The project management techniques every skilled PM should know

Juggling a myriad of tasks, each with its unique rhythm and ripple effect, takes more than just a run-of-the-mill approachā€”it demands masterfulĀ project management techniques. Envision guiding a vessel through the swell of the ocean; that’s project coordination, where strategy marries execution.

Every seasoned sailor knows that the right mix of skills and navigational tactics are pivotal, or you might just capsize before reaching the shore.

In this deep dive, Iā€™m mapping out the treasure trove of methods that make projects not just survive, but thrive.

Youā€™ll be charting courses using Agile’s nimble tides, steering through the Scrum reefs, and gliding over Kanban currents.

FromĀ risk mitigation strategiesĀ that fend off unexpected squalls toĀ resource allocationĀ that ensures your crew is top-notch, mastery awaits.

Prep your savvy forĀ critical path methodsĀ andĀ performance measurementĀ tools; it’s the savvy captain who reaches port victorious.

By article’s end, you’ll be set to command your project ship like a seasoned pro, navigating through the roughest of project seas with poise and precision.

The 12 best project management techniques that can help you grow your business

The key to efficient project management is finding the technique that suits your project the best.

Here are 12 project management techniques that can help you improve as a PM:

Scrum

Scrum is a useful project management technique derived fromĀ Agile Development FrameworkĀ processes. The ADF features a project overview which you can change based on the frequent evaluation. Using feedback in this way ensures the project then lives up to its full potential.

But what does the Scrum technique look like in practice? It involves a team that works on a project for a set period. We call these periods sprints. The team features a Scrum Master, the person who oversees all project discussions. The goal of these discussions is to find solutions to possible obstacles on the path to success.

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

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No matter the size, all projects can seem daunting at first. Before you know it, you will quickly drown in a sea of responsibilities. Thatā€™s why rushing in without a concrete plan is a waste of time and effort. Any good project manager must first plan before they act.

As the name implies, Work Breakdown Structure helps you break down the project into small chunks. Thus, your team will always know what the current goal is. This leads to increased productivity.

WBSĀ makes this even easier by visually monitoring all tasks in your projects. It resembles a family tree. The final product is located at the top. Itā€™s connected to several boxes (tasks) by lines. These tasks all branch out into as many smaller tasks as the project requires.

The best thing about WBS is how intuitive it is once you understand the key principles.

Gantt Charts

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Gantt charts are old yet reliable project management tools. Both beginner and veteran project managers still use them. Much like WBS, they focus on visualizing your project management.

These charts visualize the task you must tackle. At the same time, they allow you to set the amount of time your team should dedicate to each task.

Apart from measuring time, they also allow you to see task dependencies and predict how setbacks may affect your deadlines.

PERT

Pert stands forĀ Program Evaluation and Review Technique. This project management methodology is great for estimating how long it will take you to complete your tasks and projects.

Combined with the WBS technique, PERT can help you calculate probabilities based on the statistics of each individual task. These statistics consider your used resources, spent time, and involved departments.

PERT truly shines when you use it with systems that track your important performance and project data. If you tracked how much time you spent on each phase of one task, it will help you calculate estimated time lengths for your future projects.

Though it takes a while to fully wrap your head around it, this PM technique can most of your responsibilities.

Process-Based Project Management

This type of strategy passes down the company principles to each team. First, you must recognize the goal of each individual task. Then, your team should follow your companyā€™s objective to achieve these goals.

Process-Based Project management helps PMs stay focused on the clientā€™s primary objective. This ensures the client will be satisfied with your work.

Critical Path Method (CPM)

This is arguably the most important project management technique on our list. To execute it, you need to first create a project model that covers all the tasks necessary to complete it. This can either be a list or a WBS chart. These tasks should also come with estimated times of completion and other dependencies.

This data helps you determine the longest time it will take you to complete all tasks. It allows you to understand how much time you can take to finish the project while meeting all deadlines. Thus, youā€™ll know which tasks you need to tackle ASAP, and which can wait.

UsingĀ the CPM techniqueĀ depends on the type of project management software you use. Some tools canā€™t perform it, meaning you must deal with the math yourself.

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Waterfall/Linear

While theĀ waterfall techniqueĀ may be old, it remains useful even today. It involves breaking down your project management into 5 linear phases:

  • Requirements:Ā Gather all the necessary data and documentation
  • Design:Ā Create a task list based on the WBS technique
  • Implementation:Ā Complete all the tasks
  • Verification:Ā Check the state of your completed deliverables
  • Maintenance:Ā Maintain or alter your approach as needed

Critical Chain Project Management

We recommend using this project management technique when the budget is your primary concern. It allows you to keep track of your budget when you hire new members for your team. Additionally, this technique helps you decide on the best tools and ways you can use to accomplish your task.

Critical Chain Project ManagementĀ is great if you want to achieve good results with a limited budget.

Kanban

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Though simple, the Kanban technique allows you to visualize the workflows during your project. Itā€™s easily one of the most popular project management techniques used today. The result is a Kanban board filled with many cards.

Your team can use these cards to track your project progress across all stages. The Kanban board can boost your teamā€™s productivity by breaking the project into small manageable tasks.

