12 Project Management Methodologies: An Overview

Imagine Project Management Methodologies as the different paths in a vast forest. Each path offers a unique journey, with its own set of challenges and rewards. Choosing the right methodology is like selecting the best path to reach your destination efficiently and effectively. 

With a growing number of Project Management Methodologies at your disposal, each brimming with unique advantages, understanding their intricacies is paramount. These methodologies offer adaptability needed to meet diverse project demands and goals. Dive into this blog as we explore twelve leading Project Management Methodologies, uncovering their fundamental principles, strengths and applications. 

Table of Contents

1) What is a Project Management Methodology? 

2) What is a Project Management framework? 

3) 12 Project Management Frameworks(methodologies) 

   a) Waterfall 

   b) Kanban 

   c) Lean Methodology 

   d) Critical Path Method (CPM) 

   e) Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) 

   f) Project Management Institute's PMBOK® Guide 

   g) Extreme Programming (XP) 

   h) Agile 

   i) PRINCE2 

   j) Six Sigma 

   k) Scrum 

   l) Scumban 

4) Conclusion 

What is a Project Management Methodology? 

In the multifaceted world of Project Management, a clear and structured roadmap is essential for guiding a project from inception to successful completion. Project Management Methodologies provide precisely that, offering a detailed blueprint that outlines every step necessary to achieve project goals. Here's how these methodologies serve us:
 

 

Defined Governance Structure 

Each methodology comes with a built-in governance structure, ensuring that there are clear roles, responsibilities, and decision-making hierarchies within the project team. 

Process Guidelines 

Project Management Methodologies provide comprehensive process guidelines that standardise how tasks must be executed. This helps in maintaining consistency and quality across various projects. 

Test Activities  

Effective Project Management Methodologies incorporate test activities that are crucial for verifying and validating project deliverables. These activities ensure that the project meets its intended objectives and quality standards. 

Detailed Processes 

A good methodology breaks down the project into manageable processes, each with clear steps and milestones. This approach helps in tracking progress, identifying potential issues early, and making necessary and prompt adjustments. 

Deliverables 

These methodologies specify the expected deliverables at various stages of the project. This clarity is crucial in setting accurate expectations with stakeholders. 

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What is a Project Management Framework? 

Project Management framework offer structure and direction to a project. But unlike Project Management Methodologies, a framework is neither too detailed nor too rigid. Frameworks guide projects to their goal while being flexible enough to adapt to evolving conditions. 

Here’s how Project Management frameworks ensure effective project execution:
 

 

Structured Guidance 

Project Management frameworks offer a structured approach that outlines key stages and essential activities within a project. This helps maintain focus and ensures that critical elements are addressed without prescribing every detail. 

Flexibility and Adaptability 

Unlike methodologies, frameworks are designed to be adaptable. They allow project managers to tailor processes to fit the specific needs of their project, embracing changes and unexpected challenges while they arise. 

Goal Orientation 

Frameworks keep the project team aligned with the overall objectives by focusing on key milestones and deliverables even when the path to completion may change. 

Broad Process Outline 

Instead of dictating precise steps, frameworks provide a broad outline of processes, giving project teams the liberty to define their specific procedures. This encourages innovation and problem-solving, aligning with the project’s unique context. 

Scalability 

Project Management frameworks are scalable and can be applied to projects of varying sizes and complexities. This makes them suitable for a wide range of industries and project types. 

Continuous Improvement 

By being less rigid, frameworks encourage Continuous Improvement and Development. Teams can learn from each phase of the project, implement prompt changes, and refine their approach in real-time. 

It’s clear that Project Management Frameworks offer the best of both worlds. They provide the necessary structure to guide projects towards their goals while being flexible enough to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of Project Management. 

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12 Project Management Frameworks(methodologies) 

The leading Project Management Methodologies not only vary in their structural organisation but also require different workflows, deliverables and Project Management software solutions. To excel as a project manager, it's crucial to understand each of these 12 frameworks and identify the one that aligns best with your team's requirements. 

