Finally! Project Management Methodologies Explained + Tools

How do we motivate project managers to do their best work and complete projects with ease?

One answer: by providing them with the right project management methodology they will enjoy! In this blog post, we’ll explore different methods for getting your team motivated through the right approaches to project management.

What is a project management methodology?

Project management methodologies are systems that outline the processes for executing projects. They include specific methods, tools, and techniques to help teams complete projects efficiently.

Difference between framework and methodology?

Traditional project management methodologies outline processes that are general in nature. It is the shell of what the team needs to know to run a successful project.

A framework is much more specific, written to solve a particular problem or fill a gap within your current environment.

Why are there so many different project management methodologies?

There are many different project management methods because there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each organization has its own unique set of processes, tools, and techniques that work best for them.

How do you choose the right project management methodology?

The right project management methodology varies from organization to organization. There are a few factors that will help you decide which is right for you:

1. Your team size – Larger teams typically need a more formal approach to project management since communication and coordination can be difficult with a larger number of moving parts. Smaller teams might not have any issues with ad-hoc methods.
2. The type of projects you work on – Projects with tight deadlines and specific requirements might require a different project methodology than those with more flexibility.
3. Your company culture – A rigid, top-down company culture might prefer a more formalized project methodology while a looser, more creative culture might favor ad-hoc methods.
4. Your existing process – If you already have a defined, repeatable process in place, it might be best to stick with what works for now and improve as needed instead of switching your entire team over to a new project management methodology all at once.
5. Your personal preference – You might simply prefer one type of project management methodology over another.

Critical Chain Project Management Methodology

The Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) methodology is a formalized approach that emphasizes the use of buffers to protect against schedule delays. It is based on the theory that resources are not infinite, so projects should be planned with enough time and resources to complete them successfully.

✅ Pros of critical chain project management methodology

-Very detailed and precise – The CCPM methodology leaves little room for error by breaking down tasks into their smallest components and including contingencies in case things don’t go as planned.

-Extremely flexible – The CCPM methodology allows you to adjust your plan based on ongoing progress, adjusting resources and costs accordingly.

🔴 Cons of critical chain project management methodology

-Very complex – Managing a project using the Critical Chain Project Management methodology can be extremely difficult and time-consuming. It’s not suitable for projects with tight deadlines or specific requirements because the level of detail required might cause you to miss key deadlines.

3 best software solutions for CCPM

Microsoft Project

Key features include:

• Gantt charts
• Resource management
• Task dependencies
• Cost tracking

Smartsheet

Key features include:

• Gantt charts
• Resource management
• Task dependencies
• Time tracking
• PERT Chart

Workfront

Key features include:

• Gantt charts
• Resource management
• Task dependencies
• Time tracking
• Cost tracking

Kanban Framework

Kanban is a flexible project management methodology that focuses on continuous improvement. Its goal is to make sure you’re building the right product, in the right way, and at the right time.

✅ Pros of Kanban framework

-Very visual – Kanban boards are very visual, which makes them easy to understand and use.

-Focuses on continuous improvement – The Kanban methodology is always looking for ways to improve the process, making it a good choice for organizations that are looking to become more agile.

🔴 Cons of Kanban framework

-Not suitable for projects with tight deadlines or specific requirements – The Kanban methodology is designed for continuous improvement, which might not be possible with some types of projects.

-Requires a lot of discipline – In order to be successful with the Kanban methodology, the entire team needs to be on board with the changes and proactive about self-improvement.

3 best software solutions for Kanban framework

Jira  

Key features include:

• Kanban boards
• Task dependencies
• Issue tracking

Armadill

Key features include:

• max 3 daily goals
• transparent team dashboard
• mindlessly simple setup

Trello

Key features include:

• Kanban boards
• sub-tasks, check-lists
• collaborative boards

Agile Project Management

Agile project management is based on flexible planning and emphasizes close collaboration between team members. It was originally designed as a lightweight approach for software development teams, but it can be used for many types of projects.

