Project management techniques have helped change the way project managers tackle different projects. Using a specific project management technique can help you finish a project more easily. Here are nine project management techniques to help any project manager complete their next project.
1. Scrum
Scrum is a project management technique that comes from a group of processes known as the Agile Development Framework. This framework has a set project overview, which can be altered or changed by having continual evaluations of achieved results. It leads to each project being completed with the best possible outcome.
The Scrum technique has a team working on a project for a set period of time, known as a sprint. With an appointed Scrum Master leading the discussions, the group decides how to get rid of obstacles blocking the project from being completed in the best way possible.
2. Process-Based Project Management
Process-based project management is an exceptional strategy with a trickle-down process for completing each project. After recognizing each project task or goal, the team must follow the same principles or objectives the main company follows in its mission statement or vision.
This helps project managers remain mindful of the client’s major goals throughout the process of the project, leading them to reach an outcome the sponsors will appreciate.
3. Traditional Project Management
Traditional project management techniques are the most common within the industry. A project manager monitors and assesses the way the project is completed. They provide feedback and instruction to their team based on the desired outcome of the project that was discussed in the initial planning stages.
The project manager assigns work to each member of a project. This technique is ideal for small teams with more lenient clients who trust the judgment of the project manager’s experience.
4. Extreme Project Management
While extreme project management doesn’t include motocross sports or snowboarding competitions, it is named so for a reason. Used in cases where a project is highly complex with an undetermined approach, the extreme title comes from the opportunity for flexible planning and unorthodox tactics.
When planning the use of extreme project management techniques, it is difficult to set specific goals or milestones. Instead, these objectives are decided upon as the project progresses.
5. Critical Chain Project Management
When the budget is the main focus of a project, critical chain project management is often used. Using this strategy, a project manager pays close attention to the budget when hiring team members, deciding what tools to use, and the most cost-effective ways to accomplish each task.
Critical chain processes can help companies save money on the way to completing their projects with sufficient results.
6. Critical Path Project Management
Critical path is an effective project management technique that has been around since the 1950s. Similar to critical chain, the use of critical path project management places a higher emphasis on the amount of time it takes to complete a project. This motivates teams to come to conclusions at a more rapid pace, while also striving harder than ever to reach deadlines on or before the desired due date.
By having a range of key deadlines for each task in the process, the project manager can push the team to complete the project in a shorter timeframe than usual.
7. PERT Project Management
Program Evaluation Review Technique project management, also known as PERT, is a strategy meant for one-time projects that are designed with plenty of room to make changes and adjustment throughout each step.
This technique focuses on the progress of the project, with constant evaluations being performed after each task. PERT project management is an effective way to balance the budget of a project while also being aware of how long it is taking to complete the objectives.
8. Rational Unified Process (RUP)
The Rational Unified Process was established by a department of IBM, known as the Rational Software Corporation. This project management technique includes specific concentration on customer feedback and evaluations of their reactions to results. As these responses are measured, the project is adjusted to ensure the final product is up to the client’s precise standards.
9.Waterfall Project Management
When a team can stay in sync and work well together from beginning to end, any project will be successful. But waterfall project management takes this to a whole new level of collaboration. As a linear process, the sequences involved with this technique are vital to reaching each milestone.
Just as a waterfall goes from one level to the next as it falls, under this strategy, one team’s phase can’t begin until the previous phase is 100% finished. And the same way a waterfall can’t rise back up to a previous peak, the waterfall technique doesn’t allow the project management team to return or make changes to a previous phase once it’s completed.
More Project Management Techniques
The project management techniques companies choose to follow are a key aspect of how smooth a project will run. Each of these strategies have their own benefits and downfalls, depending on the tasks that need to be accomplished.
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Logan Derrick is a full-time business writer and content marketing strategist. For years, he has worked closely with several project management professionals, learning from them and increasing his own knowledge of the industry. Having held multiple management positions in fields ranging from customer service to marketing, Logan has found a passion for helping others learn about project management, marketing, and the powerful tools available to professionals today.
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