1) Waterfall 

The Waterfall model also known as Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a straightforward but detailed methodology. It’s a linear process in which work cascades down (similar to a Waterfall) and is organised in sequential order. 

Here are some key points to remember: 

a) In this methodology, each work task is connected by a dependency. This means that each task must be completed before starting the next task. Not only does this ensure that work stays on track, but it also fosters clear communication throughout the process. 

b) While viewed as a traditional approach by some modern organisations, this method is efficient at creating a predictable and thoroughly planned-out project plan. 

c) Since the Waterfall Project Management Methodology is detailed, it’s great for working on large projects with multiple stakeholders. This is because the clear steps throughout the project help track the work needed to reach goals. 

2) Kanban 

The Kanban methodology represents project backlogs using visual elements, specifically boards. Consider these points: 

a) The Kanban approach is used by teams to better visualise workflows and project progress while limiting the likelihood of bottlenecks.  

b) This approach usually comes in the form of a software tool that allows you to change and drag boards seamlessly within projects (though it’s not a requirement). 

c) Since this method doesn’t have a defined process unlike some other methodologies, many teams use it differently. Kanban aims to prioritise the most important project tasks, keeping the overall framework simple. 

d) Kanban boards work for teams of all sizes and works especially well for remote-first teams. This is because the visual capabilities of Kanban boards help team members stay on track regardless of their location. 

3) Lean Methodology 

The origins of the Lean Project Management Methodology can be traced back to the Toyota’s manufacturing units which revolutionised the production of physical goods in the 1950s. A few decades later the Lean methodology was applied to knowledge work as well, helping businesses eliminate lean wastes, improve processes, and work with tighter budgets and shorter deadlines. 

There are five key Lean principles in Lean Project Management Methodology: 

a) Value: Defining the value to the customer is a fundamental principle of the Lean methodology. Before initiating any project, clearly articulate the value it delivers to the customer. 

b) Value Stream: Mapping the value stream for the entire project cycle is important. This involves analysing each step to identify and eliminate waste. 

c) Flow: Once non-value-adding elements are eliminated, the project should proceed through a smooth, uninterrupted flow of sequential steps. 

d) Pull: In Lean, project progress and actions are driven by customer demand, unlike traditional methods that rely on forecasts to push work forward. This approach ensures that no premature steps are taken. 

e) Perfection: Lean emphasises the pursuit of perfection through Continuous Improvement. Regularly reassess your processes with the aim of eliminating waste and enhancing efficiency. 

4) Critical Path method (CPM) 

The critical path method enables identification and scheduling critical tasks within a project. This includes: 

a) Creating task dependencies  

b) Tracking project goals and progress  

c)  Prioritising deliverables  

d) Managing due dates 

The objective of this methodology is to properly manage successful projects at scale so that deliverables and milestones are mapped correctly.  

This method is best for small and mid-size projects and teams. The CPM isn’t built for complex projects. 

5) Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) 

While related to the CPM, the CCPM framework is more detailed, making it one of the most comprehensive options. Here are its key features: 

a) CCPM includes specific time requirements for each task. This pushes task tracking one step further, making it clear when tasks are going over their allotted time.  

b) It uses resource levelling which aims to resolve big workloads by distributing work across available resources. 

c) CCPM is a great methodology for both small and large teams, but its main contribution is in solving project efficiency problems. 

6) Project Management Institute's PMBOK® Guide 

This framework focuses on implementing the five Project Management phases, all of which help in managing a project in a structured phase approach. The five phases include: 

a) Project initiation 

b) Project planning 

c) Project executing 

d) Project performance 

e) Project closure 

While this is a good foundation, the PMBOK® Guide isn’t as specific as other approaches. This means you will need to decide which tasks to complete in each phase.  

The PMBOK® Guide can be used on its own for small teams on standard projects. However it’s a good idea to pair it with a more detailed methodology (like CCPM) for large teams handling complex projects. 

