Methodologies Used In Project Management

Question: Describe about the Methodologies Used In Project Management. Answer: Role of Methodology in Project Management Project management methodologies allow the organization to handle their complex projects systematically, in an integrated manner and comprehensively for acceptable risks. Various kinds of project management methodologies offer benefits at tactical, strategic and operation levels (Kerzner, 2013). With the help of various methods, project managers can set standard practices, templates and guidelines to proceed with the project and to make it successful. Various Methodologies Used In Project Management The most useful methodologies which are designed and implemented to achieve project objectives successfully are described in the following table Project Management Methodologies Description Agile Methodology This methodology is used to make the project successful with short termed delivery cycles, real time communication and agile requirements (Turner, 2016). Crystal Method It focuses on team interaction, communication, and skills of team members. Extreme Programming It is a cost effective methodology emphasizes on the continuous process, programmer welfare and shared understanding (Sixsmith, Freeburn Mooney, 2014). PRINCE 2 (Project In Controlled Environment) This helps to encompass organization, control and quality management of a project. This methodology reviews the progress of the project to align it with organizational objectives. SDLC (System Development Lifecycle) By the use of this methodology, more than two software development projects can be combined to get the best output (Leach, 2014). Waterfall It is used in software development projects. Development lifecycle of this model has linear timelines and fixed phases. PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) It organizes the project with the help of five agile steps which are initiated, plan, executing, controlling and closing Table 1: Types of Methodologies Used in Project Management (Source: Sixsmith, Freeburn Mooney, 2014, pp- 15) Comparison and Contrast between PMBOK and SDLC Project Management Methodologies Similarities PMBOK and SDLC Both of these methodologies comprises of best terminologies, practices, processes and guidelines that can help to make the project successful and economically beneficial for the organization (Handzic Durmic, 2015). In both the cases, project managers handle the encountered risks which can be raised while progressing with complex projects. Table 2: Similarities between PMBOK and SDLC (Source: Kerzner, 2013, pp-100) Differences PMBOK SDLC Management Steps Consists of five stages which are initiated, plan, execute, control and close. Comprises of eleven stages which are communication, requirement gathering, feasibility study, system analysis, software design, coding, testing, integration, implementation, operation and maintenance and disposition. Specialized Area This kind of methodology can deal with any project whether it is administrative, construction based or software development project (Lock, 2014). This type of methodology focuses on software development projects. Advantages This not only examines the processes and practices which can be used to manage complex projects but also covers the knowledge areas. The knowledge areas are integration management, time management, scope management, human resource management, cost management, risk management, procurement management, communication management and quality management (Handzic Durmic, 2015). This methodology allows the organization to follow standard practices across various departments. This model defines project goals and objectives in a clear and precise manner By the use of this model, the progress of the project can be measured (Leach, 2014). Disadvantages It is applicable mostly for the small projects and involves too many methods which make the entire project management work complex (Turner, 2016). The rules and processes described in this methodology are not suitable for real project management. Integration of this model in the project can take lots of time to complete it. This methodology cannot easily match up the immediate changes required for successful completion of the project. Table 3: Differences between PMBOK and SDLC (Source: Leach, 2014, pp-115) Relation with PLC Relation between SDLC and PLC System development lifecycle (SDLC) is a major subpart of project life cycle (PLC). PLC concentrates on the project management processes, phases, tools and techniques to effectively handle the project (Lock, 2014). SDLC also monitors the same thing such as software engineering processes, phases, tools and techniques which are especially required in the software development projects. Figure 1: Relation between PLC and SDLC (Source: Leach, 2014, pp-150) Relation between PMBOK and PLC PMBOK is the entire framework which helps to divide various tasks of the projects into small derivable for better control and management over the project. These small subdivisions of a large project are known as project lifecycle (Turner, 2016). With the phases of PLC, PMBOK introduces standard processes and practices that can be used to accomplish projects objectives successfully. References Handzic, M., Durmic, N. (2015). Knowledge Management, Intellectual Capital and Project Management: Connecting the Dots.Electronic Journal of Knowledge Management,1(1). Kerzner, H. R. (2013).Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley Sons. Leach, L. P. (2014).Critical chain project management. Artech House. Lock, M. D. (2014).The essentials of project management. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.. Sixsmith, A. J., Freeburn, C., Mooney, G. R. (2014, November). Project Management In Practice: Views From The Trenches. InThe 24th International Business Information Management Association Conference. International Business Information Management Association (IBIMA). Turner, R., 2016.Gower handbook of project management. Routledge.