The most important step in any project is the start. How you split work and arrange the processes will decide your ultimate success.
If you have never managed many projects before, you may feel confused. Although you’ve heard of several methods, you don’t know which one will best suit your project.
6 Helpful Project Management Techniques
Before we jump in, remember that each of these methods can be used to help you organize your project. There’s no single right answer.
Your choice depends on you and the project.
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Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
If your goal were to build a house, you would break down the work into different segments, such as the internal work, the external work, or the building of the foundation.
This will allow you to break down the work more into work packages according to levels and task dependencies.
Who should use WBS?
WBS is a good choice for your business. Project management technique it can also be used as an instrument, regardless of what method you choose. In addition, it will help you understand the processes and resources required to produce the final deliverable.
How can I get started?
Start with the project’s final deliverable, then define the tasks you and the team will complete the project.
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Gantt Charts
It’s another technique that emphasizes visualise.
It’s a visualization of all tasks your team must complete to complete the project. The visuals are combined with periods.
You’ll see all task dependencies. This will show you how long each task takes and how its duration affects the start dates, deadlines, and so on.
Who should use Gantt Charts?
Gantt chart can be used independently to manage your projects. But, you can also use them for organizational purposes, regardless of what method you choose.
How can I get started?
Gantt chart views are available in many project management tools. This means that you only need to enter the data once you get the visualization. However, it is important to create a Work Breakdown Chart before adding tasks to your Gantt diagram.
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Critical Path Method
The Critical Path Method allows for accurate scheduling of all project activities.
You’ll do calculating the critical path – the shortest route from project completion. Then, you can organize tasks according to your needs. It’s also a good way to establish task dependencies.
Who should use the Critical Path Method?
CPM is best for complex projects with many task dependencies. But you can use them, just like WBS and Gantt Charts.
How can I get started?
The tasks to be completed must be defined. Next, you will need to establish task dependencies. For example, Task B can’t start until Task A is complete. Finally, create diagrams that show the different duration estimates.
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Waterfall / Linear
The Waterfall is one method for project management that dates back to the beginning.
This project management technique will ensure activities and tasks flow through five phases.
- Requirements
- Design (Use WBS when creating a list with tasks.
- Implementation (Complete tasks)
- Verification (Review deliverables).
- Maintenance (Maintenance and modification, if required).
Who should use Waterfall?
Waterfall works well for projects with distinct phases that need to be modified only once during the project’s life cycle. However, waterfall isn’t the right choice for you if there are certain elements that you want to change or you need budget adjustments.
How can I get started?
List all resources and deliverables required for each phase. Preparation can be key. Be sure to have everything covered in your first project initiation and requirements phase.
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Kanban
Kanban is one of the simplest methods for project managers to manage their projects.
The whole philosophy rests in three columns.
- To-do
- Doing
- Done
Then you can, and your entire team can shift the tasks from one column after you have completed them.
Who should use Kanban?
Anyone. It can be used both as a project management tool and as a standalone tool. It is particularly useful for small projects and teams that are inclined to multitask.
How can I get started?
We recommend visual management software, which includes Kanban boards. You can then create a list and assign each task to different people. You can then move a task to your ”Done” column after you have completed it.
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Scrum
Scrum, one of the most well-known Agile methodologies, can help you ensure that every project delivers spectacularly.
Scrum will allow you to work in sprints.
You will be working on a certain deliverable/feature for each sprint.
Sprints should last no more than 2 Weeks. Additionally, you must hold daily status updates.
Who should use Scrum?
Software development project teams and project teams that work with complex projects with multiple iterations in the project cycle are the most common.
How can I get started?
Break the project down into manageable deliverables/features. One deliverable should be worked on at a given time, and the sprint schedule should reflect task dependencies.
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