Historically, project management was used in the construction and manufacturing industries. These projects generally had well comprehended tools, project activities, disciplined control, and planning methods. There existed distinct basic project lifecycle phases as well as easy and predictable project processes. However, today’s projects are highly unpredictable, particularly in the information technology sector. Business needs and stakeholder demands are continually changing. Technology is evolving and changing at a frenetic pace. Managing modern projects is indeed a challenging proposition.
Project Management Methodologies
It is necessary to have a project management methodology in place to execute a project. Methodology is the framework which product development happens in an organized and smooth manner. Stages of project management include research and development, planning and execution. Project management methodologies are different according to the nature of the project. A good project management methodology is one with project objectives in a specific time period with optimum use of materials and human resources.
What you require when starting a project is clear project requirements and specifications. It is important to know what final results the stakeholder’s expect, in order for the original project goals to be achieved. The project ought to be completed within the specified cost and time. Project resources include human resources, infrastructure, and material required to complete the project. You have to actively manage the project scope to successfully manage the time, money, and resources in a project.
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Stages of Project Management
Project Initiation– Stakeholder’s outline project scope, costs, and expected deadlines.
Project Planning– A preliminary work breakdown structure is drafted.
Project Execution– Client requirements are thoroughly analyzed. Measures are taken to ensure that the project stays on track.
Project Monitoring and Control– Project progress is consistently measured and monitored. Corrective measures are taken in accordance with the situation.
Project Closure – Deliverables are given to the client. Review is conducted to determine the accuracy and completeness of the project.
Let’s take a look at some of the models conventionally used in project management.
Waterfall Model
In the waterfall model there is a flow from one stage to another. In each stage, a desired outcome is achieved. This model is quite simple to implement. The drawback is its rigidity. One cannot go back to previous stages once the stages are completed. This model works best for small projects.
Spiral Model
The spiral model extends the waterfall model. Complex projects use this kind of model. An initial prototype is created. The first prototype is evaluated to see how far it satisfies the user’s unique and specific requirements. A newer prototype is then generated to repeat, till the arrival of the perfect prototype is complete.
Above all, it is vital to have qualified and experienced project managers to successfully steer the project to its desired goal.
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Are you now clear with the intricacies of project management? Which model would you use? Why?
