The project management framework refers to the series of processes, tasks, or tools which provides direction on how to execute a project. The framework provides individuals and organisations with a clear roadmap of how the project can progress from beginning to completion. It provides enough guidance to the project manager to adapt to changing conditions as the project progresses.
These frameworks may differ in their structural organization, workflows, deliverables, and even the kind of tools and software.
Project Management Framework vs. Project Management Methodology
While both terms are used interchangeably, they are not the same. You will find some frameworks that include the term āmethodologyā in their names. In practice, it helps to bear in mind these differences.
| Project Management Framework | Project Management Methodology |
| Provides a structural overview of how to apply guidelines to a project. | It is a set of rigid practices, rules, and steps, for completing a specific project. |
| Flexible and allows creative adaptation of other practices and tools | Rigid and highly prescriptive |
| Best for experts | Best for beginners |
| Developing and implementing performance metrics may be difficult. | Covers every necessary detail about performance. |
5 Best Project Management Frameworks
When choosing a project management framework, you should be aware there are different options. While some are good for all kinds of projects, others work best for specific project types. To give you a headstart, here are five of the best project management frameworks you can deploy.
Waterfall Methodology
The waterfall methodology uses a linear approach to project management. It includes sequential phases from the beginning of the project to its end, with a phase beginning only after the previous as ended.Ā
The waterfall methodology requires a clear understanding of the budget, requirements, and project scope. Thus, it is used for projects where this is available. The project requires extensive documentation and begins when client expectation is set.Ā
When there is a delay with one phase, the whole project is delayed as the phases are static and depend on one another. If the phase proves too hard to complete, the entire project stalls.
Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM)
CCPM uses task and resource dependency to ensure projects do not exceed their timelines, CCPM incorporates buffers as safety margins into the business. These can be either a capacity buffer, feeding buffer,Ā project buffer, or resource buffer.
It is often used in complex projects or multi-project scenarios that require a significant amount of resources, though the resources may be limited.Ā
Agile Project management Framework
Agile uses a quick, iterative, data-backed, and collaborative process to ensure quick responses to changes during project execution. It focuses on delivering value to individuals over processes and depends on feedback.Ā
Agile project management is perfect for SMBs with few employees and limits resource wastage. Examples of agile frameworks include Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM), Extreme Programming (XP), Feature-Driven Development (FDD), Kanban, Scrum, and Crystal Methods.
Six Sigma
Six Sigma focuses on managing project quality and improving processes while eliminating defects and redundancies. It is characterized by continuous process improvements and is often paired with the Lean or Agile approach.
Six Sigma is best for large organizations with hundreds of employees because project waste can impact the organization significantly.
PRINCE2Ā
The PRojects IN Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) describe every aspect of an enterprise-level project in detail. It involves a lot of early-stage planning, detailing what each step should involve, defining roles and responsibilities, and clarifying deliverables.
PRINCE2 addresses possible causes of project failure and ties up every aspect once the project is complete.
Choosing the Right Framework
Frameworks are project-type specific. The right framework will help you manage your project risk properly, effectively allocate resources, and ensure project success. It means thereās a need to select the proper framework to get the right results. Before settling on a particular framework, you should consider the following
- Project scope: Larger and more complex projects have unclear requirements, unlike smaller projects where everything can be well-defined.
- Project team: It is not every team that is adaptable to new approaches. Consider the nature of your team before choosing a framework they are unfamiliar with.
- Frameworks: List all the possible frameworks you can use and then decide with your team which is the best possible.
If youāre still unsure what project management framework will work best for your organization, let Procept Africa help you decide. Book a call with one of our project management experts and get an appropriate strategy for your business.
