Project management methodologies should be integrated in any project since they serve as the practical tools and knowledge that ensure the success of a project. There are two project management certifications – Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) and the higher level – Project Management Professional (PMP®). This certification, accepted by most of the world’s leading tech companies, is the first step towards additional certifications of the PMI.
Project management methodologies are used to ensure that a project is managed successfully. They are applied throughout the project and integrated in it from start to finish. They entail the practical use of techniques, tools and methods for planning, managing, monitoring and controlling projects.
The goal of learning project management methodologies is to familiarize project managers with concepts and terms from the field, train them to manage PMBOK® Guide based projects and identify areas of knowledge in the field as defined in the standard adopted by the American Standards Institute (ANSI).
Familiarity with practical tools for efficient and successful project management. Practical use of project management methodologies to improve performance. Serving as successful project managers and making decisions, and thorough study of the methodology, processes and tools as defined in the Standard. Understanding the methodologies prepares project managers for the CAPM® and PMP® certification exams.
How project management methodologies are taught
When teaching project management methodologies, a wide range of teaching aids and methods should be used, such as: simulation, examining real-life project management scenarios, and more. It is very important to run a virtual project, in order to practice the methodologies, analyze case studies and scenarios and conduct simulations. Project management methodologies include methods, techniques and knowledge about processes, integration management, content, time, budget, costs, human resources, risk management, procurement ethics and more.
The purpose of the methodologies is to assist in the organization and management of the project, while understanding the existing and expected processes and preparing accordingly. Project management based on built-in and structured methodologies boasts higher success rates than the rest. There is a wide variety of project management methodologies and it is important to understand their interrelations and hierarchy. It is also useful to know what each methodology consists of, compare different methodologies, and know how to match a given methodology to the right project.
How to match the methodology with the right project?
Among the main project management approaches are the “Waterfall” (an outdated but still usable method), the late Dr. Goldratt’s theory of constraints.
The common wisdom is that in order to avoid a conflict between different approaches, it is better to choose one project management approach. However, in reality, a project is a special effort, which requires its own tailor-made “management suit”.
Just as each organization behaves differently, each project has its own goal and structure. In many cases, a number of methodologies are combined, on top of the basic triad of content- schedule-budget management. This intelligent choice contributes to the project’s success. Other parameters of the project, requiring a unique mix of tools, techniques and methodologies “tailor-made” for the project.
PMBOK® and PMP® are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
