Why use methodologies in a project

In project management there are a variety of approaches and methods that can be employed in managing different kinds of project. All the types of project methodology can be conditionally divided into traditional and modern approaches. A traditional approach involves a series of consecutive stages in the project management process. It is a step-by-step sequence to design, develop and deliver a product or service. It entails achieving the succession in the implementation process and provides the benefits of milestone-based planning and team building.

Modern methodologies do not focus on linear processes but they provide an alternative look at project management. Some of the methods are best for IT and software development, while others can be implemented in production, process improvement, product engineering, and so on.

Modern PM approaches use different models of the management process. Here are the most popular PM methodologies:. Please note that it is just a guide but not a project management methodology. It was developed the UK Government, and today this great example of project management methodology is used both in the UK and internationally. Similarly, the Six Sigma method is described as being focused primarily on eliminating defects and waste as well as developing a more solidified understanding of customer expectations throughout a project.

Both of these approaches to project management derived from manufacturing or product development environments; the Lean method came out of Toyota —most specifically the Toyota Production System TPS —and Six Sigma was initially utilized by Motorola and has since been adopted by other such organizations, including General Electric, Toshiba, and Boeing, among others. Bolick explains that, to this day, these methodologies relate most naturally to manufacturing and product development work.

Even though Bolick considers these three types of project management methodologies among the most popular, there are dozens of approaches that project managers can choose from when embarking on a new assignment. While this ability to switch between methodologies depending on the scope of the work is ideal, Bolick also explains that the more project managers work with a particular methodology, the more partial to that one they may become.

For this reason, a more versatile approach to using project management methodologies is preferred. Each of these options provides students with unparalleled exposure to real-world project management work, which is especially important considering the constantly changing trends of the industry.

Project management is a demanding career that requires a broad understanding of a variety of complex methodologies. Explore our Master of Science in Project Management program today and learn about the variety of methodologies, practical tactics, and skills you can get exposure to with an advanced degree from Northeastern.

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It aims to improve quality by reducing the number of errors in a process by identifying what is not working and then removing it from the process. It uses quality management methods, which are mostly empirical and statistical, as well as the expertise of people who are specialists in these methods.

The letters stand for:. There is also a Lean Six Sigma methodology which is committed to improving team performance by systematically eliminating waste and reducing variation. Best suited for: Larger companies and organizations that want to improve quality and efficiency through a data-driven methodology.

PMI stands for the Project Management Institute which is a not-for-profit membership association, project management certification, and standards organization. It states that there are five process groups that are prevalent in almost every project. They are;. Along with this, it includes best practices, conventions, and techniques that are considered the industry standard. Regularly updating their guide to ensure that they echo the most up-to-date project management practices, the PMBOK is currently up to its sixth edition which was published in print and online in However, it can be used for when you want to weigh in on the best practices for your project.

You may find that more than one of the aforementioned project management methodologies seem ideal for your project, or hey, none of them would work. More from Armen Baghdasaryan. More from Vibhu Dhariwal.

More from Asmo. Very good overview btw, great work. Cheers for the tip! Hi Aruni, Establishing a retail shop seems to me something that may involve a few uncertainties and surprises, so I would probably recommend something Agile as they provide leeway and flexibility.

Thanks for the tip, Abdulrahman. Sounds like something that could be included in a revised version of this article. Hi Dinnie, great article and very informative. I currently work in a company and we execute contract both government and private contract. I was hired in February and there were 41 contract job being worked on.

I am having a hard time determining which methodology to use and how to track these projects. Most of them have been completed. Hi Chris, Construction and procurement are traditionally associated with Waterfall, however, I would advise to do further research on whether or not this would apply to your situation.

Thanks for the article. It amazing how it articulates so much knowledge, on a succinct way and gives to the user a quick and sufficient overview of the PM methods as well as the initial boost for a further research deepening down, if needed. Thanks in advance for your reply! Thanks, Yannis! Nice Info! You think is a good option for? Hi Good afternoon. Hope that helps!

Hii good afternoon……Nice Info……Which company use agile method for quality assurance in software development? Appreciate your comment. Lean, Waterfall, Six Sigma are solid methods, structures or libraries used in conjunction. Most of the other methodologies were invented due to the high cost of software development.

Agile is really done in non regulated areas due to the high cost of documentation vs development so you find a great deal of in fighting in IT environments and then there are high rates of sacking until you find a team that works well in agile, scrum, kanban together.

These methods are more a process requirements to me having studied most of the methods. I am an IT specialist and I can tell you that any construction industry laughs at agile, scrum and kanban. Only suitable for IT and it creates bullying and discrimination. Choosing the right methodology for your project is critical to its success. It was literally my first week as a project manager.

I had always thought that the first week in a new position was when all the good things happened. New office. New furniture. Congratulations from former colleagues and introductions to new ones. As a project manager, you know that things seldom go perfectly from start to finish. Managing any kind of team can certainly have its challenges. But, when working in a remote team, sometimes those challenges seem to be amplified.

Here at Toggl Plan, we understand the struggle. Choose Your Team Wisely. Products News.