In order to plan, control and implement a project correctly, the selection of the appropriate project management methods is of utmost importance.
As a project manager, you have a wide range of project management methods at your disposal to implement projects efficiently and on schedule. However, not every method is suitable for every project. When choosing the appropriate model, you should consider the size of the project, its objectives and the industry for which you are carrying out the project.
What is the fundamental difference between modern and classic project management methods?
With methods in project management, a distinction must be made in particular between the classic and the modern approach.
Classical project management methods
The methods of classical project management are conspicuous by their clear structure. The goal of the project is already defined at the beginning, the process is divided into individual steps in a linear and precise manner.
Modern project management methods
Modern, agile project management is dynamic. This means that complex projects, whose objectives are not always clearly defined at the beginning, can be flexibly controlled. The requirements of the project can be redefined, adapted or completely changed in each phase to achieve the desired result.
Whether the classical or the modern method is more suitable for your particular project can only be decided on a case-by-case basis - according to the objectives of the respective project.
Most important classical project management methods
The most important classical project management methods are
Waterfall model
The waterfall model is based on a linear project process, in which work is carried out step by step, always in a structured and controlled manner. This approach is particularly appreciated in software development.
Critical Path Method
The critical path method is a step-by-step model in which the dependency between the individual tasks is strictly observed. This allows you to quickly implement sections that are critical to further progress with high priority in order to move the project forward on schedule. This method has proven particularly effective for large, complex projects.
Which methods belong to the most important modern project management methods?
The most important modern project management methods today are
Scrum
The Scrum model is an agile method that is perfectly suited for large projects where the exact requirements are not clearly defined at the beginning. With Scrum you divide the whole project into sections - sprints. At the end of each sprint there is a functional intermediate result or - in product development - an intermediate product that you can present to stakeholders. The subsequent tests, as well as the feedback from the customer, then decide on the further course of the project.
Kanban
The strength of Kanban lies in its flexibility. You work with three columns lined up side by side:
- To Do: tasks not yet started
- In Progress: tasks in progress
- Done: completed tasks
Kanban is optimally used for simple project management in everyday operations. This ensures optimum utilization of personnel and fast interaction between the individual teams.
Scrumban
Scrumban combines the two most popular methods of agile project management - Scrum and Kanban. Scrumban offers you daily stand ups and sprints where you can react quickly and confidently to customer feedback. You then structure the new approaches and requirements with the Kanban overview and thus ensure an undisturbed exchange of information within the team.
This method is particularly recommended for the areas of product development, customer service and process optimization.
The right project management software for successful project management
In order to control projects successfully, the right project management software is of crucial importance. From the variety of project management tools you have to choose the one that offers you the most added value due to its functionalities. With the help of these tools, you can organize the project organization in every project phase in a simple, clear, on-time and budget-compliant manner.
In order to choose the right solution from the various project management methods, it is important for you to choose a competent and experienced partner who knows the challenges of project management and who will professionally support his customers with expertise and experience.
Can Do - the right partner for your company in all questions of project management
Can Do offers you the right solution to support you in the implementation of your project. With modern project controlling methods, the course of the project can be easily controlled so that you can safely achieve the set project goals.
Conclusion
Choosing the right project management methods is important for achieving the overall project goal, because it is the right project management method that determines the way you organize your team, share information and implement the project.