While you might think there are only two or three approaches to project management, there are actually many viable project management methodologies. In this article, we’ll take a close look at some of the most popular methodologies, so you can start improving your project management skills today. Many of these models sprang out of a need for flexibility in software development, but the principles and practices are applicable in many fields. Advanced project management techniques include the Waterfall method, critical path method (CPM), program evaluation and review technique (PERT) and more. These techniques are best suited for complex projects with numerous dependencies or those where time is the limiting factor.
It can visually represent your project supply requirements, work in progress, and completed tasks. You can get «at a glance» updates, shift focus from completed to WIP tasks and schedule necessary supervision runs. If you function on a constant «pull» basis without any downtime or overstocking, kanban is for you. Similar to CPM, employing a Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) methodology gets into more detail compared to CPM. It shows when tasks go over their allotted billable time or deadline using visual elements to highlight when a particular project should be done.
Choosing the right project management methodology for your team
Extreme programming has a few core values, which include simplicity, communication, feedback, respect, and courage. It also includes a specific set of XP rules which includes all phases from planning to testing. While this is a good foundation to keep in mind, the PMBOK® Guide isn’t necessarily as specific as other approaches. This means each task must be completed before the next task can be started. Not only does this ensure that work stays on track, but it also fosters clear communication throughout the process. In order to be the best possible project manager, learn about each of these 12 frameworks to find the one that best fits your team’s needs.
By experiencing how different platforms work in your organization, you’ll discover the best fit. This allows teams to remain coherent with project needs in the first leg of the project management framework but flexible in later project stages. Critical chain project management prioritizes task handling among teams to get more done in less time. For companies looking for greater efficiency and accuracy, this is the right choice.
What Is a Project Management Methodology?
By considering these criteria, you can choose a tool that not only fits your current project needs but also supports your team’s growth and efficiency. Like the waterfall method, PRINCE2 does not accommodate change as easily as other methods. Any change made in the middle of the project requires a redo of almost all documentation. Project managers should consider this before choosing the PRINCE2 method.
Agile project management stemmed from the Agile Manifesto[1] published in 2001. While this project management methodology focuses on software, it is relevant for companies that have specific timelines to get products delivered. Agile focuses on a collaborative and team environment focused on data-driven results within a fast, efficient, and effective work structure. Agile is a method that involves project managers dividing the overall project into smaller sections of tasks, allowing for the team to handle one section at a time.
Top 10 Project Management Methodologies
In Kanban, the tasks of a project are represented as cards divided into columns on a physical or digital board. As progress is made on the tasks, the cards advance to the next column until they are completed. Lean can be a useful project management approach to adopt when you’re looking to reduce costs, shorten timelines, and improve customer satisfaction. It’s best used for projects that anticipate some flexibility and change. Lean is a project management style with roots in the manufacturing industry (Toyota’s cars, to be exact). Key Lean principles include emphasizing value from the customer’s perspective, and mapping out your entire project in the initial stages to see where to generate value and cut waste.
This edition reflects the full range of development approaches and the evolving profession of project management. The Critical Path Method defines the longest sequence of tasks that must be completed to successfully complete a project. These are the tasks that, if stalled, could cause delays in the entire project. The method also maps out the dependencies between tasks and an estimate of how long each task will take to complete.
- Waterfall methodology is commonly known as the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) method for convenience.
- Kanban is another framework for implementing Agile based on a team’s capacity.
- A project management technique, on the other hand, is a framework that gives you specific processes or tools to implement your chosen methodology.
- ProjectManager is online project management software that connects teams in the office or anywhere they’re working.
- New product introduction is a great project management methodology for when you want to, well, introduce a new product.
This method also involves the client in the development process, and the project manager divides the team into smaller task groups, which handle different aspects of the project. Kanban is a lean project management framework that helps project managers and team 9 best practices for managing large it projects members manage their workflow and eliminate waste. As tasks are completed, your cards move through the various columns of your workflow to mark them done. Project management software is a more powerful alternative to respond effectively to IT incidents.
The tendering process asks an organisation to respond to a formal request for the supply of goods, services and/or projects. Adhering to a consistent process can help an organisation win external contracts. In project management, there are a lot of bids that demand the use of specific methodologies. For example, in the engineering field there are many bids that list PRINCE2 as a prerequisite. In the public sector, tendering will require the application of Agile tools.