Projects can be brought to a successful end in various ways. But the best and most popular project management methodologies, methods, and frameworks are always changing. New concepts appear all the time. An entire string of methods, tools, and techniques lies behind all successful projects. In fact, as a project management practitioner, you’ll probably get to use more than just one of these during your life.
Definitions
Method
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a method as “a procedure or process for attaining an object: such as a systematic procedure, technique, or mode of inquiry employed by or proper to a particular discipline or a systematic plan followed in presenting material for instruction”.
In other words, a method refers to a single action, tool, technique, process, or way of doing something.
Methodology
Looking again at the Merriam-Webster Dictionary for consistency, a methodology is “a body of methods, rules, and postulates employed by a discipline; a particular procedure or set of procedures”.
Essentially, a methodology is a collection of methods, practices, processes, techniques, procedures, and rules. In project management, methodologies are specific, strict, and usually contain a series of steps and activities for each phase of the project’s life cycle. They’re defined approaches that show us exactly what steps to take next, the motivation behind each step, and how a project stage should be performed.
Framework
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a framework is “a body of methods, rules, and postulates employed by a discipline: a particular procedure or set of procedures” or “the analysis of the principles or procedures of inquiry in a particular field”.
Similarly, the Business Dictionary defines a framework as being a “broad overview, outline, or skeleton of interlinked items which supports a particular approach to a specific objective, and serves as a guide that can be modified as required by adding or deleting items”.
In the case of project management, a framework is an overview of how its guidelines should be implemented. While methodologies offer strict principles and practices for completing a project, frameworks are more flexible because they can adapt to changing situations or to a company’s own needs, leaving room for the person in charge to find the best way of completing a project. You can also bring new existing methods or practices to the framework you’re working with.
PMI – Project Management Institute
PMI provides a project management framework which is documented in the PMBOK Guide.
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) is PMI’s flagship publication and is a fundamental resource for effective project management in any industry.
PRINCE2 ®
PRINCE2 is a project management methodology, applicable to all types of projects. PRINCE2 provides the steps you need to take in your project, and normal responsibilities of the team members. It’s customisable, so you can tailor and use for small and large projects.
PM Studio ™
PM Studio™ is a project management system for anyone needing to complete projects in the real world. It is for project managers, project leaders, team managers and all others involved in a project team.
Even when you are not a full time project responsible, but you are just dealing with projects on an ad-hoc basis, PM Studio™ will provide you with the necessary information and tools to get your project done successfully.
PM Studio is mainly focussing on the project initiation and preparation phase, ensuring that many issues and problems resulting from poor preparation can be avoided during project execution. One of the key features to facilitate these preparation activities is the use of visual tools such as the Project Model Canvas.
MPMM
An entire Project Management Methodology and Process for Project Managers.
Every phase, activity and task within the Project Life cycle is described in depth, helping you to deliver projects faster and more efficiently than before.
MPMM is a Project Management Methodology containing 1500 tasks, charts, tables and examples to help guide your projects towards success. In addition to including an entire project management process, it also contains all of the project management templates, forms and checklists needed.
If you’re a Project Manager, Consultant, Trainer or Student, you can use this methodology to improve your project management success.