Types of Project Management Methodologies: the Frameworks Explained

Have you ever wondered how massive projects—like constructing a skyscraper or developing a video game—get completed on time and within budget? That's where project management methodologies come in. These are like detailed game plans that help teams stay organized, avoid errors, and successfully reach their goals.

Project management can vary widely depending on the method, industry, or even the project manager's style. For instance, a construction project manager using the Waterfall method will have a different approach than an IT project manager using Scrum. Each method is a structured framework that guides project managers in planning, executing, and completing projects.

However, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution; different methods are suited to different types of projects, industries, and teams. Choosing the right approach can significantly impact the success of a project.

The demand for project managers is expected to grow faster than many other jobs over the next decade, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. At findcourses.com, we’ve also noticed a rise in interest in project management certifications like PMP (+74%), PMI (+17%), and Certified Scrum Master or CSM (+723%), highlighting the increasing appeal of this career path. Understanding the various project management methodologies can be a key step toward these roles.

In this article, we’ll break down some of the most popular project management methodologies, explaining how they work and when they’re best used. Let’s dive in!

1. Waterfall (Traditional)

What is Waterfall Project Management? The Waterfall (a.k.a., “traditional”) method is like following a strict step-by-step process. Each stage of the project needs to be finished and approved before moving on to the next one. Once you’ve completed a stage, going back to change something can be hard and expensive. It’s a bit like building a staircase—each step has to be done in order before you can move on to the next one.

Key Phases:

1. Requirements Gathering: This is where you find out exactly what needs to be done for the project. You talk to everyone involved to understand what they want and need.
2. System Design: In this phase, you create a detailed plan of how the project will be built. This includes deciding on the tools and materials you'll use and how everything will fit together.
3. Implementation: This is where you actually start working on the project according to the design plan. It’s like building something based on the blueprints.
4. Testing: Once the project is built, you check to make sure everything works correctly. You look for any problems or mistakes and fix them.
5. Deployment: After testing, you launch or deliver the finished project. This means putting it into use or handing it over to the client or users.
6. Maintenance: Even after the project is complete, you continue to check and fix any issues that come up over time. This helps keep the project running smoothly.

Advantages: Clear structure, easy to manage, predictable outcomes.

Disadvantages: Inflexible, difficult to accommodate changes once the project is underway.

FAQ: What is the advantage of using the Waterfall vs. Agile approach?

The Waterfall method is great for projects that need to follow strict rules because it requires each part to be completed and approved before moving on to the next. On the other hand, Agile is better for teams that want to work quickly, try out different ideas, and aren’t sure what the final project will look like at the start.

2. Agile

What is Agile Project Management? The Agile method is like working on a project in small, flexible steps. Instead of following a strict plan from start to finish, Agile lets you make changes and improvements as you go along. It’s a bit like building a model with Lego—you start with a basic idea, then keep adding, changing, and improving as you build. In addition to IT, training in Agile has benefits in other industries like pharmaceutical, construction, and automotive. But Agile trainer and author Robert C. Martin cautions, “The only way to go fast, is to go well.”

Key Phases:

1. Planning: At the start, you decide on the main goals and get a rough idea of what the project will look like. This helps guide the work, but you’re ready to adapt as needed.
2. Iteration: You break the project into small chunks or “sprints.” Each sprint focuses on completing a part of the project. After finishing one chunk, you review what worked and what didn’t.
3. Development: In this phase, you build or create the parts of the project as planned in each sprint. This is where most of the hands-on work happens.
4. Review: After each sprint, you check what you’ve done. This is a time to look at the progress, get feedback, and make any necessary changes.
5. Adjustment: Based on the review, you adjust your plans and improve the project. You might make changes to better meet the goals or address new ideas.
6. Delivery: When the project or a significant part of it is ready, you deliver it to users or clients. This could mean releasing a new feature or a completed piece.
7. Reflection: After delivering, you reflect on the whole process. You look at what went well and what could be better, which helps improve future projects.

Advantages: Flexible and adaptable, encourages continuous improvement, and allows for changes along the way.

Disadvantages: Can be less predictable, may require more frequent changes and updates, and can be harder to manage without clear goals.

3. Scrum

What is Scrum Project Management? Scrum is a type of Agile project management that focuses on teamwork and regular check-ins to help complete projects in small, manageable pieces. Instead of working on a project all at once, Scrum breaks it into short cycles called “sprints,” allowing teams to review progress and make changes along the way. It’s a bit like running a series of mini-marathons rather than one long race.

