There are many project management methods that can be used for every situation. But do you really want the same project manager every time you start a project? Instead, focus on these three key elements.
You’re likely to have heard of Agile project management if you’re a project manager or someone who is interested in project management software.
If you are really interested in project management, you can probably talk about a multitude of other approaches such as Extreme Programming, Lean Six Sigma and 23 Skidoo. Only one of these is real. Guess which?
No matter how familiar you are with these methods, you must choose one when you start a project. Do you really want to open “The Big Book of 101 Project Management Methodologies” each time you start a project? You don’t.
These are the only 3 methods of project management you need to succeed
A better approach is to become familiar with the two main methods in the industry, Agile and Waterfall. Then use them whenever you need to, while adding aspects of other offshoots when necessary.
Let’s take a closer look at what you can do.
1. Waterfall project management
Waterfall is often referred to as a dirty word in project management circles due to its rigidity. The Agile Manifesto was actually created to address all the problems associated with Waterfall: the excessive documentation and strict adherence of processes and plans.
What is Waterfall project management?
Waterfall’s name refers to the sequential, falling approach it takes. Before you can start Step B, you must have completed Step A.
Waterfall, or at least some aspects of Waterfall, can still be useful in the right circumstances. It’s easy for Waterfall project management to be criticized, but it is important to remember that Waterfall was sufficient to get humans to the Moon and back.
What kind of projects is Waterfall project administration good for?
Waterfall project management works well for projects that have many steps to complete before the next step can start, projects that require extensive documentation, and projects that have a clear roadmap.
Here are some examples:
Waterfall might not be the best option if you have a creative project or need multiple pieces to work on at once.
These questions will help you decide if Waterfall is the right approach for your next project.
If you answered yes to any one of these questions, then you should use the Waterfall methodology foundation for you project.
Are you looking for project management software that is compatible with Waterfall projects? For that, you can filter our directory. Click here to view. Agile project management
According to Project Management Institute, more 70% of organizations have adopted an Agile approach. Agile projects are 28% more likely to succeed than traditional projects.
What is Agile project management?
Agile project management is an iterative development method that values communication and feedback, adapts to change and produces working results.
Agile is more of an approach than a methodology. However, it employs Agile methods such as Scrum to implement its principles.
What’s not to love?
Agile prefers face-to–face communication over detailed documentation and structured processes. It is not suitable for projects that require precise specifications (e.g. government contracting) or projects with a clear road map (e.g. rebuilding an aircraft engine).
What types of projects is Agile project management best for?
Agile project management is best for open-ended projects that can easily be delivered incrementally. This includes software development and most other types of IT.
