There are several ways you can go about managing a project, depending on your business needs.
Project management methodologies are a set of tools, techniques, and processes used to manage projects. They help project managers plan, execute, and monitor projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of project management methodologies, how to use them, best practices, and examples.
Getting Started
Before you can start using project management methodologies, you need to understand the basics. Project management methodologies are divided into two main categories: traditional and agile.
Traditional project management methodologies are based on a linear approach, where tasks are completed in a sequential order. Agile project management methodologies are based on an iterative approach, where tasks are completed in short cycles.
Each methodology has its own set of tools, techniques, and processes that can be used to manage projects.
How To Use Project Management Methodologies
Once you understand the basics of project management methodologies, you can start using them to manage your projects.
The first step is to identify the type of project you are managing and the methodology that best fits your needs. Once you have identified the methodology, you can start planning the project.
This includes creating a project plan, setting goals and objectives, and assigning tasks to team members.
Once the project plan is in place, you can start executing the project. This includes monitoring progress, managing risks, and making adjustments as needed.
Best Practices
- Create a project plan that outlines the goals, objectives, and tasks.
- Set realistic deadlines and milestones.
- Communicate regularly with team members and stakeholders.
- Monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed.
- Manage risks and address any issues that arise.
- Evaluate the project and document the results.
Examples
Here are some examples of project management methodologies:
- Waterfall: This is a traditional project management methodology that follows a linear approach. It is best suited for projects with well-defined requirements and a clear timeline.
- Agile: This is an iterative project management methodology that focuses on delivering value quickly. It is best suited for projects with changing requirements and tight deadlines.
- Scrum: This is an agile project management methodology that focuses on delivering value in short cycles. It is best suited for projects with complex requirements and tight deadlines.
- Kanban: This is an agile project management methodology that focuses on continuous improvement. It is best suited for projects with changing requirements and tight deadlines.
These are just a few examples of project management methodologies. There are many more that can be used to manage projects.
Best project management tools
- Monday.com — Highly effective teams choose monday.com to manage their work.
- Productive.io — Manage your agency in one place, end-to-end.
- Project Express App — Over 35,000 people worldwide trust Project Express to manage projects, at work and at home.
- Teamwork — At last, easy-to-use project management software you won’t outgrow
- asana — Asana organises work so teams are clear about what to do, why it matters, and how to get it done.
- Trello — From high rises to the home office, the way your team works is unique—accomplish it all with Trello.
- Hive — The tool for productive teams. Thousands of companies all over the world are moving faster with Hive.
- Wrike — Only Wrike’s work management platform gives your team full visibility and control over all your tasks and projects.
- nTask — Project management software that enables your teams to collaborate, plan, analyze and manage everyday tasks.
- Adobe Workfront — Connect, collaborate, and simplify workflows using Adobe Workfront to launch campaigns and deliver personalized experiences at scale.
- Accelo — Accelo is a cloud-based software platform that helps businesses manage their projects, clients, and teams.
- JIRA — JIRA is a project management and issue tracking software developed by Atlassian.
- ProjectLibre — ProjectLibre is an open source project management software that provides users with a comprehensive suite of tools to help them manage their projects.
- ProofHub — ProofHub is a project planning software with every tools your team needs to get work done faster, together. No per user fee. Free trial. No learning curve.
- Workfront — Workfront is a cloud-based project management and work collaboration platform designed to help teams and organizations manage their work more efficiently.
- FreeAgent CRM — #1 User-Rated Alternative to Salesforce
- Nutshell — Nutshell is an easy-to-use CRM that helps small businesses build relationships, track sales, and grow. It’s designed to be simple and intuitive, so you can focus on what matters most: your customers.
- Rock.so — Create a space for 1:1s, group conversations or projects.
Add anyone, inside or outside your organization, to a space so they can participate in a conversation, work on tasks, read notes and access any file they need.
- Redbooth — Redbooth helps teams manage tasks and communication so projects get completed faster and easier.
- CobbleStone Systems — Cobblestone Systems is a software development company that specializes in creating custom software solutions for businesses. They provide services such as web and mobile app development, software integration, and cloud computing. Their team of experienced developers and designers work together to create innovative solutions that meet the needs of their clients.
- Basecamp — Trusted by millions, Basecamp puts everything you need to get work done in one place.
- HubSpot — HubSpot’s free CRM powers your customer support, sales, and marketing with easy-to-use features like live chat, meeting scheduling, and email tracking.
- Vendasta — From agency to enterprise, the Vendasta platform is the only end-to-end management software for selling digital solutions to local businesses.
- Slack — Slack is a new way to communicate with your team. It’s faster, better organised, and more secure than email.
- VeriClock — Get employee time tracking anytime, anywhere with VeriClock. Easily integrate with your accounting, bookkeeping or payroll software.
- Adam.ai — One place for teams to run efficient meetings, create collaborative agendas, record decisions, and assign tasks.
- ContractZen — ContractZen corporate governance software is ideal for contract management, board meeting management, entity management, e-signature & virtual data room (VDR).
- Todoist — Join 25 million people and teams that organize, plan, and collaborate on tasks and projects with Todoist.
- ClickUp™ — ClickUp’s mission is to make the world more productive – Tasks, Docs, Goals, and Chat.
- Microsoft To-Do — Microsoft To Do