The eXtreme Programming methodology takes elements of traditional software engineering practices to, well, extreme levels. However, it’s familiar to the agile framework like specific planning approach, on-site customer participation, and continuous testing. In this article, we review what a project management methodology is, discuss the benefits of using them, list tips for choosing one and discuss 11 project management methodologies and when to use them. PRINCE2, or Projects in Controlled Environments, is a project management methodology that focuses on defining and delivering work against precise requirements. As opposed to Agile PM, PRINCE2 emphasizes intense planning and documentation of work items. PMBOK is not a methodology itself but a set of principles and project management skills included in certification through PMI, which is used as a basis for many project management methodologies.
The project manager who leads the project has to be very strict with the money allocated, the time, the quality of the task, and carrying it forward to the next task. The methodology is based upon reducing the work in process, get things done faster, and have the best collaborative processes by allowing every member of the project team to see the timeline in real-time. Agile is the Tom Cruise of project management methodologies; the name everyone is familiar with. There has been a rapid increase in the number of project management methodologies ever since the digital age showed up. More number of options is always good but it makes selecting the right method for you fairly difficult.
All Plans
Based in Washington, D.C., the George Washington University (GW) has offered a project management master’s program since 1996. GW’s cohort-based, online MS in project management draws from PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge, along with international and advanced methodologies. Monday.com regularly tops our best-of lists for project management software. This project manager courses Agile-forward software features many tools, including Kanban boards (which can be used for Scrum), lists, calendars and customizable dashboards. Whether you use software like monday.com to help you track applicants moving through a hiring phase or Asana to organize employee performance evaluations, HR teams can efficiently manage complex processes without fuss.
Aptly named, Lean is another form of Agile project management that targets how to do more with less. Both Agile and Lean divide projects into smaller tasks for individual execution. From there, Lean adds streamlined workflows to each part of the project in an effort to remove any excess efforts. There’s an emphasis on standardized processes to help drive continuous improvement and maximize efficiency. This project management technique is ideal for small teams who have tight budgets or other constraints, yet still need to deliver significant value.
Hybrid Aka Structured Agile
Waterfall project management works best for projects with long, detailed plans that require a single timeline. It works best in a less volatile project environment, and where there can be an upfront investment from the client to ensure a high level of certainty around the final deliverables. For Waterfall projects, the project execution phase is all about following the project schedule and putting into action what was agreed on in the planning phase. Each sprint informs what will be delivered next, edging the project closer to the end goal. Project management methods allow teams to clearly define roles, which helps improve the decision-making process and ensures accountability. This reduces confusion down the line, saving your teams time and frustration.
For example, a WBS is used when the project is scheduled, so that the use of work packages can be recorded and tracked. Get all our templates, tips, and fresh content so you can run effective, profitable, low-stress projects in your agency or team. For instance, if your past records show that all your Agile projects have been delayed AND poorly received, it’s a good idea to avoid this methodology in the future. Essentially, pick a methodology that fits your team, instead of forcing your team to fit the methodology. Similarly, if you have a clear idea of the end result, pick a more structured methodology such as Waterfall.