If you’re a project manager, you’ve probably heard of Agile, Waterfall, and maybe even Scrum. But there are plenty of other project management methodologies you can use to manage your next project.
In this post, we’ll cover eight less-known project management methodologies, their pros and cons, and when to use them.
1. Waterfall
Waterfall is a linear system that moves through project phases in a straight line. This is the most traditional project management methodology and it’s best for projects where the scope and requirements are well-defined.
In a waterfall project, the team will complete one phase and then move onto the next. This means that the team will not move onto the next phase until the first is 100% complete.
The phases of a waterfall project are:
• Requirements: The team will collect the requirements for the project and develop a scope statement.
• Design: The team will create a design document that outlines how the project will be built.
• Implementation: The team will build the project.
• Testing: The team will test the project to ensure it meets the requirements and is free of errors.
• Deployment: The team will deploy the project to the stakeholder.
• Maintenance: The team will provide updates and maintenance to the project as needed.
This method is not flexible and it does not allow for changes to the scope of the project. If you use this method, you need to make sure that the project is well-defined before you start.
2. Critical Path Method
The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a project scheduling method. It’s used to calculate the amount of time a project will take to complete. The method can also be used to identify the most important tasks in a project.
In CPM, tasks are represented in a flowchart. Each task is represented by a circle or a square on the flowchart. The length of time it will take to complete the task is written in the circle or square. The tasks are connected by arrows to show the order in which they need to be completed.
The flowchart can be used to identify the critical path in the project. The critical path is the longest sequence of tasks in the project. If any of these tasks are delayed, the entire project will be delayed.
3. Six Sigma
Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology that focuses on quality and reducing the number of defects a process produces. The main goal of Six Sigma is to improve the quality of a process by identifying and removing the causes of defects.
The Six Sigma methodology uses a structured approach to problem-solving and includes a set of tools and techniques that are used to measure, analyze, improve, and control processes. This structured approach is called the DMAIC process. The DMAIC process consists of five phases: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.
Six Sigma is used by organizations to improve customer satisfaction, increase productivity, and reduce costs. It can be applied to any process, in any industry, and in any size organization.
4. Critical Chain Project Management
Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) is a method that adds buffers to the project timeline to account for potential delays. In traditional project management, the timeline is built with the assumption that the project will run perfectly.
In CCPM, the timeline is built to expect delays. By adding these buffers, teams are better equipped to handle issues as they arise. This allows for a more realistic timeline and reduces the risk of project failure.
CCPM is based on the theory of constraints, which suggests that every process has a limiting factor. In project management, this limiting factor is the timeline. By adding buffers to the timeline, you can reduce the risk of the project taking longer than expected.
5. Lean
Lean project management is a method that focuses on delivering more value to the customer. In other words, it’s about getting rid of unnecessary work and processes to make room for the most important tasks.
The lean method is all about efficiency. This means teams should aim to complete projects as quickly as possible, without sacrificing quality.
Lean project management also involves a lot of feedback and data analysis. Managers and team members should regularly review the project to see if there are any improvements to be made. In some organizations, insights from a workplace culture survey are also used to shape team efficiency and ensure that project practices align with employee well-being.
6. Extreme Programming
Extreme Programming (XP) is a project management methodology that’s designed to improve software quality and responsiveness to changing customer requirements. XP is based on the idea that developers will make the best decisions when they’re close to the code and the customer.
The methodology is built on 12 key practices, which include the following:
• Planning: Break down the project into small, manageable parts and prioritize them.
• Whole team: Include everyone involved in the project in the planning and development process.
• Continuous process: Deliver small, frequent updates to the customer and make improvements based on feedback.
• Test-driven development: Write automated tests for each part of the code before writing the code itself.
• Simple design: Develop the simplest possible design that meets the project’s requirements.
• Pair programming: Have two people work together at one computer.
• Design improvement: Refactor the code to improve its design.
• Collective code ownership: Everyone is responsible for the code.
• Continuous integration: Integrate and test the code frequently.
