Project Management Methodologies, Essay Example

It is important to differentiate between that of a Body of Knowledge (BOK) and a Project Management Methodology.  PMI [1] essentially have a Body of Knowledge that is more concerned with effective governance of Project Management. The Association for Project Management (APM)  endorse PRINCE2 ( Projects in a Controlled Environment) which is a product based PM method focusing on deliverables.  There are also agile project management methods like that of SCRUM. For example “Scrum is an agile method for project management developed by Ken Schwaber. Its goal is to dramatically improve productivity in teams previously paralyzed by heavier, process-laden methodologies” (Alexandrou, 2010).  Another method approach often used in prototyping is that of SPIRAL “The spiral methodology extends the waterfall model by introducing prototyping. It is generally chosen over the waterfall approach for large, expensive, and complicated projects” (Alexandrou, 2010).

Project Management methodologies are used in order to organize Planning, Organization and control into a structured environment. For example PRINCE2 has eight stages in the total project lifecycle delivery process.  Each stage represents a deliverable in the overall incremental delivery process and has Stage Gate Reviews in order to review and sign off the completion of a stage before proceeding to the next.  All projects require some form of Project Management and these are often broken into small, medium and complex projects. This categorization will determine the number of mandatory tasks required within each stage of the project.

Project Management methods provide industry with the assurance that the projects are being delivered in a logical, methodical and structured way as opposed to an ad hoc approach. Methods ensure proper governance over project delivery and quality assurance reviews that ensure better quality projects delivered within optimum timescales.  “By using proven planning and control Project Management methods you can define and achieve agreed goals, and co-ordinate multiple resources within time and cost restraints” (PSA Project, 2005).  “Project management methods help organizational leaders by displaying the information in a way that is easy to see, understand and analyze.” (Jacowski, 2010)

PM Methods help with defining project scope and objectives in two very distinct ways. They provide foundation documents like Project Initiation Documents (PID’s) and Project Management Charters that provide a base terms of reference for the project to be delivered. These translate directly to the Activities, Tasks and Milestones in the Project Plan.  Hence they become the prime change control documents for any subsequent changes that occur during the project implementation lifecycle. “By using proven planning and control Project Management methods you can define and achieve agreed goals, and co-ordinate multiple resources within time and cost restraints.” (PSA Project, 2005)

When selecting methods, tools and techniques for a project it is necessary to determine the type of project you are implementing.  For example if you are going to implement a project that is heavy in prototyping, then SPIRAL might be most appropriate.  If it is a long complex project that requires a high degree of structure in planning, organization and control ( government projects being very typical of this) then you might adopt a method like PRINCE2 and the supporting software assists. Those projects that require a more agile approach and need to be implemented in very short timescales may benefit from a method like SCRUM. “ Agile Project Management methods refer to a set of software development strategies based on iterative development; that is, adapted to current circumstances” (Duggan, 2009)

Works Cited

Alexandrou, M. (2010). Scrum Methodology. Retrieved 11 6, 2010, from Marios Alexandrou: http://www.mariosalexandrou.com/methodologies/scrum.asp

Duggan, T. (2009, 9 15). Agile Project Management Methods. Retrieved 11 6, 2010, from ehow: http://www.ehow.com/way_5418577_agile-project-management-methods.html

Jacowski, T. (2010). The Benefits of Project Management. Retrieved 11 6, 2010, from Ezine: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Benefits-of-Project-Management&id=5244815

PSA Project. (2005). Benefits of Successful Project Management . Retrieved 11 6, 2010, from PSA Project: http://www.psaproject.com.au/project/project-management-benefits.asp

[1]The Project Management Institute in North America.