Understanding Project Management Methodologies
When choosing how you want to manage an upcoming project or deciding on a direction for your project management career, you need to think about which project management methodologies you will work with.
Methodologies are reliable frameworks and skill-sets you can utilise to help you carry a project from idea to achievement. There are so many excellent project management methodologies available to today’s project manager. We’ve compiled our concise guide to selecting the right approach for your needs.
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In this article, we look at the following project management methodologies:
These days, most professional project managers choose to train in and use more than one project management methodology. As you read through the different methods available, it's good to keep an open mind about how you could combine a few different approaches.
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)
The Project Management Institute's well-established framework for managing projects professionally has long been regarded as one of the world’s leading approaches for project management excellence.
The PMBOK® Guide primarily utilises a conventional approach to project management. However, the regularly updated PMBOK® Guide includes a consideration for Agile practices in its most recent incarnation, making it a forward-thinking methodology that allows for collaboration with other approaches.
Training in the PMBOK® Guide Approach
- Project Management Professional (PMP)® Exam Preparation Course
The PMP® credential is designed for experienced project managers. Read about PMP® training - Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® Exam Preparation Course
CAPM® certification is a great choice for those who are new to project management and seeking a PMI® qualification. Find out about CAPM® training.
PRINCE2® Project Management
PRINCE2® stands for “projects in a controlled environment”. Its defining characteristics include an emphasis on clearly outlined roles and responsibilities and a strong structure that gives you greater control on the project.
PRINCE2® is used on a global scale, often favoured by government departments and the public sector.
Training in the PRINCE2® Methodology
- PRINCE2® Foundation & Practitioner Exam Preparation Course
Our intensive format is ideal for those who want to achieve both the PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner certifications in a focused timeframe. Learn about our PRINCE2® exam preparation.
Agile Project Management
With its flexible, adaptive approach to projects, Agile is rocketing to the top of everyone’s wish lists for project management skills and certification.
Agile suits environments where the project criteria changes regularly, or is difficult to define from the outset. It focuses on delivering value both early and consistently throughout a project’s life cycle.
Many project managers are becoming certified in Agile or one of the frameworks or “sub-sets” that come under the Agile umbrella. Theya are then combining their new Agile skills with a more conventional style of project management.
Agile sub-sets include:
- Scrum
- Kanban
- XP
- Crystal
- FDD
- DSDM
Training in Agile Methodology
- Agile Certified Course (SAMCTM)
Gain an understanding of Agile during this 3-day course, and prepare to sit the Agile Master Certified exam (exam and certification included). Find out about our Agile Certified Course. - Scrum Master Certified (SMCTM)
Scrum is the most popular Agile sub-set, and the role of Scrum Master is in such demand that we run regular courses for those who want to train and certify as Scrum Masters. (exam and certification included). Learn about our Scrum Master Certified (SMCTM) Course.
Lean Methodology
Lean is more of a process improvement than a project management methodology, but many project managers train and certify in Lean to enhance their effectiveness.
Lean targets and eliminates waste in any process. A project, or elements within a project will always benefit from a lean approach. This powerful process improvement tool can streamline how you run your projects, contributing to lower costs and a higher level of quality and efficiency.
Training in the Lean Methodology
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Due to a high level of demand, our Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course runs every month. This is a perfect starting point for project managers who want to get confident with Lean and begin making improvements to project processes. Read more about Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. - Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Designed for those with extensive Lean Six Sigma or process improvement experience, our International Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is a career tranforming credential. Get more information about Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
How Do You Decide Which Project Management Methodology is Right for Your Project?
There is no simple answer to this question because each methodology can contribute positively to any project.
Most project managers will train in more than one methodology during their career. For example, a huge number of project managers are combining Agile or Scrum with the more conventional approaches of PMBOK® Guide and PRINCE2®.
Here are our suggestions for choosing your next steps in project management training and certification:
- For those already working with projects we recommend taking a few minutes to think about the projects you work with and their defining characteristics. Once you have this shortlist, use it as a guiding point while researching project management methodologies. The methodology that addresses most of the key characteristics of your projects is the best fit.
- If you’re just getting started and not yet working on a project team, think about the kind of environment you would like to work in while researching. Whatever approach you gravitate towards, guided by your interest is the right one for your career.
Professional Advice for Your Career: Talk to Us
We will be happy to advise on the best option for your project management training.
- Call our experienced consultants on Freephone 1800 910 810 (mon – thurs, 9.00 – 5.30, fri 9.00 – 5.00).
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