✅ Pros of agile methodology

-Fast – The agile approach focuses on fast delivery, which might be necessary if you have a limited time frame or tight budget.

-Focuses on close collaboration – The agile method encourages team members to collaborate closely, which can result in better teamwork and faster decision making.

🔴 Cons of agile methodology

-Requirements are not fixed – If you’re working with outside vendors or clients, the agile methodologies might not be suitable because they allow changes during projects.

-Not suitable for projects with tight deadlines or specific requirements – The agile frameworks are designed for fast delivery, which might not be possible with some types of projects.

3 best software solutions for agile approach

Jira

Key features include:

• Agile projects
• Time tracking
• Task dependencies
• Kanban boards

Github

Key features include:

• Issue tracking
• Pull requests
• Code reviews
• Wiki pages

ActiveCollab

Key features include:

• Kanban boards
• Task dependencies
• Time tracking
• Bug tracking

Waterfall Project Management Methodology

The Waterfall model is a traditional project management approach that is often used for large, complex projects. It relies on a detailed plan that is created at the beginning of the project and followed strictly.

✅ Pros of Waterfall methodology

-Suitable for large, complex projects – The Waterfall method is well-suited for large projects that have a lot of requirements and need a lot of planning.

-Defined steps – The Waterfall approach has clear steps that must be followed in order, which can be helpful for teams that need a lot of direction.

🔴 Cons of Waterfall methodology

– Inflexible – The Waterfall method is not very flexible, which might not work well with rapidly changing requirements.

-Requires a lot of upfront planning – Teams that are using the Waterfall methodology need to plan every step of the project before beginning, which can be time-consuming if you already have some parts of your project in motion.

3 best software solutions for Waterfall methodology

Atlassian Confluence

Key features include:

• Project documentation
• File attachments
• Wiki pages
• Task management with integrations for Jira, Asana, etc.

Microsoft Project

Key features include:

• Gantt charts
• Resource management
• Task dependencies
• Milestones

Wrike

Key features include:

• Gantt charts
• Task dependencies
• Time tracking
• Resource management
• Burndown charts

Scrum Methodology

The Scrum project management methodology is based around short cycles where team members focus on the present and work together to solve problems.

✅ Pros of Scrum methodology

– Suitable for complex projects – The Scrum approach allows for frequent updates and changes, so it’s well-suited for large or complex projects that need a lot of flexibility.

– Focuses on teamwork – The Scrum method encourages team members to work together and solve problems, which can lead to better teamwork and faster decision making.

– Suitable for software development – The Scrum framework was originally designed for software development teams, but it can be used for many types of projects.

🔴 Cons of Scrum methodology

– Requires close collaboration – Team members need to work closely together in order to use the Scrum methodology effectively.

– Not suitable for projects with tight deadlines or specific requirements – The Scrum methodology is designed for fast delivery, which might not be possible with some types of projects.

3 best software solutions for Scrum methodology

Scrumfast

Key features include:

• Shared calendars
• Team workspaces
• Daily standup meetings

Vivify Scrum

Key features include:

• Kanban boards
• Task dependencies
• Time tracking
• Bug tracking

Monday

Key features include:

• Scrum boards
• Kanban boards
• Task dependencies
• Time tracking
• Bug tracking

Lean Project Management Methodology

The Lean project management methodology is based on the strategies that are used in lean manufacturing, so it focuses on waste elimination.

✅ Pros of Lean methodology

– Faster delivery – The Lean methodology is designed for quick delivery, which can help you get your product to market faster.

– Less waste – The Lean approach encourages teams to eliminate wasteful practices from their workflow, which can help save time and resources.

– Customizable – The Lean methodology focuses on waste elimination, so it is highly customizable to suit your team’s needs.

🔴 Cons of Lean methodology

– Might not work with large teams – Some lean manufacturing strategies assume that you have a small team of specialized workers, which might not work if you have a larger team.

– Requires skilled workers – Lean manufacturing strategies require specialized workers, so it might not be suitable for your entire team.

