Project Management Models, Research Paper Example

A General Project Management model refers to the application and integration of the project to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and close its processes. It encompasses a general yet disciplined approach of managing a project. These processes will require the managers to be keen in details so that they can anticipate, scrutinize, and manage all facets of the project from its launch to its end. Despite all this, the methods of project management are many and should be flexible to enhance adapt to any form of a project (Kerzner, 2003), this prompts the manager to consider the approach of rapid application development (RAD).

Rapid application developments model of project management basis its concept on 80: 20 percent principles. It produces an 80% usable product in 20% time of the total time used to develop the product. It means that the time used to complete a certain product is reducible to an extremely short time when the management uses this model. Use of this model requires cutting out some activities so that the objectives can be achieved faster than the actual time (Schwalbe, 2010). This compromise on quality and the question when using this model should be how far the quality of the output would be affected.

In considering, the simultaneous or independent use of these different models the concern for the different corporate cultures should be considered when designing the models. The models after their design should be, at all times, supportive to the corporate culture (Kerzner, 2003). This means, the projects at times, may mix the models to foresee a reduction in project’s time. The most efficient mix of the models should be used on circumstances when the there is a clear knowledge. This is when a random application development approach is applicable. The conditions applicable for a random application development are clearly defined project objectives; also applicable when a small number of project members can make decision (Wysocki, 2010). It can also be used in a place where the system architecture is defined, and the essential components in working condition. Finally, the model can be used in a corporate where the technical requirements of the project are already met.

Random application model is not applicable for all projects, but it improves the general project management approach. This improvement occurs after exclusion of the activities that could easily affect the quality of the project. Random application development could negatively affect the project’s standards and procedures as it cuts the corners, this could adequately affect the consistency and efficiency of the subsequent operations. This can be checked by following the objectives of the project and reducing the affected factor by and equal portion to its impact (Schwalbe, 2010).

The advantage of random application development is that it saves more time and cost than the general project management approach when it is applied on critical projects, which are not in the mission (Harrington, 2006). The general project management is usable in groups where there are large teams of members to make the decision. This takes more time and increases activities required to complete the project.

In conclusion, the choice on which approach to use relies on the purpose of the managers. It also matters what efficiency and compromise to take on the quality of project. Thus, they will determine if they will use Random Application development model to reduce the timeline in general project management model.

References

Kerzner, H. (2003). Project Management (8th ed.). Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Schwalbe, K. (2010). Information Technology Project Management. London: Cengage Learning

Harrington, JH. (2006). Project Management Excellence: The Art of Excelling in Project Management. New York, NY: Paton Professional

Wysocki, R.K. (2010). Effective Software Project Management. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons