Project management methodology (PMM)

Project management methodology (PMM) is a system of principles, techniques, and procedures.

The following is an overview of a few different PMM that hopefully inspires curiosity to learn more. Please contribute additional PMM or other examples to the DLF Project Managers Toolkit.

waterfall (software development)

detailed linear process of tasks in sequential order
project flows downward like waterfall
comprehensive, predictable and planned out
focus on documentation
good for large projects with multiple stakeholders
not flexible, if assumptions are wrong, hard to pivot

critical path method (CPM) (industry)

identify and schedule tasks, duration and dependencies
good for tight timelines and repetitive activities
not good if unsure of timelines, durations for tasks
not flexible if there are major changes

agile (software development)

reaction to waterfall method http://agilemanifesto.org/
"early and often, adjust and iterate"
flexible and responsive to change
stakeholders must stay engaged and be available to provide timely feedback
not always fast in practice if constantly changing deliverables
not focused on comprehensive documentation

There are many agile approaches including scrum, kanban, feature-driven development, and extreme programming.

scrum (software development)

small, cross functional teams
short sprints
regular "stand-up" meeting
retrospectives after each sprint
focus on continual optimization and improvements
harder to do with fixed budgets and timelines
self-managing teams can have issues with scope creep

kanban (industry)

billboard in Japanese
simple, clear framework
visualize workflow and tasks
large and small teams, remote or in person
not detailed "at-a-glance"
not if complex, lots of steps in the process

hybrid/structured agile

combine waterfall and agile methods
focus on gathering and analyzing requirements then rapid iterations
best of both worlds - structure and flexibility
best for medium-sized project with high complexity and fixed budgets

Lean Six Sigma (industry)

Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control
cut waste and maximize efficiency
quality management, continuous improvement
measuring > analyzing > improving
large organizations or efficiency is an issue

Integrated Project Management (IPM)

focus on documents like project charter, plan, execution, monitoring and change control
meet regularly as team
accountability
time for planning

PRiSM Projects Integrating Sustainable Methods

developed by Green Project Management Global
account and minimize adverse environmental impacts
extends beyond the end of the project
factors in environmental costs and sustainability is key success criteria
mostly geared to real estate and industrial projects

Approaches also worth noting: Human-centered design - creative approach to problem solving with three phases: inspiration, ideation, implementation; start with people in mind, try it out and test with people in an iterative process. Participatory decision-making - creative approach to enabling the entire group ownership and participation in decisions. It includes an emphasis on facilitation and concensus-building. Participatory Action Research (PAR) is an approach to research emphasizing co-creation, participation, and action by members of communities affected by the research.

Factors in choosing a PM Method

Project goals, objectives, and complexity
Team - size, level of experience/training, location - remote/on-site, specialization of roles
Timeline
Budget
Stakeholder expectations
Values/organizational culture
Ability to take risk
Flexibility for change

References

There are lots of great articles, presentations and grey lit out there on project management and digital libraries. We've created a Zotero Group library at https://www.zotero.org/groups/2205688/dlf_pmg? and encourage you to add more when you read something good.