Enhancing information technology project portfolio management with agile principles and Kanban practices

Purpose: This study addresses the challenges in information technology project portfolio management (IT PPM) organizations face, particularly in dynamic and competitive markets. It proposes a customized model inspired by agile principles and Kanban practices to improve IT PPM processes in a case study bank in Türkiye. The research seeks to enhance responsiveness, efficiency and alignment with business objectives, filling gaps in existing literature. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a design science research approach. Initial issues were identified through process mining and focus group discussions with IT and business experts. The solution model was iteratively developed and refined based on agile principles and Kanban practices, with benchmarking with other organizations and expert feedback. The evaluation involved multiple stakeholders, including high-level managers and quality teams. Findings: The proposed model demonstrated improvements in demand visibility, prioritization and capacity management. Key solutions included work-in-progress (WIP) limits, frequent evaluations and the integration of Kanban for enhanced transparency and adaptability. The model also addressed reduced bottlenecks and increased flexibility in managing IT project demands, although challenges like cultural shifts and complexity remained. Originality/value: This research contributes to the literature on agile IT PPM by proposing a practical model that integrates agile principles and Kanban practices. It highlights the applicability of Kanban at the portfolio level and provides insights into addressing common IT PPM issues in large organizations, offering a replicable framework for similar sectors globally.