When you’ve decided to become a project manager the next step is to figure out which project management method is right for you and your team. The landscape of project management practices can seem a little overwhelming. Whether you have a formal project management credential or are learning how to become a project manager through experience there are a number of project methods to choose from. And they often come with an endless list of rules and abbreviations. We know that finding the right project management system for running your business doesn’t have to be rocket science. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of different project management skills to help you identify the skills and practices you can use for each team and project.
To understand "What is Project Management", see our article Overview of the Project Management Process.
There are several approaches to project management, including:
Waterfall method
Agile method
Scrum
Lean method
Kanban
Six Sigma
PRINCE2
These are just a few of the many approaches to project management that are in use today and here is a brief explanation of these project management approaches and how they differ from each other:
Waterfall method: This is a linear approach to project management, where progress flows in a single direction (downwards) through the various project phases. The phases are typically defined as: planning, design, development, testing, and deployment. The waterfall method is best suited for projects with well-defined requirements and a clear understanding of the scope and objectives.
Agile method: This is a flexible, iterative approach to project management that emphasizes continuous delivery, rapid prototyping, and frequent reassessment and adaptation of plans. Agile approaches are best suited for projects where the requirements are not fully known upfront and there is a need for frequent communication and collaboration with stakeholders.
Scrum: This is a specific framework within the agile approach that focuses on short, iterative development cycles called "sprints." Sprints typically last for one to four weeks and involve the whole team working together to deliver a set of predetermined goals.
Lean method: This approach emphasizes maximizing value for the customer by minimizing waste and streamlining processes. The goal is to produce the highest quality products or services in the most efficient and effective manner.
Kanban: This is a visual method for managing work, where tasks are represented by cards on a board and progress is tracked through the movement of these cards from one column to another. Kanban is often used in conjunction with the agile method to manage work and track progress.
Six Sigma: This is a data-driven approach to improving processes by identifying and eliminating defects and variability. Six Sigma uses statistical tools and techniques to analyze processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
PRINCE2: This is a widely used project management method that focuses on dividing a project into manageable stages and emphasizing strong management control. PRINCE2 is a formalized approach that is typically used in government and large organizations.
These approaches differ in terms of their focus, the level of structure and formality, and the tools and techniques used to manage projects.
Which industry out of most adopt waterfall project management and why?
The Waterfall method is often used in industries where the requirements for a project are well-defined and there is a clear understanding of the scope and objectives. This includes industries such as construction, manufacturing, and engineering, where the processes and deliverables can be planned and executed in a linear fashion.
The Waterfall method is less well-suited for industries that are more dynamic and where the requirements for a project may evolve over time. In these cases, an Agile approach may be more appropriate.
It's worth noting that the Waterfall method is not the only approach used in these industries, and other approaches such as Lean and Six Sigma may also be used to improve efficiency and quality.
Which industry out of most adopt agile project management and why?
The Agile approach to project management is often used in industries that are more dynamic and where the requirements for a project may evolve over time. These industries include software development, information technology, and marketing, where the rapid prototyping and continuous delivery capabilities of the Agile approach are particularly valuable.
The Agile approach is well-suited for these industries because it emphasizes flexibility, rapid iteration, and continuous communication and collaboration with stakeholders. This makes it easier to adapt to changing requirements and to deliver value to customers in a timely manner.
It's worth noting that the Agile approach is not the only approach used in these industries, and other approaches such as Scrum and Kanban may also be used to manage work and track progress.
How to choose right approach for managing your project.
There are a few key factors to consider when choosing the right approach for project management:
The nature of the project: Different approaches are better suited for different types of projects. For example, the Waterfall method may be more appropriate for a construction project with well-defined requirements, while an Agile approach may be more suitable for a software development project where requirements are likely to change over time.
The team and stakeholders: Consider the skills, experience, and preferences of the team and stakeholders when choosing an approach. Some approaches may be more familiar or comfortable for certain team members, which can impact the success of the project.
The resources available: The resources available for the project, including time, budget, and personnel, can also influence the choice of approach. Some approaches may be more resource-intensive than others, and it's important to choose an approach that is feasible given the constraints of the project.
The desired outcomes: Finally, consider the desired outcomes of the project and choose an approach that aligns with those outcomes. For example, if the goal is to deliver a high-quality product as efficiently as possible, the Lean or Six Sigma approach may be more appropriate.
By considering these factors, you can choose an approach that is well-suited to the specific needs of your project and team.
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