What are project management methodologies?

Discuss about the Project Management Methodologies for Stakeholder Management.

Project management is a broad topic that is mandatory for the successful completion of various projects. The types of projects worldwide are infinite and as such, there are various strategies and methodologies that have been designed for use in these varying project. The project manager is responsible for the successful implementation of these methodologies and more to this is responsible for the management of the various project stages.

By definition, project management methodologies refer to the set of guidelines that define how a project manager should manage his/her project (Muslihat, 2017). They essentially define the various methods and processes of communication and management of the teams. These project management methodologies may only be used with a handful of project management tools and therefore, they are suited for different project types. Regardless, the selection of a methodology depends on the type of project and is meant to be a guide throughout the whole project. Proper selection of a methodology ensures that there is maximization on the usage of time and resources while improper selection will lead to time as well as resources wastage. Regardless of this, there is no single methodology that is suitable for a single project but rather, the usage of different methodologies varies with the type of project. It is because of the difference in requirements between different projects that there are hybrid methodologies for use in different projects.

Project management methodologies may not work with the different teams and as such, it is important for the project manager to try and identify the workflow of the project team (Westland, 2017). Ensuring that the teams’ workflow process adapts the methodology is a way of ensuring that everything matches and the team can maximize the benefits associated with a particular methodology.

All the above stated are some of the factors that ensure that the project board employs a person well equipped with the skills and knowledge of project management. However, the various methodologies that are involved in project management need to be within the grasp of the project manager for proper project management.it is important to identify some of the most common project management methodologies that may be adopted for different projects. Some of the methodologies include: agile, scrum, prince2, waterfall, outcome mapping, six sigma, canban among others.

To begin with, there is the agile methodology that is suited for projects that are generally repetitive and incremental (Cohen, 2017). The process was created for software developers but eventually found its use in other types of projects. Generally, the process works through collaboration between the customers and the various teams. The whole project process is divided into smaller portions from where minor problems may be tackled. The deliverables and objectives of the methodology are six in number and include product vision statement, the product roadmap, the backlog of the product, the release plan, the sprint backlog and the increment. As a matter of fact, the methodology is suited for projects that are very complex and as such, require collaborative effort for the final solution. Moreover, it is suited for projects that are aimed at designing and producing new products.

Importance of project management methodologies for successful project completion

Secondly, there is the waterfall methodology. It was the inadequacy of this methodology that led to the creation of the agile methodology (Aston, 2017). It is a traditional method of project management whereby the flow of progress is downwards, such as a waterfall. It was originally used in the construction and manufacturing industry and therefore more expensive than most types of methodologies because of its traditional approach. However, unlike the agile methodology, it is suited for projects that are more rigid because it lacks flexibility.

Thirdly, there is the Scrum methodology that is categorically different from the other types of the methodologies because of its strict adherence to rules, principles, and artifacts (Katchevroswki, 2012). The methodology abides by five principles which are respect, courage, focus, openness, and commitment. The collaborative effort ensures that the methodology is used in delivering some of the most complex products. However, the methodology has widely been criticized for its inability to be used in the management of complex teams. It is suitable for teams that have less than seven people (Burgan & Burgan, 2012).

Fourthly, there is the kanban methodology that is used in the mitigation of risks likely to be encountered throughout the whole project. It works by painting a visual image of the whole workflow process and as such, identifies all the possible risks likely to be encountered. As a matter of fact, it is one of the frameworks that are part of the agile methodology with its original use in the manufacture of Toyota vehicles in the early 40s. However, it works by using visual aids that generally describe the various stages through which the project flows. The methodology was originally used in the software industry but throughout its life, it has continually been used in other types of projects that require improvement as well as the collaborative effort in order to find solutions. A major drawback is the fact that the methodology is suitable for only small teams that may be flexible in delivering the product or service.

Last, but not least, is the lean methodology whose main aim is to reduce the amount of waste that is produced throughout the project lifecycle. Moreover, it promotes the values of the customer and as such reduces the amounts of resources required and used. The methodology originates from the Japanese industry with the three types of wastes identified as mura, muri, and Muda (Alexander, 2017). The methodology is suitable for transformative projects and therefore not suitable for projects that are in the initial stages.

