Different Types of Project Management You Need to Know

Project management is a versatile independent discipline, including approaches, methodologies, and applications across various industries. From traditional waterfall to agile scrum, project managers use a host of techniques to ensure the successful completion of projects.

This article discusses the types of project management, industries that use project management, and the various roles a project manager can take on. Knowing the scope of project management will help aspiring professionals make wise decisions concerning their career paths and possible certifications, educational programs, or Project Management Tutorials that may be needed.

Types of Project Management Approaches and Methodologies

1. Waterfall:

The approach of Waterfall is linear and sequential; the phases are complete, one after the other, according to How to Become A Project Manager. The project managers use the waterfall approach mainly in projects that have rigidly defined requirements and where changes are not expected. Waterfall is good for projects—like building a house, in which one stage needs to be completed before another can start working or where tight constraints exist. A predictable result is required. That means that in the waterfall approach, there is a straightforward sequence from plan to execution, with a high degree of documentation and formal communication.

2. Agile

Agile methods are iterative and incremental, which involves tending towards small steps and the ability to turn around quickly to change smoothly. Project managers widely use the Agile approach in industries where they expect turbulence or can’t know all the details at the start—independent of the industry, for example, in software development. The Agile Manifesto was written in 2001 by project managers in software development, which outlines the 12 principles that guide the Agile approach. The agile approach is adaptive, flexible, and focused on collaboration and continuous improvement.

3. Learn

Lean project management attempts to rid the project of non-essential elements and increase efficiency by focusing on customer value and emphasizing the entire project at the beginning so that it is in a position to identify areas responsible for generating value and reducing waste. It has its roots in the manufacturing industry, particularly in automobile manufacturing at Toyota. The lean itself demands the removal of garbage, smoothing of processes, and enhancement of quality.

4. Scrum

Scrum is an agile framework that segregates projects into chunks of work called sprints. The level of collaboration, communication, and real-time adaptation goes toward meeting the evolving needs of a project at hand. This approach focuses on self-organizing teams and regular reviews in aligning a project according to client expectations. The Scrum approach focuses on transparency, inspection, and adaptation, using visual tools like the Scrum board.

5. Kanban

Kanban focuses on continuous workflow and visualization management, which helps teams keep priorities and progress up-to-date. It can be represented through customized boards. Kanban is a great help in projects related to flexibility and adaptability. The Kanban approach is based on three paths: visualization of work, limiting Work in Progress, and continuous enhancement of the process.

6. Six Sigma

Six Sigma strives to increase project quality through data-driven analysis backed by process improvement to minimize errors. It follows methodologies such as DMAIC and DMADV in establishing the root causes of errors for correction, considering consistency and customer satisfaction. The approach emphasizes data analysis and statistical process control, and continuous improvement is incorporated.

7. Critical Path Method (CPM)

Using the CPM, a Project Manager can zero in on the task interdependencies of the mission-critical tasks involved in a project and identify which factors are going to be the most complex to get right. This schedule enables the team to manage its resources more efficiently and plan priorities accordingly. CPM is among the methodologies developed for finding critical paths and managing resources effectively.

8. Critical Chain Project Management

Critical Chain Project Management provides a resource-based, budget-adherence-led process. It focuses on the essential activities at hand to receive optimized project deliverables for effective resource distribution and handling of the project’s limitations to meet its goals. The CCPM methodology is resource-centric and thus focuses on reducing multitasking.

9. Prism

Prism combines issues of sustainability with project management. This, therefore, includes, amongst other things, social and environmental responsibility. The Prism module aids project managers in infusing sustainability principles within a project design and implementation to reduce its overall ecological impacts and ensure benefits for organizations and society. The PRiSM method focuses on sustainability, environmental responsibility, and social impact.

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Types of Project Management Across Industries

There are the following types of project management across industries :

1. Construction

A construction project manager is someone who plans and manages building projects to completion. Project managers work with architects and engineers to construct a building within the planned time and budget, following the specifications laid down. Construction project managers need full knowledge of building codes, regulations, and safety standards.

2. IT

IT project managers are responsible for running projects within the information technology domain. This could mean software development, hardware implementation, or even better infrastructure in the form of networking.IT project managers need advanced knowledge of technology. They can also explain technical concepts and ideas to less technical stakeholders. To ensure the successful running of IT projects, they need to coordinate with developers, designers, and other associated IT people.

3. Software Development

Software development project managers participate in the development of software applications, websites, or digital products while working intimately with the developers, designers, and product managers to deliver the final product according to the requirements formulated by the client. They must, therefore, have a strong knowledge base about methodologies associated with software development and the capability to run complex technical projects.

4. Health Care

In healthcare, project managers are called upon to manage projects in hospitals or other healthcare facilities. Most of the time, they require sufficient knowledge about legislation and regulations concerning healthcare. Healthcare project managers work closely with medical professionals, administrators, and other stakeholders to ensure the success of healthcare projects.

5. Energy

Energy project managers run projects to produce, distribute, and conserve energy resources. This could be through the development of power plants, renewable energy installations, or energy efficiency projects. Energy project managers need to be knowledgeable about energy technologies and manage complex projects with a large number of stakeholders.

6. Marketing

The Marketing Project Managers coordinate the planning and execution of marketing campaigns, events, or promotional activities. They ensure the delivery of effective marketing solutions by working with cross-functional teams made up of designers, copywriters, and social media specialists. For example, a marketing project manager needs to know a little about marketing and how to run complex marketing projects.

Project Manager Types

1. Executor

They are strong project managers in the execution of plans, seeing everything through to fruition on time and within budget. They have developed resource management, progress control, and problem-solving expertise. Many project managers of executor projects get involved in day-to-day running projects, ensuring that all tasks are delivered on time.

2. Prophet

Prophets are project managers who possess brilliant skills. In visualizing the big picture and communicating with stakeholders why projects are important to the business. It means aligning projects with organizational goals and selling them to executives. The prophet usually sets the general direction of the projects in order to make sure that they support the strategic objectives of an organization.

3. Expert

Experts are project managers who have obtained a wide breadth and depth of technical knowledge in a specific domain, like software development or construction. They are capable of providing technical leadership to all team members and stakeholders. Experts are good at ensuring projects conform to industry standards and best practices.Good project managers often lead technical teams to ensure that projects are delivered to the required technical standards.

4. Gambler

It is the Gambler Project Manager who has the knack for negotiating uncertainty and making decisions in high-risk environments, mitigating risks, and excelling in projects with evolving requirements or tight deadlines. Normally, high-risk projects are assigned to gambler project managers and get them through despite all odds.The approach of the Gambler project managers eventually gives way to innovative solutions, but it requires careful risk management.

Conclusion

There are several different career paths in project management across many industries. Knowing the types of Project Management Masters Program and roles will help aspiring professionals to align themselves correspondingly with suitable certifications. Be it traditional, working in a waterfall approach or under an agile Scrum framework; there is room for you within the Project Management community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the four types of project management?

The four major types are Waterfall, Agile, Lean, and Critical Path Methods.

What are the four models of project management?

The four common models are Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, and Kanban.

What are the two main types of projects in project management?

The two major types are traditional, predictive, and agile, adaptive, projects.

What are the five stages of project management?

The five stages are Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing.