If you are new to project management, here are the latest tools and techniques you should consider before executing your next project. This piece is most suited to project managers, business leaders, and freelancers who have not managed many projects before. Not only will you know where to use these techniques, but also if they suit your project’s various requirements.
Why Do You Need Project Management Techniques?
At the beginning of any project, there are many unknown variables that can overwhelm you. Therefore, having a process helps. Project management techniques provide the roadmap for executing your project more smoothly. There are certain techniques that create a structural path for your project. These logical sets of tasks ensure that nothing is left unattended.
When you follow the process diligently, the project has more chances of successfully being executed. However, not all project management techniques are made alike. You can use the following techniques, depending on the project specs…
- Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
- Gantt Charts
- Waterfall
- Requirements (collect all the necessary information/documents)
- Design (create a list of tasks)
- Implementation (complete tasks)
- Verification (review the deliverables)
- Maintenance (maintain and manipulate, if necessary)
- Critical Path Method
- The shortest amount of time
- A realistic amount of time
- The longest amount of time
- Scrum
A WBS transforms big project activities into smaller chunks of manageable tasks. This process lets you and your team members thoroughly understand the job at hand. For example, if you’re constructing a building, you’d be dividing the work segment into: building the foundation, internal work, and external work. Later, you will break down the work into further levels, based on the dependencies.
This technique can also be used as a tool, regardless of the technique you are using for the work. It will help you understand all the tasks and responsibilities required to execute the final product.
Gantt chart has been around for long, and is one of the most reliable project management techniques for beginners. The tool strongly emphasizes visuality by creating a pictorial representation of all the tasks required by you and your team. This technique, which includes a visual time span, is not only excellent as an organizational tool but also helps in tracking time management within tasks.
The waterfall is one of the oldest project management techniques. The tool is excellent for users that prefer linear flow charts to execute the tasks. It shows you your workflow activities in the following manner:
The critical path method is one of the most accurate project management techniques. It gives you the most accurate data on all your activities, and arranges tasks based on the requirements. The tool helps you to choose the shortest route to the project’s completion, and arranges the tasks accordingly. The technique is especially handy in establishing task dependencies. The critical path method gives accurate results for the following tasks:
This is considered the most agile project management technique of all time. If you’re looking to make sure every project deliverable comes out phenomenally, you should get Scrum added to your project management tool kit. It is one of the most efficient methodology techniques.
Scrum divides a project into sprints. During each sprint, you’ll be working on a small chunk of deliverables/features. Sprints should not last longer than two weeks. It needs to be updated daily with approvals which help you keep track of each section easily.
Project management tools define the workflow, and how the project will take the shape. However, it’s up to you to execute these tools and techniques to fetch the desired results. If you’re interested in learning more about this method, and get your personalized management kit, get in touch with our experts at Responsive Media Tech Services or simply put your queries in the comments section below.
