact, and resilience of renewable energy under a changing climate: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 21(2), 741–764. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-022-01532-8
Simonaitis, A.; Daukšys, M.; Mockien˙ e, J. (2023). A Comparison of the Project Management Methodologies PRINCE2 and PMBOKinManaging Repetitive Construction Projects. Buildings 2023, 13, 1796. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071796
Simpa, P., Solomon, N. O., Adenekan, O. A., & Obasi, S. C. (2024). Environmental stewardship in the oil and gas sector: Current practices and future directions. International Journal of Applied Research in Social Sciences, 6(5), 903–926. https://doi.org/10.51594/ijarss.v6i5.1132
Sithambaram, J., Nasir, M. H. N. B. M., & Ahmad, R. (2021). Issues and challenges impacting the successful management of agile-hybrid projects: A grounded theory approach. International Journal of Project Management, 39(5), 474–495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2021.03.002
Sjödin, D., Parida, V., Kohtamäki, M., & Wincent, J. (2020). An agile co-creation process for digital servitization: A micro-service innovation approach. Journal of Business Research, 112, 478–491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.01.009
Sletten, S., Jonasmo, K. W., & Solheim, M. C. W. (2023). Changing industrial trajectories through business model innovation: a case study of the oil and gas industry in Norway, European Planning Studies, DOI: 10.1080/09654313.2023.218550 https://doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2023.2185503
Steegh, R., De Voorde, K., Paauwe, J., & Peeters, T. (2024). The agile way of working and team adaptive performance: A goal-setting perspective. Journal of Business Research, 189, 115163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2024.115163
Székely, B., Késmárki-Gally, S. E., & Lakner, Z. (2025). Hybrid Project Management: Scoping review. Project Leadership and Society, 100182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plas.2025.100182
Tettey, D. J., Sunday, O. E., Azumah, N. C., Nwosu, N. C. P., Oluwatobi, B. T., & Chrisben, D. (2025). Agile hybrid methodologies for complex project execution: Balancing flexibility, control, and stakeholder value maximization. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 6(3), 6190–6204. https://doi.org/10.55248/gengpi.6.0325.1295