Common project management methodologies

The aforementioned are some of the common methodologies that may be used by the project manager in trying to ensure that there is the maximization on the usage of resources as well as time. However, they have different setbacks as well as advantages and are therefore suitable for different projects. There are different reasons why project managers decide to implement different types of methodologies on the project and more to this, implementation of these different methodologies have different effects on the stakeholders.

There are a number of positives that are associated with the adoption of a proper project management methodology. Adoption of these methodologies ensures that there is the consistent and successful delivery of the project (Buehring, 2018). Some of the pitfalls that are associated with the failure to adopt a proper project methodology include: failure in defining the different roles as well as inconsistency associated with the project manager, failure in the management of the different project teams which may eventually lead to inconsistent results, improper management by different teams and the eventual and unsuccessful delivery of the project outcomes. Therefore, it is important to adopt a proper project management methodology in order to avoid these and many more project pitfalls.

There are numerous benefits associated with the adoption of a proper project management methodology. However, the methodology has to be tailored to the specific needs of the project and therefore centered on the project deliverables. The benefits of adopting a proper project management methodology include: there is proper, efficient and effective decision-making process throughout the project lifecycle. In this, there is a proper definition of the different project players and their different roles throughout the project. In doing so, there is less confusion and proper project team definitions. Secondly, there is the reuse and saving of time and money that is associated with the project. Identifying the various project requirements ensures that the various teams can work more effectively. In doing so, the recurring project costs are kept at a minimal and the time is effectively used. Other advantages include: there is proper definition of the project scope, the client has knowledge on what the project entails and is therefore on par with the project expectations, the costs of the project can be easily monitored and controlled, there is proper mitigation of the risks that are associated with the project, the project struggles can be easily identified throughout the project lifecycle among others.

Advantages of adopting a proper project management methodology

There are different types of projects whose requirements, flexibility and even the products are different. By selecting a methodology that fits into the requirements of the project, there is the maximization on the usage of time as well as resources. The adoption of the agile methodology is meant to ensure that complex projects can be easily delivered. The methodology is suitable for complex projects because of the collaborative factor between the customers and the working team. The flaws can be easily identified in the initial stages of the product and this will prevent the flaw from being carrying over in the next step.

Stakeholders are defined as the parties, groups or companies that have vested interest in the development of a particular project (Retfalvi, 2014). Therefore, the methodologies that are adopted by the project manager to help him/her properly manage the resources as well as time effectively will have a direct impact on these stakeholders. It is from this perspective that the project manager may have direct support from the stakeholders or he/she might be in bad relationship with the whole team. The stakeholders vary from the government, project team, the manager, the customers, the contractors among others. Therefore, it is important to identify a methodology that will adequately consider the opinions of these different groups during the decision making process.

To begin with, methodology selection increases or reduces the accountability levels of the stakeholders. The two basic requirements of projects are time and resources. These two are vital for the successful completion of the project but the stakeholders need to be well aware of their various roles as well as what is required of them in the project. The methodology will identify all these requirements in a clear and concise manner and this will be the benchmark from where all the stakeholders will work from.

Secondly, the management of the stakeholders will be easier since all the risks are identified prior to the workflow. Identifying risks ensures that the stakeholders can be easily reached and this will ensure that project track and progress is not affected. Furthermore, the stakeholders will provide various solutions to the risks likely to be encountered. 

A construction project might one of the most demanding projetcs.Therefore, the accountability levels on the stakeholder’s part need to be well identified and managed. Using a methodology suitable for a particular construction project will ensure that all the requirements are adequately met. The stakeholders may be mandated with the responsibility of organizing as well as sourcing for more funds as well as the identification of the most suitable resources.

