Project Management Best Practices, 5th Edition

4Project Management Methodologies

4.0 INTRODUCTION

In Chapter 1, we described the life‐cycle phases for achieving maturity in project management. The fourth phase was the growth phase, which included the following:

• Establish life‐cycle phases.
• Develop a project management methodology.
• Base the methodology on effective planning.
• Minimize scope changes and scope creep.
• Select the appropriate software to support the methodology.

The importance of a good methodology cannot be overstated. Not only will it improve performance during project execution, but it will also allow for better customer relations and customer confidence. Good methodologies can also lead to sole‐source or single‐source procurement contracts.

Creating a workable methodology for project management is no easy task. One of the biggest mistakes made is developing a different methodology for each type of project. Another is failing to integrate the project management methodology and project management tools into a single process, if possible. When companies develop project management methodologies and tools in tandem, two benefits emerge: First, the work is accomplished with fewer scope changes. Second, the processes are designed to create minimal disturbance to ongoing business operations.

This chapter discusses the components of a project management methodology and some of the most widely used project management tools. Detailed examples of methodologies at work are also included.

4.1 EXCELLENCE DEFINED

Excellence ...