For an efficient and effective project management process, selecting the correct tools & techniques is vital. As a project manager, the tools and techniques you employ will define your project work. The tools may differ from project to project and the technique ranges from conventional to modern, innovative ones.
The selection of project management techniques greatly depends on your project goals, their complications, the kind of team involved, and many more. Use techniques that can be employed in different projects. Traditional methods do have some limitations and they cannot be used in certain fields.
7 Best Project Management Techniques and Methods
Here are a few project management techniques for developing an effective project with the minimum loss of time & resources.
1. Traditional Method
You may think that traditional methods are not as efficient for project management as the modern ones but this may not always be true. Sometimes, this technique can be more appropriate for your project, especially for a running project that does not involve complicated processes & is usually delivered by a team of only a few members.
Traditional technique involves the preparation of a plan for upcoming projects, estimation of steps performed by each team member, allocation of resources, receiving feedback, & most importantly, keeping a check on the deadlines & standard of the project.
2. Waterfall Method
Similar to the traditional method, the waterfall technique is not very modern yet it does take the classic technique to another level. Self-evidently, this method is dependent on sequential performances of the work. By sequential, it means that only when a task is entirely accomplished, the succeeding step begins.
A particular chart called the Gantt chart is widely used for monitoring the project management process & tracks the steps already performed. It helps in providing a vivid observable depiction of dependencies & phases.
Nevertheless, unlike the traditional method, the waterfall method is employed for complicated tasks that require detailed phasing. The method is also based on fixed work structures.
3. Agile Method
The agile PM technique comes with a series of principles that are value-centered. It directs the project manager regarding the division of project work into small sprints by employing adaptive planning and fostering the team’s organizational skills & improve them continually.
Agile techniques offer the maximum value and are mostly employed in software development processes. It includes recurring iterations and mostly operated by extremely collaborative members.
With the modern PM software, you can use this agile technique to configure several work levels, monitor deadlines, be it long- or short-term, estimate the entire planning process and also, develop Kanban boards for monitoring Work-in-Progress.
So, all in all, these tools let you create a well-defined framework for the project using the agile technique and evaluate the structure, thereon.
4. Rational Unified Process (RUP)
RUP is a well-designed framework developed for software developers & projects related to software development. It offers implementation of iterative development processes and takes into consideration every feedback received from the users to plan successfully for future development project stages.
RUP is popularly implemented in software development projects where the main element is the satisfaction of end-users.
5. Project Evaluation & Review Technique (PERT)
This project management technique is one of the most widely used methods in multiple areas. It includes complicated but detailed planning & visual monitoring of step-wise project outcome on the PERT chart. The main segment of this technique includes analyzing the tasks within your project.
The origin of this PM technique goes back to the Cold War era when the US Navy created the PERT for increasing the level of efficiency on advanced technologies.
The project evaluation & review technique is more suitable for large projects that have routine-free tasks & demanding prerequisites.
6. Critical Path Technique
The critical path technique uses an algorithm to schedule and plans the tasks involved in a project. This method is often associated with the above-mentioned PERT method.
It includes detection of the sequential tasks right from the start till the end of the project and effectively defines the vital tasks. These vital or critical tasks may affect the deadlines of your project and there, it requires close attention and rigorous quality check & control.
Worth mentioning, the critical path technique is commonly used for complicated projects with unfavorable and overcritical deadlines & delivery goals, especially in fields like defence, construction, etc.
7. Critical Chain Method
Coming to one of the most modern and innovative techniques derived from the Critical Path & PERT techniques. Being more or less focused on fixed task orders & schedules, it is more flexible in allocating resources & paying more heed to the duration of each phase.
The critical chain method puts more importance on dependency analysis, optimization, & prioritization. It is more suitable for projects with limited resources & time.
7 Best Project Management Tools and Software
For effective project management, tools are as important as the techniques for accomplishing the goals of your project.
Here are a few software tools you can implement in your project and be successful as a project manager.
1. ProofHub
This is a holistic, multidimensional PM tool with strong features implemented by renowned companies such as NASA, Taco Bell, etc. With this, you can enjoy the advantages of different tools all under one umbrella.
2. LiquidPlanner
This is again another amazing PM tool offering a more advanced way of planning, executing your project work, & the most responsive approach. With this, you can instantaneously check the effects of resource availability.
3. Zoho Projects
Effortlessly plan, monitor, collaborate and get detailed insights with Zoho Project’s Gantt charts. It can be integrated with other essential apps like Dropbox, Slack, and Zapier.
4. Basecamp
More than a decade old, Basecamp has a basic interface & a collaborative approach for efficient PM. Create your projects with very few clicks and get regular reports on overdue work, deadlines, & many more.
5. ClickUp
This is 1 of the top and most productive project management tools available on the market today. It provides 3 independent views, namely, Board, Box, & List. Develop your customized statuses & workflows for improved work management.
6. Wrike
Specially designed for more concentration on communication, simplification of the project management process, and streamlining workflows, Wrike offers you full visibility over projects & related tasks.
7. Trello
Keeping the best for the last, Trello enables managers & teams to monitor & prioritize work in a simple, flexible & satisfying manner. This simple PM tool offers quite a straightforward framework to boost your efficiency with the assistance of automation power.
Conclusion:
Sometimes, it may seem to be quite overwhelming for a project manager to choose the most appropriate project management tools and techniques promising the success of your project. There are too many options available on the market today which makes the job all the more challenging, especially if you are a newbie.
Choose the best option for effective analysis and management of your while eyeing for multiple dependencies and essential elements that gives you the desired outcome.
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