An approach and methodology for project management refers to the way in which the management of a project is carried out. There are various project management approach examples, each posing their own benefits to overall successful project completion. The way in which project management is carried out for a project is important to choose correctly as it will define the efficiency and effectiveness of the project as a whole.
Índice
Traditional Project Management Approach
Project management was first introduced as a recognised discipline in the 1950s, however it has been practised for thousands of years. As time went on and the world began to develop at a rapid pace and project became more complex, a specific method called traditional project management was defined and introduced.
Traditional project management is practised universally and includes specific techniques that are applied to the planning, estimating and control of the activities that make up a project. The aim of the approach is to help project managers and teams achieve their goals as required, on time and within budget.
With traditional project management a managerial approach looks at a relatively uncomplicated project that may be repetitive and the activities of which follow a sequence. Sequences can be effectively defined by using project management tools such as Sinnaps and the Gantt-flow that it provides, along with some added benefits 😊
Agile Approach to Project Management
The agile working methodology or ‘movement’ allows project managers and other stakeholders to assess and examine the direction of the project during its life cycle. Sprints or iterations are regular and consistent project works which allow for a constant-growth model which team members follow. At the end of each sprint or iteration it is required that the project team deliver results in moving the project along.
Its motivation is to seek alternatives to traditional project management. The agile methodology is not just one method. An example of agile methodology in project management is scrum or Kanban, to name just two that are applied by Sinnaps.
Projects are complex and today, more than ever, are met with uncertainties and unpredictability. The agile methodology process seeks to respond to these uncertainties through incremental, iterative work cadences and empirical feedback.
Planning based on Agile Methodology
Waterfall Approach to Project Management
The waterfall approach to project management refers to the traditional process approach to 
management. Effectively, it cannot compare to the optimisation of an agile method, especially for modern, complex and demanding projects. The agile methods mostly focus on allowing teams to work on a project and during its development to easily facilitate any changes or modifications needed to reach the project’s goal more effectively.
The waterfall method does not allow for changes or modifications to be easily included during a project process and instead sets out everything before the project’s beginning, hoping that everything will go according to plan and that there won’t be a need for change. It is mainly useful for projects that are not complicated and involve few coordination requirements.
Systems Approach to Project Management
A systems approach to project management means that the project manager can continuously evaluate the needs of the client for which the project is being carried out and therefore better achieve the end results that are required.
A systems approach to project management looks at all of the elements of a project as dependent on each other. Goals and milestones are set throughout the project and their achievements are very important. Any inputs to the project must be recorded, which is aided by Sinnaps project management software that allows you to easily manage the inputs of your project and how the effect the result.
Feedback is crucial in a systems approach. Tools such as a live in-chat feature provided by Sinnaps allow for constant and consistent communication, meaning that no stone goes unturned. Monitoring and control are also important aspects where KPIs and Resource trackers provided by Sinnaps become invaluable.
Using a systems approach to project management means that project managers can keep objectives in sight, especially vital when working for a client or on multiple project systems.
Program Management Approach
Program management refers to the management of multiple projects that make up a master project simultaneously. In the same way that project management requires a specific approach, program management does also.
Most commonly, the approach taken to managing a program involves the drafting of the master program plan, which can be done with Sinnaps, while also defining and planning the scope of each of the project that make up the master.
Program stages are identified so that they can be assessed throughout progress and the interdependencies between the projects are outlined. Sinnaps allows you to easily view and manage the various projects of a program in the project planning software.
Overall, project management is the practice that will help to bring your project from zero to hero. It is important to consider the type of project you are undertaking and the approach most suitable for it.
We are lucky today to have software such as Sinnaps available that optimise project management, making it efficient and effective.
