All project managers know that the key to success and getting everything right in selecting the right methodology. These are processes that assist and guide project managers throughout a project and steps to follow when completing a task. Different methods come with different strategies that come in handy in managing issues that may arise during project delivery. To avoid being overwhelmed by the wealth of options available, business managers need to understand the highlights of each to make an informed decision. Below are some of the best project management methods for success in delivery.
Waterfall Project Management
Waterfall Method is the simplest method to plan a business project. In this method, tasks flow down in sequential order, hence the name waterfall. With this method, one team or department should complete one step before moving to the next. Most managers find this system straightforward and stress-free to implement.
As a manager, all you need to do is make a list of items that should be accomplished and get to work. Team members easily understand the waterfall process, saving the manager valuable time. The waterfall system favors managers in the construction and software development sectors. The system follows the following order;
- Specification of customer requirements
- Concept Designing and planning
- Creating the physical product
- Integrating into the current systems
- Validation – testing and debugging
- Product installation
- Ongoing maintenance
Pros
- Easy to use
- Well structured
Cons
- Rigid
- Ricky for some businesses
Agile Project Management Method
Agile Method is one of the successful project management methods that involve customers in the production process. Most companies use the agile methodology to help with their software development because of its flexibility. This allows managers to act within the system rather than waiting to achieve goals that could be irrelevant as the project moves on. Since the customer is involved, the goals and objectives are under constant re-evaluation, making this system flexible and remarkably adaptive.
The agile management method stems from the principles of the Agile Manifesto, which was a 2001 declaration by a team of 13 industry leaders. The primary purpose of this declaration was to discover better methods of developing software by using a clear and measurable structure that encourages the iterative process, team collaboration, and recognizing change.
Though the Waterfall strategy suits most organizations, most managers find it quite limiting. By planning only at the beginning of the project, they don’t benefit from the knowledge and experience gained while working on completing it. For agile systems, instead of creating detailed project specifications, managers only identify priorities. As the team works towards achieving goals and objectives, the process remains flexible and open to change.
Pros
- Flexible
- Immediate feedback
Cons
- Lacks structure
- Quite slow
Scrum Project Management
Scrum methodology is composed of five core values. They include courage, commitment, focus, openness, and respect. The goal of this structure is to develop, achieve, and sustain a system through team effort, accountability, and iterative progress. What differentiates scrum from the agile system is how specific roles, events, and artefacts are operated.
Scrum Team Roles
- Product owner – is an expert who represents the stakeholders and voice of the clients.
- Development team – comprises of professionals who work to deliver the product. They include programmers, designers, and developers.
- Scrum Masters – are servant leaders who ensure that the scrum is understood followed.
In scrum, teams meet for monthly sessions where they break down the due projects into deliverables called sprints. By working towards achieving these small targets, teams avoid being overwhelmed as it would be with other project management methods. The teams re-prioritize their efforts monthly to meet customer demands, enabling them to stay flexible and motivated. This increases both productivity and customer satisfaction.
Scrum is best for complex projects with flexible deliverables, which can be broken down into small parts. This method also works best if the team members are experienced and self-disciplined.
Pros
- Powerful and effective work breakdown
- Fosters creativity
- Flexible
Cons
- Lacks clear leadership
The Bottom Line
Choosing a project management method for your business is dependent on many factors. You can find that one project management method is ideal for your project, while the other is not ideal. However, choosing the right method is essential as it determines if the project will be a success or failure. That said, apart from the methods mentioned above, other project management systems include the Kanban, Lean, Six Sigma, Extreme Programming, and Adaptive Project Framework.
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