3 best software solutions for Lean methodology

LeanKit

Key features include:

• Drag and drop cards
• Team workspaces
• WIP limits
• Task delegation

ActiveCollab

Key features include:

• Project templates
• File attachments
• Resource management
• Roles and permissions

Pivotal Tracker

Key features include:

• Project templates
• File attachments
• Task management
• Timeline and Gantt charts

EXTREME programming (XP) methodology

The Extreme Programming (XP) methodology is based on the idea that projects should be built around motivated individuals who work continuously.

✅ Pros of XP methodology

– Suitable for new projects – The XP methodology encourages team members to start with a blank slate, so it can be well-suited for new or greenfield projects.

– Efficient problem-solving – The XP methodology encourages team members to solve problems as they arise, which can lead to more creative solutions.

– Good for motivated workers – The XP methodology focuses on continuous development, so it’s well-suited for project teams that need a high level of motivation.

🔴 Cons of XP methodology

– Might not work with large teams – The XP methodology is designed for small team sizes, so it might not be suitable if you have a larger or more complex project.

– Might not work well with strict deadlines – The XP methodology focuses on continuous development, which might get in the way of meeting your project’s hard deadlines.

3 best software solutions for XP (extreme programming) methodology

Pivotal Tracker

Key features include:

• Project templates
• File attachments
• Task management
• Timeline and Gantt charts

Maven

Key features include:

• Dependency management
• Task delegation
• Model-based builds
• Bug tracking

GitLab

Key features include:

• Code repositories
• File attachments
• Issue tracking
• Wiki spaces
• RSS feeds

Critical Path Method (CPM)

The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a mathematically-based project management technique that helps you identify and manage the most important tasks for your project.

✅ Pros of CPM

– Easily identifies critical path – The CPM methodology can quickly identify the critical path for your project, which can help you focus your resources on the most important tasks.

– Helps with scheduling – The CPM methodology can help you schedule your project more effectively by identifying the dependencies between tasks.

🔴 Cons of CPM

– Not suitable for all projects – The CPM methodology is best suited for projects with a well-defined sequence of tasks, so it might not be suitable for your project.

– Not good with complex projects – The CPM methodology is best suited for smaller, straightforward projects with defined end goals, which might not work as well for larger or more complex projects.

3 best software solutions for CPM (Critical Path Methodology)

Lucidchart

Key features include:

• Flowcharts
• Project planning tools
• Gantt charts

ProjectManager

Key features include:

• Gantt charts
• Resource planning
• Task delegation
• Risk management
• Project timelines

LiquidPlanner

Key features include:

• Resource planning
• Task dependencies
• Time tracking

New Product Introduction (NPI) Methodology

The New Product Introduction (NPI) methodology is a structured process that helps you manage the launch of new products or services.

✅ Pros of NPI methodology

– Structured process – The NPI methodology provides a structured process for launching new products, which can help you stay on track and avoid common pitfalls.

– Helps you meet tight deadlines – The NPI methodology helps you plan your project timeline, which can help you avoid delays and meet important deadlines.

– Easy to share tasks with a team – The NPI methodology focuses on delegation, which makes it easy for project members to quickly pick up new tasks or hand off old ones.

🔴 Cons of NPI methodology

– Might not work for all types of projects – The NPI methodology is best suited for projects with a fixed timeline, so it might not work as well for ongoing or open-ended projects.

– Might require additional training – Since the NPI methodology focuses on delegation, the team might need additional training and guidance to implement the method effectively.

3 best software solutions for NPI methodology

ProofHub

Key features include:

• Team calendar
• File sharing and storage
• Task delegation and management
• Time tracking
• Integrations with third-party tools such as Zapier, OneDrive, Dropbox, Facebook, Gmail, Slack and more.

Asana

Key features include:

• Task management
• Project templates
• File sharing and storage
• Gantt charts
• Reporting and analytics

Ideagen

Key features include:

• Team management and onboarding
• Task delegation and tracking
• Contract management
• Marketing automation

Scrumban Project Management Methodology

The Scrumban Project Management Methodology is a blend of the Scrum and Kanban project management methodologies.