7) Extreme Programming (XP) 

As the name suggests, XP is used for fast-paced projects with tight deadlines. This approach works by creating short development cycles with multiple releases, resulting in quick turnaround times and increased productivity. 

Extreme Programming has a few core values including:  

a) Simplicity  

b) Communication  

c) Feedback  

d) Respect  

e) Courage 

XP includes a specific set of rules which includes: 

a) Planning 

b) Managing 

c) Coding 

d) Designing 

e) Testing 

Since XP is a fast-paced method, it should be used lightly to prevent burnout. 

8) Agile 

The Agile is one of the most common Project Management Methodologies. But the reality is that Agile isn’t technically a methodology, it is best defined as a Project Management Principle.  

The basis of an Agile approach is: 

a) Collaborative 

b) Fast and effective 

c) Iterative and data-backed 

d) Values individuals over processes 

The Agile methodology’s popularity can be credited to the publication of the “Manifesto for Agile Software Development,” authored by 17 Software Developers back in 2001. The Agile framework can be used for just about any team because of its universal nature. The trick is deciding which methodology to use with it. 

9) PRINCE2 

Short for PRojects IN Controlled Environments, PRINCE2 uses the overarching Waterfall methodology to outline stages within a project. It was initially created by the UK government for IT projects. 

These are the seven main principles of PRINCE2: 

a) Starting a project 

b) Directing a project 

c) Initiating a project 

d) Controlling a project 

e) Managing product delivery 

f) Managing a stage boundary 

g) Closing a project 

The PRINCE2 Project Management Methodology is best suited for large enterprise projects with multiple project stakeholders. Using it for small projects might create an unnecessary complicated process. 

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10) Six Sigma 

Unlike other Project Management, Six Sigma is used for quality management and is often paired with either a lean methodology or Agile framework. The main purpose of Six Sigma is to continuously improve processes and eliminate defects.  

To take this method one step further, you can use a Six Sigma DMAIC process, which includes the following phases: 

a) Define: Create a project scope and business case 

b) Measure: Collect data that helps inform need for improvement 

c) Analyse: Identify the root causes of problems 

d) Improve: Solve the root causes identified 

e) Control: Work to sustain solutions for future projects  

Six Sigma is best for large organisations, usually those with a few hundred employees or more. 

11) Scrum 

Interestingly, the term ‘Scrum’ originated from rugby. In rugby, Scrum is the process where a rugby team huddles around the ball and attempts to pass it down the field to win. 

Similarly, the Scrum Project Management Methodology involves short “sprints” that are used to create a project cycle. These sprints span one to two weeks at a time and are organised with teams of 10 or less. 

Once the sprint starts, the scrum master will distribute the work and coordinate team members. 

Here is how the team gets work done during the sprint: 

a) A visual scrum board helps visualise, manage and track tasks 

b) The Scrum board is split into several task lists (in columns) 

c) Once tasks are listed, individuals start working on them 

d) After completion of the work, it is sent for quality check 

e) If the task fulfils the Definition-of-Done, it’s ready to be shipped 

12) Scrumban 

As the name suggests, Scrumban is a methodology that draws from Scrum and Kanban frameworks and incorporates the best of each.  Here are its features: 

a) Scrumban uses a similar sprint cycle as Scrum but enables individual tasks to be pulled into the plan like Kanban. This allows the most important work to be completed and keeps project plans simplified.  

b) Scrumban utilises Scrum meetings to enhance collaboration and keep goals in sight.  

c) Do you like the idea of breaking down a project into smaller tasks, but want to keep it visually simple? Then Scrumban might be the right approach for you. 

Conclusion 

Understanding these Project Management Methodologies is crucial for navigating the complexities of modern Project Management. Each methodology provides unique advantages suited to different project needs and environments. We hope this blog helps you elevate your Project Management skills and drive your projects to success. 

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