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What is the best way to manage a business project? If you have to lead work teams and projects, it is very easy for you to often ask yourself that question. A good leader must know the best project management methods to apply the most appropriate, so let’s discover the most interesting project management methodologies.
1. Critical path method
Known by the English initials CPM (Critical Path Method), it is presented as the most appropriate tool for the project management with interdependent activities. We have a list of activities to do, and it has two lines: the work breakdown and the timeline to complete it. Both show the different milestones or deliverables, and describe the critical and non-critical activities when calculating the time to complete them.
2. Critical chain project management
In this case, we know it as CCPM (Critical Chain Project Management), and unlike the CPM we have just seen, in the CCPM we use the resources within the project, and not its activities. To address the problems with resources, intermediate warehouses are integrated that will allow us to guarantee the timely completion of the project without jeopardizing its safety.
3. Agile
Although the Agile method It was thought for projects that demand speed and flexibility, we can use it in any type of project. The key is the short delivery cycles and process repetition, reducing risks. It is very interactive and allows us introduce adjustments quickly, without unduly altering project development. A very interesting methodology to work with autonomous teams or projects that do not require too much control.
4. Waterfall
It is presented as a very interesting method for projects planned in advance, to which we will not introduce changes. It is a sequential method, which includes a series of static phases executed in the same order: requirements analysis, design, test, implementation and maintenance. In each phase, the project manager exercises tight control over it, but has the difficulty that no changes can be added, so pre-planning is key to its success.
5. Scrum
Agility and interactivity They are the two words that best define this method that takes your rugby world. The sessions of Scrum or 30-day sprints allow us to prioritize projects, and instead of a manager or project manager we have the figure of scrum master, the leader of this mélé. We have a series of small teams that meet to face their tasks independently, and then meet with the scrum master to analyze results and prioritize overdue tasks.
6. Six Sigma
Motorolla developed this working method with the objective of end waste and improve both processes and profits, and still in the front line. This method for project management is based on three pillars, known by their initials: DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control), DMADV (define, measure, analyze, design and verify) and DFSS, the design for Six Sigma, which includes the previous options and others such as IDOV (identify, design, optimize and verify).
7. Introduction of the new product (NPI)
We can refer to it as NPI for its acronym in English, and it is usually used more than for a project in general to focus on certain product launch steps. Thus, we will not waste time in creating budgets, tasks, etc., but We will rely on communication with all parties involved in the project. Ideally, the manager design Work teams with members from different fields involved in the development of new products and that these do not dissolve until their launch, which will mean the end of the project.