Project Management Tools and Methodologies FAQ

Project Management Tools and Methodologies FAQ

Project Management Methodologies

1. What are project management methodologies?

Project management methodologies are scientific approaches that project managers can utilize during a project. They are intended to facilitate effective decision-making in the different stages of a project. The basic layout of each methodology involves planning, execution, control, and finalization (Ungureanu & Ungureanu, 2014).

2. What are the main methodologies used for project management?

Methodologies used in project management are either traditional or modern. The traditional methodologies apply a linear sequence in the sequential stages of a project. Modern methodologies do not adhere to linear processes and utilize varied management model processes.

3. What are the advantages or disadvantages of both types of methodologies?

Traditional or waterfall methodologies are easy to use, while modern ones are a bit complicated (Wrike, Inc., 2021). The traditional methodologies are predictable and less flexible than the modern methodologies. Therefore, if a change that alters the needs of stakeholders occurs, it is likely to disrupt the entire series and cause management difficulties. The modern methodologies are more flexible and accommodate changes throughout a project’s course.

4. What is the Critical Path Method?

The Critical Path Method (CPM) is based on the assumption that the previous task must be completed before proceeding to the next one. The critical path results from the outline of all dependent tasks. CPM enables managers to effectively prioritize and distribute resources to critical tasks. This clears up any delays that may hold human and financial resources resulting in greater efficiency.

5. What is Critical chain project management?

Critical chain project management (CCPM) is similar to CPM. The only difference is that CCPM emphasizes the availability of resources and incorporates this aspect into the critical path. CCPM also creates time buffers, which allows the fulfillment of deadlines (Ungureanu & Ungureanu, 2014).

6. What is Agile methodology?

The agile methodologies were established in 2001. Four main values govern the methodologies. The need for prioritizing individuals as well as their interactions instead of tools and processes is one of the core aspects. The use of functional software instead of comprehensive documentation is also critical. The urgent need for collaboration with clients instead of negotiation of contracts as well as response to changes over sticking to the initial plan are core aspects. When using agile methodologies, the client clarifies the objectives. The final deliverables may change in an ongoing project. The team relies on iterative cycles, which involve the evaluation of results, which determine whether the initial deliverable will address the needs of the client. Collaboration is highly emphasized, especially between the team members and stakeholders (nTask, 2021).

Scrum is one of the agile methodologies, which is simple to implement. The methodology involves the division of deliverables into 30 days. Scrum is ideal for teams that have easier access to resources and are time-constrained. The method allows rapid growth and testing of concepts within collaborative teams that exhibit high commitment (Ungureanu & Ungureanu, 2014). Other agile methodologies include Kanban, extreme programming, and adaptive project framework. The Kanban methodology allows managers to improve productivity by reducing time wastage. Extreme programming utilizes brief cycles that avoid burnout, thus ensuring efficiency. The adaptive project framework allows the team to improve the current stage by learning from the past phases.

7. What factors should one consider when choosing a methodology?

When choosing a methodology, it is important to begin with the end. This requires an understanding of the final deliverable, the needs it addresses, benefits, requirements, and objectives. Secondly, it is important to assess the best methods or environment for the team’s success (nTask, 2021). This will help determine whether collaboration-based methodologies will be effective or not.

Project Management Tools

1. What is a network diagram?

The network or arrow diagram uses arrows to link different tasks and show precedence. The linkages also display the tasks’ interdependences. The assumption is that the previous activities will be completed prior to beginning new ones. In addition, the arrows’ direction shows the actual sequence that the activities should follow. Finally, network diagrams are assumed to begin with a single event. It involves slack time, which is the allowed delay period for each task.

2. What is a Gantt chart?

The Gantt chart provides a visual representation that includes different tasks, which are related to the project. They provide specific start and completion dates for each task. The charts also list the responsible team members and show the connection of all tasks.

3. What is a Project Evaluation and Review Technique?

Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is ideal for identifying a project’s critical path. PERT eases the process of scheduling complex projects and provides realistic durations of completion. The main estimates used in PERT include T-O, most likely, and the pessimistic. The first estimate assumes that the activity will not suffer any delays because all factors will work in its favor. The most likely estimate assumes that the project will encounter challenges during implementation. The pessimistic estimate assumes that challenges will occur and make it difficult to achieve the final deliverables.

4. What is a work breakdown structure?

A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a tool that presents activities in the form of a hierarchy. The division of deliverables into manageable aspects is one of the advantages of a WBS (nTask, 2021).

References

nTask. (2021). Project Management Tools.

Ungureanu, A., & Ungureanu, A. (2014). Methodologies used in Project Management. Annals of Spiru Haret University Economic Series, 14(2), 47. doi:DOI:10.26458/1425

Wrike, Inc. (2021). The top project management methodologies.

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