How project management methodologies impact stakeholders

Different methodologies have different elements that ensure that the different project objectives are adequately met. However, there are some underlying principles that cover most of these methodologies and in turn ensure that most of the needs of the organization are adequately met. Furthermore, these methodologies may ensure that the track record of an organization is flawless but may also lead to an undesirable track record. As a matter of fact, proper use of the methodologies will ensure that there are contingencies in place for the management of any risk likely to be encountered throughout the project life (Guo, 2012).

One aspect of the methodology used is predictability. Project managers need to be well conversant with the whole project lifecycle which will ensure better planning. Better planning ensures that the needs of the projects are adequately covered and the risks likely to be encountered can be easily mitigated. Furthermore, this ensures that there is the adequate use of resources and the time requirements are adequately covered. Predictability has been defined as a requirement for a successful organization with the threshold marked as 80% (Buehring, 2018).

Secondly, there is the adaptability aspect of project management methodologies. Methodologies should provide a proactive management process (Eskerod & Jepsen, 2013) that will ensure that the problems are resolved as fast as possible and therefore prevent delay in the completion time. Teams that tend to delay in the resolution of problems tend to have a bad track record in project management.

Thirdly, the methodology should be error proof. Error proof means that even in the first attempt to manufacture a product or manage a project, the process should be successful. Therefore, the methodology needs to be on par with the needs of the customer which will mean better quality as well as quantity control.

Some of the methodologies that have been used extensively include the waterfall as well as the agile methodologies. Agile methodology has been used extensively in software manufacture because of the predictability aspect. Software development is a repetitive process and identifying the errors in the early stages ensures that there can be no bugs in the latter stages of development. Furthermore, risks likely to be encountered are easily identified in the early stages of the process ensuring that there is smooth development process.

Discussion and Conclusion

Throughout 12 weeks of learning about project management methodologies, I have understood the fundamental knowledge of project tools. The methodologies stated may be used alongside other project management tools for the effective management of projects. They are instrumental in the effective management of projects and provide a benchmark from where the project manager can successfully maximize the use of time as well as resources. However, no single methodology can be applied to a wide range of projects.

Project management methodologies also have an effect on the stakeholders of a project. The methodologies directly affect the stakeholders in terms of accountability as well as the participation levels. Methodologies not well suited for certain projects may make the stakeholders lower their expectations of the project manager while proper methodology selection will ensure that the project manager has the full support.

Therefore, these methodologies have been identified as very instrumental in project management. The methodologies have different origins but have eventually been used in different projects. Regardless, proper methodologies ensure that the time, as well as the resources, are properly utilized.

References

Alexander, M. (2017, july 20). How to pick the best project management methodology for success. Retrieved from https://www.cio.com/article/2950579/methodology-frameworks/how-to-pick-a-project-management-methodology.html

Aston , b. (2017, 02 03). 9 Project Management Methodologies Made Simple. Retrieved from https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/project-management-methodologies-made-simple/

Buehring, S. (2018, may 31). The benefits of adopting a structured project management method. Retrieved from https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/resources/practice/adopting-a-project-management-method

Burgan, S. C., & Burgan, D. S. (2012). A case study on the adoption of project management in an organization. North America, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Cohen, E. (2017, September 25). Project Management Methodologies: Everything You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.workamajig.com/blog/project-management-methodologies

Eskerod, P., & Jepsen, A. L. (2013). project stakeholder management.

Guo, P. (2012, 11 22). 4 Big Benefits of Using a Project Management Methodology. Retrieved from https://www.mnp.ca/en/posts/4-big-benefits-of-using-a-project-management-methodology

kaatchevroswki, V. (2012, Aug 23). 5 Effective Project Management Methodologies and When to Use Them. Retrieved from https://explore.easyprojects.net/blog/project-management-methodologies

Muslihat, D. (2017, Mar 9). 7 popular project management methodologies and what they’re best suited for. Retrieved from https://blog.zenkit.com/7-popular-project-management-methodologies-and-what-theyre-best-suited-for-8f2c790267f6

Retfalvi, L. A. (2014). Project success using proven stakeholder management techniques. North America, Phoenix, AZ.

Westland, j. (2017, April 24). Project Management Methodology – An Overview. Retrieved from https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/project-management-methodology