Key Phases:

1. Sprint Planning: At the beginning of each sprint, the team plans what they will work on during that sprint. They decide which tasks are most important and set goals for what they want to achieve.
2. Daily Stand-ups: Every day, the team meets briefly to discuss their progress. They share what they worked on the previous day, what they’re working on today, and any obstacles they’re facing. This keeps everyone on the same page.
3. Sprint Work: During the sprint, the team works on completing the tasks they planned. This is where the actual building or development happens, with everyone focusing on their assigned parts.
4. Sprint Review: At the end of the sprint, the team reviews what they’ve completed. They show the results to stakeholders (like clients or managers) and gather feedback.
5. Sprint Retrospective: After the review, the team reflects on how the sprint went. They discuss what worked well and what could be improved, helping to make the next sprint even better.
6. Product Backlog: This is a list of all the tasks and features needed for the project. The team regularly updates this list based on feedback and changes in priorities.
7. Increment: At the end of each sprint, the team delivers a “done” piece of the project. This increment is a working part of the final product, ready for review or use.
8. Advantages: Promotes teamwork and communication, allows for regular adjustments, and delivers working parts of the project frequently.
9. Disadvantages: Can be challenging to manage if teams are not experienced with Scrum, may require frequent adjustments and updates, and can be difficult to predict long-term outcomes.

Key Roles:

• Product Owner: Defines the backlog and priorities.
• Scrum Master: Facilitates the process and removes obstacles.
• Development Team: Delivers the work.

Advantages: Promotes teamwork, transparency, and quick adaptability.

Disadvantages: Can lead to scope creep if not carefully managed.

4. Kanban

What is Kanban Project Management? Kanban is a flexible project management method that uses visual boards to help teams manage their work. It focuses on continuous improvement and efficiency by visualizing tasks and workflows. Imagine a big board where you can see all the tasks that need to be done, are in progress, or are completed. This helps everyone keep track of what’s going on and ensures that tasks are completed smoothly and efficiently.

Key Phases:

1. Visualize Workflow: Create a Kanban board with columns representing different stages of work, such as "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done." Each task is written on a card and moved from one column to the next as it progresses.

2. Limit Work in Progress (WIP): Set limits on how many tasks can be in each stage at one time. This prevents the team from starting too many tasks at once and helps focus on completing tasks before starting new ones.

3. Manage Flow: Continuously monitor and adjust the flow of tasks across the board. This involves looking at how tasks move from one stage to the next and making improvements to ensure a smooth workflow.

4. Make Process Policies Explicit: Clearly define and communicate the rules and guidelines for how tasks should move through the stages. This ensures everyone understands how to use the Kanban system and what’s expected.

5. Feedback Loops: Regularly review the Kanban board and workflow to identify bottlenecks or areas for improvement. Teams can hold meetings to discuss what’s working well and what can be improved.

6. Improve Continuously: Use feedback and data from the Kanban board to make small, continuous improvements to the workflow. The goal is to enhance efficiency and productivity over time.

7. Deliver Work: Focus on completing tasks and delivering work continuously. Unlike other methods, Kanban doesn’t have specific phases or sprints; instead, work is done in a steady flow.

Advantages: Provides a clear visual representation of work, helps manage workflow efficiently, and allows for continuous improvements.

Disadvantages: Can be challenging to manage if the board becomes too cluttered, may lack structure for larger projects, and requires regular updates to keep the workflow smooth.

FAQ: Which is a better agile methodology: Scrum or Kanban?

Kanban is a method that helps you see your tasks clearly, keep track of what you're working on, and move tasks from "Doing" to "Done" efficiently. It’s especially useful for teams that get many different requests with varying levels of importance and size. Unlike Scrum, which has strict rules about what tasks should be completed, Kanban allows you to adapt to changes and handle tasks as they come.

5. PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments)

What is PRINCE2? PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a method that provides a detailed framework for managing projects. It’s like having a detailed recipe that guides you step-by-step through the cooking process to make sure everything turns out right. It is mostly used in the UK, Australia and European countries.

Key Phases:

1. Starting Up: Define what the project is about and make sure it’s worth doing.
2. Initiating: Plan everything in detail and set up the project’s structure.
3. Executing: Carry out the project according to the plan. Make sure everything is on track.
4. Controlling: Monitor progress, manage any issues, and make adjustments as needed.
5. Closing: Finish the project, deliver the results, and review what went well and what could be improved.