Traditional Project Management

Many project managers take the ā€˜donā€™t fix what isnā€™t brokenā€™ approach when it comes to PM. Traditional project management involves a PM who oversees the project during all stages. They instruct the team and provide invaluable feedback. This helps the team create the project exactly as the client desired it.

However, we recommend this only for smaller teams. Overseeing more complex projects this way may be too much for one person to handle.

Scaled Agile Framework

TheĀ SAFe techniqueĀ implements agile projects at scale. It has four levels of organization: essential, large solution, portfolio, and full. This makes it applicable to companies of all sizes.

We recommend the Scaled Agile Framework for companies that focus on growth. With it, your team can react to market changes and new technologies better. As a result, your overall productivity will increase.

Extreme Project Management

Though it may sound sinister, the ā€˜extremeā€™ adjective refers to the employment of flexible planning and unconventional methods. We recommend extreme project management for companies with very complex projects with an unknown approach.

This project management technique doesnā€™t rely on set milestones on concrete goals. You just make it all up as you go.

FAQ On Project Management Techniques

What exactly is project management?

Project management? Picture it like a conductor’s baton orchestrating assorted tasks and goals. It’s the art, and yes, the science, of planning, executing, and wrapping up projects. Think timelines, milestones, and all the jazz. It’s about hitting those deliverables bang on, with resources and teams humming in tune.

Which project management techniques are essential to master?

You’ve gotta have a few aces up your sleeve.Ā Agile methodologyĀ rocks for adaptability, whileĀ Gantt chartsĀ lay out your plan visually. Nail yourĀ work breakdown structureĀ to chop tasks into bite-sized pieces, and harnessĀ risk mitigation strategiesĀ to dodge pitfalls. Get these down, and you’re golden.

How do I choose the right project management methodology?

Picking a methodology ain’t a one-size-fits-all game. Consider your project’s size, complexity, and dynamics. Agile’s great for flexibility, whileĀ PRINCE2‘s more structured.

For creative endeavors? Lean on Agile. Building skyscrapers or software?Ā WaterfallĀ orĀ SCRUMĀ might be your stick. It’s all about the project’s flavor.

What’s the role of a project manager?

The project manager’s the MVP who keeps the show on the road. Steering the wheel, they plan, budget, and watch the project like a hawk. Communication? They ace it. They’re jugglers – managing teams, finessing timelines, and ensuring the ship sails smooth from the get-go to the grand finale.

How can I improve team collaboration in projects?

To get the band jamming in sync, lay downĀ communication protocolsĀ that rock. Mix in some tech flairā€”thinkĀ project management toolsĀ like Asana. Regular check-ins? Essential.

Foster an open-air vibe where thoughts flow and collaboration’s not just a buzzword. Transparency’s keyā€”everyone should know the play and their part in it.

What is the importance of risk management in project management?

Picture risk management as your project’s lifeguard. It’s not just about spotting trouble but diving in to tackle it. Assess potential project menaces and draft contingency plans. Having a solidĀ risk mitigation strategyĀ means when the unexpected hits, you’re ready to roll with the punches and come out unscathed.

Can project management help in time management?

You bet! Project management is time management’s best buddy.Ā Task schedulingĀ keeps procrastination at bay, whileĀ milestone trackingĀ sparks momentum.

Equip your team with niftyĀ time management tools, and soon enough, you’re slicing through deadlines like a hot knife through butter. Efficient time use? It’s the secret sauce.

What tools can assist in project management?

The right tool can turn chaos into a symphony. From Asana and Trello wheeling the basics to Microsoft Project for the heavy lifters. They’re your virtual Swiss Army knife, packing scheduling, tracking, and real-time collaboration. Choose wisely. It could be the difference between a project feast and famine.

How do I handle project changes effectively?

Change is part of the project’s DNA. Embrace it with open arms but stay sharp.Ā Change management processesĀ are your playbook. Keep stakeholders in the loop, reassess your game plan, and shuffle resources if needed. Flexibility’s the name of the game, but keep your project’s heart beating strong.

What is the significance of stakeholder management?

Stakeholder management? That’s your VIP pass. Nurturing those relationships is primo. Understand their needs, keep the comms crystal. They can be your project’s biggest fans or toughest critics. Get them cheering, and you’ve got a robust backing that could elevate your project to rockstar status.

Conclusion

Crafting this symphony ofĀ project management techniquesĀ wasn’t just about spilling industry secrets. It’s about equipping you with the finesse to slide through projects like a pro skaterā€”smooth, in control, nailing every trick in the book.

  • You’re now clued up onĀ Agile’sĀ twist and turns and can craft aĀ work breakdown structureĀ that’s as sturdy as oak.
  • You’ve got the lowdown on syncingĀ team collaborationā€”striking the right chords to make collective harmony.
  • The roadmap throughĀ risk management? You could walk it blindfolded.

So, as the curtain falls on our backstage tour, remember: what’s in your toolkit is gold. Whether you’re herding cats on a wild startup ride or steering the ship on mammoth corporate seas, those techniquesā€”those nuggets of wisdomā€”are your north star.

Stay sharp. Stay curious. And let the results speak volumes. Because in the grand theater of projects, it’s the ones who master the methods that take the final bow.

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