Exploring different types of project management methodologies
Article updated July 19, 2022
Project management approach/methodology guide
Project management can be an intimidating subject to learn about because the field is so broad. While project management has some basic philosophies and practices, there's a whole range of methods and project management leadership styles to choose from. It's best to be familiar with the most common options in order to choose what will best fit your project, organization, and personal leadership style.
What is project methodology?
Project methodology is a defined set of practices, techniques, and processes that determines the best way to develop, oversee, and deliver a project through continuous implementation. These methods help to ensure a project is successfully completed and rolled out. This scientifically proven, systematic approach enhances the design and execution of a project. The purpose of project management methodology and presentations of related data is to create an effective model for decision-making and problem-solving through specific approaches.
A project management approach or methodology is used to:
- Define the needs of stakeholders
- Make sure the team understands expectations
- Estimate costs
- Complete tasks using a methodological approach
- Find conflicts early
- Make sure solutions are implemented quickly
What are the different types of project management methodologies?
Traditional project management methods use a linear system of
processes broken down into stages. A modern project management
approach/methodology uses alternative methods that focus on other areas
or are designed to suit specific areas of business. Here are a few of
the most common methodologies.
PMBOK guide
This isn't a methodology in the strictest sense of the term, but the
PMBOK Guide is so foundational to project management that it must be
mentioned. PMBOK comes from the Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge.
This guide is a comprehensive catalog of best practices, methods, and
ideas. So while this isn't a methodology in itself, it's an important
source to turn to while learning about methodologies and choosing what
will be best for your work.
PRINCE2
The name of this methodology is an acronym for "PRojects IN
Controlled Environments 2." This method was developed by the UK
government and has spread to be used outside the UK, too, mostly for
projects in the private sector. PRINCE2 is a documentation-oriented
approach that presents a suite of process-driven methods.
CPM
CPM stands for critical path method, and it focuses on the crucial
tasks necessary for successful completion of a project. This is a
sequential method that depends on completing one task before moving on
to the next. Using CPM can really help you determine how long a project
will take to complete.
Lean
The purpose of this methodology is to minimize waste and maximize
customer value. This method results in value generation and customer
satisfaction using a highly optimized process flow that reduces waste
and emphasizes high value. Lean is often a good choice for highly
complex projects like manufacturing and construction.
Six Sigma
Motorola developed this method to eliminate defects in the product or
service. This is one of the most popular methods worldwide because it
ensures accuracy and speed of a process while minimizing or eliminating
waste. This method
can be a good choice for projects with very little budget and works
well for projects that will be scheduled for a timeline of three to nine
months.
CCPM
Critical chain project management implements the theory of
constraints and buffers to establish task durations and track
resource-dependent activities. This method is a great choice for
multi-project environments.
SCRUM
This method is used in software development, and teams use it to
produce their product in 30-day "sprints" along with a monthly "scrum session."
In order for the deliverables to be broken down into 30-day production
intervals, teams that take this methodology on need to be collaborative
with no strong restraints on budget or time.
Kanban
This program is enjoyed for its simplicity and flexibility. By
dividing tasks simply into categories of "to do," "in progress," and
"done," it's easy to keep track of the progress of the project and adapt
and change at any time. Kanban is highly visual and keeps users
constantly up to date on project progress.
Choosing the right project management method
Choosing the right methodology
for your project may be time-consuming, and the process might be
complex at first. But it's worth investing the time and effort into
making the right choice because the right method will lead to greater
success in the long run.
How to decide which project management methodology to use
There are a few ways to decide which method might be best for your
organization. You can, of course, do the research and decide for
yourself which might work best for your team. The Project Management
Institute has developed the Organizational Project Management Maturity
Model (OPM3) to help with this decision-making process. The goal of OPM3
is to strategically align project outcomes with the right project
management methodology and presentations of results. It isolates the
criteria for success and failure to determine which project management
methodology is best.
While making a decision without the assistance of OPM3, it is important to consider:
- Constraints
- Stakeholders
- Organizational goals
- Core values
- Risks
- Complexity
- Project size and cost
Next, you'll need to take steps to make the final decision on the best project methodology to deploy:
- Determine the drivers of the project and identify the primary goals.
- Identify the parts of the project the methodology will impact.
- List any possible methodologies that might be a good fit for the project.
- Compare and contrast each methodology in relation to the project.
- Decide which methodology is going to offer the best results with the fewest risks.
- Get feedback on the decision and then buy into the methodology.
- Implement the methodology.
- Monitor the process and methodology and modify it as needed.
These methodologies are not one-size-fits-all. The best fit can vary by situation, by organization, and by project. A streamlined process map can go a long way in helping you decide the best approach for each project. The most important thing to remember is that evaluating which methodology will best fit is always worth the time and effort invested.
Customizing your own project management software
No matter which methodology you choose to implement, using custom business applications throughout the different phases of
completion can make the process that smoother. Quickbase offers no-code
app development solutions that are a fast and simple way to create an
app according to your standards.
Using point-and-click functionality, you'll be able to make custom apps tailored to the needs of your organization and the project management methodologies it uses. The no-code interface offers the potential for anyone on your team to contribute and learn how to develop an app that meets your needs. The software is also adaptable, so you can make changes on the fly. Just like methodologies, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for project management tools, and that's why using custom business apps can make a huge difference to the degree of project success enjoyed.
Keep up with changing methodologies, adaptations needed mid-project,
and fluctuating business needs with a flexible and powerful platform.