• Sustainable pace: Work at a pace that can be sustained indefinitely.
• On-site customer: Have a customer on the development team.
• Coding standards: Everyone on the team must write code in the same way.
7. Scrum
Scrum is a project management methodology that’s specifically focused on software development. It’s a type of agile project management that involves a team working in sprints, which are short, time-boxed periods of work.
During a sprint, the team will work on a list of tasks, or a backlog, that have been prioritized by the project manager. The goal of a sprint is to complete the work and deliver a working piece of software, for example a cold email tool to the customer.
Scrum is a great methodology for software development teams that need to be able to quickly adapt to changing requirements and deliver new features on a regular basis. For teams running marketplaces, integrating an API for CS-Cart with Agile or Scrum can turn project tracking into a direct driver of sales efficiency.
8. PRINCE2
PRINCE2 is a project management methodology that focuses on organization. The acronym stands for PRojects IN Controlled Environments, and it’s designed to help teams deliver projects on time and within budget.
PRINCE2 is a process-based methodology. This means that it provides a step-by-step process for managing a project from start to finish. The methodology is divided into seven principles, themes, and processes.
The seven principles of PRINCE2 are:
1. Continued business justification
2. Learn from experience
3. Defined roles and responsibilities
4. Manage by stages
5. Manage by exception
6. Focus on products
7. Tailor to suit the project environment
The seven themes of PRINCE2 are:
1. Business case
2. Organization
3. Quality
4. Plans
5. Risk
6. Change
7. Progress
The seven processes of PRINCE2 are:
1. Starting up a project
2. Directing a project
3. Initiating a project
4. Controlling a stage
5. Managing product delivery
6. Managing a stage boundary
7. Closing a project
PRINCE2 is a flexible methodology that can be tailored to suit the needs of any project. The methodology is also scalable, meaning that it can be used for projects of any size.
How to choose a project management methodology for your team
With so many project management methodologies to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is right for your team. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a project management methodology:
1. Project size: The size of your project can help you determine which methodology to use. For example, if you’re working on a large, complex project, you might want to use a more structured methodology like PRINCE2. But if you’re working on a smaller, more straightforward project, you might want to use a more flexible methodology like Scrum.
When weighing cost-effectiveness, remember that the tools you pair with your chosen methodology also matter. For example, referral marketing platforms like ReferralCandy are attractive because the only real cost is the software subscription and the rewards themselves, making them a budget-friendly growth channel that aligns well with lean or agile project setups.
2. Project type: The type of project you’re working on can also help you determine which methodology to use. When projects are tied to online retail, supply chain management in eCommerce becomes a critical factor that influences how flexible or structured your methodology should be. For example, if you’re working on a software development project, you might want to use a methodology like Agile. But if you’re working on a construction project, you might want to use a methodology like Lean.
3. Team size: The size of your team can also help you determine which methodology to use. For example, if you’re working with a small team, you might want to use a more flexible methodology like Scrum. But if you’re working with a large team, you might want to use a more structured methodology like PRINCE2.
4. Team experience: The experience level of your team can also help you determine which methodology to use. For example, if you’re working with a team that’s new to project management, you might want to use a more structured methodology like PRINCE2. But if you’re working with a team that’s more experienced, you might want to use a more flexible methodology like Scrum.
5. Customer involvement: The level of involvement from your customer can also help you determine which methodology to use. For example, if your customer wants to be involved in the project every step of the way, you might want to use a methodology like Agile. But if your customer wants to be involved in the project only at certain times, you might want to use a more structured methodology like PRINCE2.
6. Budget and timeline: Finally, your budget and timeline can also help you determine which methodology to use. For example, if you have a tight budget and timeline, you might want to use a more flexible methodology like Scrum. But if you have a larger budget and more time, you might want to use a more structured methodology like PRINCE2.
Conclusion
It’s not always easy to find the right project management methodology for your team. We hope this article helped you learn more about the various methodologies and how to apply them to your team.