Key Roles:

• Project Manager: Oversees all aspects of the project from planning to completion. Builds and manages the team, creates and monitors the project plan, and communicates with the project board and customers.
• Team Manager: Supervises team members and reports to the project manager. Manages team performance and ensures tasks are completed.
• Customer: Provides the funds and is affected by the project’s outcome. Understands key project documents and funds the project’s needs.
• Project Board: High-level decision-makers for the project. Approves or rejects decisions and communicates with the project manager.

Advantages: Provides a structured approach, focuses on control and organization, and is adaptable to different types of projects.

Disadvantages: Can be complex and rigid, might require training to use effectively.

6. Lean

What is Lean Project Management? The Lean method focuses on continuous improvement, cutting waste, and valuing people. It aims to make projects more efficient by streamlining processes and removing unnecessary elements. Think of it like tidying up a messy room: you get rid of what you don’t need and organize what’s left for quick access. Like Lean trainer and author Mary Poppedieck says, “Do the planning, but throw out the plans.”

Key Phases:

1. Identify Value: First, figure out what really matters to your project. What is it that your customers or stakeholders find valuable?
2. Map the Value Stream: Next, look at all the steps needed to deliver the project. This means understanding how each part contributes to the end goal.
3. Create Flow: Make sure that all the steps flow smoothly without any delays or interruptions. Remove anything that slows things down.
4. Establish Pull: Ensure that work is only done when there is a need for it. This means you don't start tasks until they are needed.
5. Seek Perfection: Keep looking for ways to improve and make the process better. Lean is all about constant improvement.

Advantages: Reduces waste, improves efficiency, and helps deliver value quickly. Teams tend be happier due to empowerment and improved communications.

Disadvantages: Can be challenging to implement in complex projects, may require significant changes to current processes.

FAQ: What is the Difference Between Lean & Six Sigma?

The key difference is that Lean aims to improve efficiency by minimizing waste, whereas Six Sigma seeks to enhance quality by reducing errors. The two can even be combined as a hybrid method. In fact, according to a survey by rebesguidetopm.com, hybrid methods are being used by 53% of project managers.

7. Six Sigma

What is Six Sigma? Six Sigma is a method focused on improving the quality of processes by identifying and eliminating defects. It’s like fine-tuning a machine to make sure it works perfectly and produces high-quality results every time.

Key Phases:

1. Define: Clearly outline the problem and what needs to be improved.
2. Measure: Collect data to understand how the current process works and where the issues are.
3. Analyze: Look at the data to find out what’s causing problems or defects.
4. Improve: Develop and implement solutions to fix the issues and make the process better.
5. Control: Monitor the improvements to make sure they stay effective and that the process remains high-quality.

Advantages: Focuses on quality improvement, reduces defects, and uses data to make decisions.

Disadvantages: Can be complex and requires a lot of data analysis, may need specialized training to implement effectively.

How to Pick the Right Project Management Method

With so many project management methods out there, how do you pick the right one? A 2020 study from the Half Double Institute found that over 53% of projects in the past year could have finished on time if they had used the right method. Here are some things to think about:

• Budget: Think about how much money you have. If your budget is tight, you might need a simpler method that doesn't cost much to set up and manage.
• Team: Look at your team’s size and skills. Do you have people who know Scrum or Agile? Using their skills can help make your project a success.
• Complexity: Consider how complicated your project is. Some methods work better for simple projects, while others are better for more complex ones.
• Flexibility: Decide how much flexibility you need. Rigid methods like Waterfall are good when you have a clear plan, while flexible methods like Agile are better if you need to make changes often.
• Timeline: Think about how quickly you need to finish. If speed is important, you might choose a method that helps you complete tasks quickly. If you have more time, focus on quality.
• Risk: For high-risk projects, a more structured method like Waterfall might be better. For lower-risk projects, a flexible method like Agile might work well.
• Collaboration: Consider how much you need to work with others. If you need lots of feedback and communication, Agile is usually a good choice.

By considering these factors, you can choose the project management method that best fits your needs. In an interview with Retrium, project manager, author, and blogger, Erin Harrin confirms, “The more you know about project management and all the things that you can use, the more you can pick the things that are going to work for the particular project you are working on.”

Conclusion

These different project management methodologies give you different tools and strategies to manage projects well. The right method depends on what your project needs, the industry, and how your team works together.

If you're thinking about a career in project management, knowing these methods is important. Training in different methodologies will help you choose the best approach for your projects, keeping your team on track and achieving goals.

Project management is a growing field with many opportunities. Understanding these methods and getting the right training can help you stand out and succeed in this career. The right skills and knowledge make managing projects easier and more successful, which can boost your career and help you reach your goals.