Project Management Methodologies
November 9, 2022
Did You Know?
To carry out a mission or projects, it is essential to determine upstream, a project management methodologies. Here we will focus on three main methods: Agile methods, critical path (or chain) and Lean management.
In this file, we tell you more about these different methodologies. Discern the one that will be the most suitable for your project depending on the subject, the complexity, the number of speakers, etc.
Why use a project management Methodologies
Before starting a project, everything must be evaluated and thought out. The management of resources, risks, objectives, requires a clear plan. This plan goes through a good project management methodology. There is no standard method, it will depend on the company, the objectives or even the stakeholders. Depending on the methodology followed and the project scope, it may be recommended to use project management software to frame the monitoring.
The advantages of using a clear methodology for your projects are multiple. Above all, it gives you a global vision of the project and available resources. Divided by tasks or sprints, you can follow its progress while keeping an eye on the deadlines and therefore the remaining budget. Risk management becomes clearer by working step by step.
Communication within the team is more fluid. The stakeholders know their tasks and the work to be done to develop the project. The project manager can keep his client informed on the achievement of the objectives phase by phase. During the exchanges, the project manager will know exactly where the mission is. This is also relevant in case of tight deadlines or budgets.
The distribution of tasks within the team will also be simplified. The Product Owner will naturally be able to assign a task to the right person and follow the progress. This type of method thus facilitates management, especially in complex missions requiring the intervention of several trades.
The agile project management method, as its name suggests, allows you to adapt to hazards. In case of delay, it will be possible to shift all the tasks and thus maintain a precise schedule. A new development or a task that has become a priority? The Agile method allows a company to adapt and review its objectives without hindering the quality of the rendering.
When the project is well structured in terms of planning, resources and distribution of tasks, an impressive time saving is possible. No more back and forth with the client, the organization is precise. All the steps essential to the life of the project are documented. In addition to saving time, the quality of work is improved. In fact, it is the creation of a virtuous circle. The client is satisfied with the quality of the work and will continue to use your company.
All stakeholders can thus devote themselves entirely to the tasks entrusted to them. With a clear organization, everyone can focus on their missions. The team’s productivity and performance are increased tenfold compared to risky project management.
Main methods of project management
After having exposed the advantages of using a project management method, The digital consultant lists the main methodologies.
There are many methods and tools for carrying out a project, here we present 3. The Agile method, the critical path (or chain) method and Lean management.
Let’s take a look at their characteristics, advantages and the situations in which they are most suitable.
Agile methods
Agile project management is the one with the greatest flexibility. It applies to complex projects, where many hazards can occur. The project manager can thus adjust the various tasks and modify the delivery dates if necessary. Within this methodology, there is the Scrum and Kanban method.
SCRUM method
Scrum project management is the most widespread, as it has many advantages. It is very suitable for complex missions, in which various stakeholders are involved. Each task is divided into sprints, themselves assigned to different stakeholders (developers, UX, designers).
Sprints, which typically last 30 days, are made up of multiple goals and tasks to complete. Each stakeholder is invested with their own missions, contributing to the smooth running of the project. When a task is completed, it can thus be tested and applied. Once the latter has been validated, the project manager has a clear vision of the next development to be launched.
Kanban method
Kanban in Japanese means “label”. This method of project management is more visual than the Agile method, which is organized in the form of a table.
The Kanban methodology is ideal for visually representing a project and highlighting current priorities. The development of the project and its planning become very clear.
The person in charge of the mission can, for example, create a work support composed of several columns and distribute the tasks within them. You will generally find the following categories: to do, in progress, to test and finish. The tasks will thus slide from one to the other according to the progress of the team.
Once again, the objective is to have a good vision and allow everyone to know exactly what they have to do. The project manager will have a more detailed vision thanks to a project management tool, such as a GANTT chart.
The critical path method
Another project management method tool is called “critical chain” or “critical path”. It is similar to the waterfall methodology. The interest of this planning tool can be explained in three steps. The critical path (Waterfall) allows:
- Identify ways to reduce delays
- Control risks and slippages
- Evaluate the different scenarios
Prince2 method
The Prince method (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) focuses on the organization and control of the project. Many variables are taken into account in order to better control the risks, while respecting the deadlines and the allocated budget.
To carry out a project managed under Prince2, it is necessary to know the 7 principles on which the method is based. This is its raison d’être, the consideration of lessons learned from previous missions, the hierarchy and distribution of roles for each stakeholder, the definition of deadlines and adaptation.
It revolves around 7 stages, ranging from the development of the project, management, through various control phases.
PERT method
More visual than a Gantt chart, the PERT project management method comes to life in the form of a graph. Each objective is divided by task and then estimated according to its complexity.
It is more intended for projects that are not very complex given its visual representation. Indeed, the different stages of the project are in the form of a square and numbered. Between them are arrows, representing the working time required to move from one stage to another. Dotted arrows this time are so-called fictitious tasks. They highlight the need to complete one mission, in order to begin another.
Lean management method
Inspired by Toyota’s production method, the Lean Management methodology aims to optimize costs while improving performance.
Mission planning is done through small, very specific tasks. The project manager acquires a better vision and will be able to anticipate setbacks and other bottlenecks as much as possible. His role will be to design solutions to avoid them and thus waste his teams’ time.
This Lean management method aims to eliminate actions or actors that do not generate added value. Costs are thus reduced for increased profitability.
FAQs
The digital consultant gave a brief overview of different project management methods.
Whether you are a Product owner, communication officer, developer or business manager, become knowledgeable on the subject thanks to the following FAQ. During a call for tenders or a meeting, you will have the necessary knowledge to discuss this subject.
How to choose the right project management method?
Each assignment has its own project management method! The methodology varies in the complexity of the tasks as well as the time and budget allocated. The objective is to find the one that will guarantee a clear vision and allow a judicious distribution of tasks within the teams.
The choice is also specific to each project manager. Over time, we got used to using one method more than another. Some companies are looking for, for example, SCRUM masters.
If you are a business manager, you will surely make a call for tenders as part of the redesign of your site or the development of a mobile application. When writing the specifications, it is possible to mention which method suits you best. Otherwise, the selected agency will structure the mission according to its preferences.
What is the project methodology?
Project methodology refers to how a project will be managed. It is involved in all stages of a project’s life cycle. From the framing, one of the methods can be preferred: Agile methods, path (or critical chain) or Lean management?
This choice will determine the associated project management methodology tools. As we have discovered, graphs or tables can be working bases for the project manager. He will be able to follow the progress of achievements, tests and production.
Difference between Agile and Scrum?
Scrum is part of Agile management. The essential advantage of these tools is their flexibility. In case of delay or new customer request, the project can easily be adapted. To meet the needs, the project manager will be able to add an additional sprint and adjust the deadlines and the budget.
Agile and Scrum allow you to have a precise vision of the tasks completed, in progress and to be done. The management and follow-up of missions are thus simplified.