✅ Pros of Scrumban project management

– Combines the best of two worlds – The Scrumban methodology combines the best features of the Scrum and Kanban methodologies, which can provide you with a powerful project management process.

– Helps you run continuous projects – The Scrumban methodology helps you manage ongoing projects more effectively by using small batches, which can help improve your processes and help you identify issues early on.

🔴 Cons of Scrumban project management

– Might require additional training – Since the Scrumban methodology is a blend of two existing methodologies, team members might need additional training and guidance to effectively use the methodology.

– Not suitable for all projects – The Scrumban methodology is best suited for projects that have a continuous flow, so it might not be suitable for your project.

3 best software solutions for Scrumban project management

Clickup

Key features include:

• Resource and project management
• Scheduling and task delegation
• Email and notification integrations

Trello

Key features include:

• Collaborative Kanban boards
• Task and project management
• Integrations with third-party tools such as Google Drive, Slack, and Dropbox

Kanban Tool

Key features include:

• Kanban boards
• Task management
• Reporting and analytics

Adaptive Project Framework (APF) Methodology

The Adaptive Project Framework (APF) is a flexible project management methodology that allows you to develop the best solution for your project by taking into consideration your unique constraints.

✅ Pros of APF Methodology

– Offers flexibility – The APF methodology provides you with an adaptable process for managing projects, which can help you find the best solution for your project.

– Provides clearly defined phases – The APF methodology has clearly defined phases that help you complete your project on time.

🔴 Cons of APF Methodology

– Might require additional training – Since the methodology is new, team members might need additional training and guidance to use it effectively.

– Might not be suitable for all projects – The APF methodology is best suited for projects that have a clearly defined goal, so it might not be suitable for your project.

3 best software solutions for APF Methodology

ProofHub

Key features include:

• Team calendar
• File sharing and storage
• Task delegation and management
• Time tracking
• Integrations with third-party tools such as Zapier, OneDrive, Dropbox, Facebook, Gmail, Slack and more.

Microsoft Project

Key features include:

• Gantt charts
• Resource management
• Task management
• Reports and analytics

Procore

Key features include:

• Construction management
• Project portal
• Cloud-based collaboration
• Subcontractor management
• Integrations with third-party tools such as Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Xero.

RUP (Rational Unified Process) Methodology

The Rational Unified Process (RUP) is a comprehensive software development methodology that helps you manage your project while taking into consideration the unique needs of your business.

✅ Pros of RUP Methodology

– Comprehensive – The RUP methodology is a comprehensive process that can help you manage your software development project effectively.

– Tailored to your business – The RUP methodology is tailored to the unique needs of your business, which can help you develop a solution that meets your specific requirements.

🔴 Cons of RUP Methodology

– Might require additional training – Since the methodology is comprehensive, team members might need additional training and guidance to use it effectively.

– Might not be suitable for all projects – The RUP methodology is best suited for software development projects, so it might not be suitable for your project.

3 best software solutions for RUP methodology

IBM Rational Team Concert

Key features include:

• Collaborative team planning
• Agile and waterfall project management
• Integrations with third-party tools such as Git, Jira, and Jenkins.

Microsoft Visual Studio

Key features include:

• Source code management
• Agile project management tools

Github

Key features include:

• Collaborative code hosting
• Project management
• Issue tracking
• Wiki and team chat

What are the most popular project management methodologies?

The most commonly used methodologies in project management are :

Waterfall, RUP (Rational Unified Process), and Agile.

Though each of these methodologies has its own strengths and weaknesses, they all share a common goal: to help project managers successfully deliver projects on time, within budget, and to specification.

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Project managers are faced with an abundance of project management methodologies to choose from. Which one will you use for your next project? When deciding, keep in mind that each methodology has different strengths and weaknesses. The important thing is to find the right fit for your needs based on how it aligns with what’s most important to you—either cost-effectiveness or quick time-to-market delivery. What type of project management methodology do you plan on using for your upcoming projects?