{"id":874,"date":"2020-11-19T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-11-19T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/niftypm.com\/blog\/choosing-the-best-project-management-methodology-types-b46f1adeb9b2\/"},"modified":"2025-08-24T06:26:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-24T10:26:14","slug":"choosing-the-best-project-management-methodology-types","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/niftypm.com\/blog\/choosing-the-best-project-management-methodology-types\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing the Best Project Management Methodology (&\u00a0Types)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choosing the correct project management type and project management methodology is an important aspect of managing a projects lifecycle efficiently.\u00a0 Picture it like a GPS system when your are selecting the best route to head on to reach your destination. And much like a GPS-led road trip, you\u2019ve got options on the different ways you can go.<\/p>\n

Project management<\/strong><\/a> is a dynamic approach to ensuring your work gets done effectively and efficiently. Gone are the rigid and time-consuming processes of days of old. We\u2019ve moved to more flexible and customizable approaches customized to fit a team\u2019s individual qualifications.<\/p>\n

Choosing the right management methodology is just as essential to your project\u2019s success as having the right team in place. It means the difference between clear communication and meeting deadlines. Think of the right project management methodology as Google Maps when you\u2019re on a road trip. Sure, you can listen to a random person\u2019s directions at the gas station, but isn\u2019t it better to have a dynamic platform to help you get from A to B as smoothly as possible?<\/p>\n

That being said, it\u2019s always a good idea to have an arsenal of project management methodologies in your back pocket. You might be familiar with some of the methodologies and management types below, having used them, while others might seem more unfamiliar but will be just as helpful on a future endeavor. Think of these as the alternate routes that a GPS tracking<\/a> system might offer you. Let\u2019s take a look at each of these styles to better understand how and when to use them.<\/p>\n

1. Agile Project Management (Most Commonly Used Project Management Methodology)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Agile project management is probably one of the most popular project management methodologies and for a good reason in this new era of agile workflow. It\u2019s an iterative process<\/a> that allows for adjustments as needed, which means that it\u2019s very responsive to any changes that might come up based on new information and client feedback. Agile project management requires accountability, organization, and teamwork from each team member.<\/p>\n

Agile project management breaks tasks down into circuits, or \u2018sprints\u2019 to align development to project needs. Agile projects usually have faster release cycles, and this continual collaboration<\/a> leads to an end result with less defects and less of a need to rework things. On the other hand, progress with this methodology might be harder to track and documentation might get left behind in the rush to iterate.<\/p>\n

\"Agile
Nifty\u2019s automated Kanban board takes care of assigning tasks based on status which facilitates rapid iteration and testing workflows.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. Waterfall<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Waterfall project management method is based on the traditional project management structure. It\u2019s often used in projects with defined sequences and minimal expected changes. Since it\u2019s a more linear approach to project management, it\u2019s not as responsive to changes like we see in Agile. Waterfall project management follows specific stages, including requirements, analysis, design, coding, testing, and operation.<\/p>\n

This methodology works best in a project with a clear vision of the end goal and minimal dependencies. Since the work product is reviewed as a whole at the end of the process, it\u2019s not as useful if you expect multiple changes along the way. If changes are required, the process will start over from the beginning. This style is ideal for projects with long term deadlines as opposed to more aggressive deadlines.<\/p>\n

\"Waterfall\"
Timeline View allows for project members to align around milestone deadlines while easily accessing the tasks that are required within each phase.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Critical\u00a0Path<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Critical path methodology works well with projects with multiple dependencies. It focuses on using resources efficiently to complete project tasks. The critical path here is the longest stretch of dependent activities based on a particular resource (a team member, resource, budget, time window, etc.) and measuring them from start to finish. The project manager then implements safety buffers to ensure that members have enough time to complete their work.<\/p>\n

This methodology helps project managers minimize risk and increase the likelihood of completing projects on schedule. It requires substantial background planning to manage dependencies, but the final result is often that projects are completed with resources still available.<\/p>\n

\"Critical
Milestone and Task dependencies ensure that the Critical Path is followed and that resources are focused on the necessary items of a project.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. Scrum (Simple Project Management Methodology)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Scrum is a derivative of Agile project management<\/a>. While Scrum is Agile, it\u2019s important to note that Agile is not Scrum. Scrum utilizes the ideas behind the agile framework to complete projects through collaboration and iteration. This methodology is run by a Scrum Master, a servant-leader who takes on a servant-leader\u2019s role to help provide team resources or minimize distractions or delays.<\/p>\n

Scrum also uses sprints and sprint planning<\/a>, and it also utilizes retrospectives (a sprint review before the next round of sprint planning). During this time, the Scrum Master and team reflect on the sprint and strategize to improve in the next sprint. This method allows the team to formally adopt any changes that might streamline their work moving forward and codifies continuous improvement. It enables a high level of communication and coordination between team members and is usually best in projects where teams have well-defined roles and responsibilities.<\/p>\n

\"Scrum\"
Nifty\u2019s Swimlane View is popular amongst Scrum teams as it presents task lists on the X axis and Milestones on the Y axis, which makes it easy to plan tasks for (or rearrange them to) future sprints.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Know the diffrence between project manager vs scrum master<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

5. Six\u00a0Sigma<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Six Sigma methodology aims to streamline business processes while reducing errors and improving customer satisfaction. Six Sigma prioritizes data and statistical analysis to remove any chance of operating based on gut assumptions\u200a\u2014\u200athis methodology helps teams make objective decisions, which in turn leads to more efficiency and less waste.<\/p>\n

The goal of this methodology is continuous improvement, which is especially helpful if you notice customer retention dropping or have data readily available about the project. Six Sigma is popular in large companies, including Ford, Boeing, Amazon, and Samsung.<\/p>\n

\"Six
Resource tracking through the form of Time and Story Points ensure that workloads are balanced amongst team members and that productivity is measured objectively.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6. Joint Application Development<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Joint Application Development (JAD) focuses on including the client in the early stages and getting user participation in project design. This method is designed to improve communication by allowing the client to provide feedback and ideas as early as possible in collaborative settings. Clients are included in meetings throughout the project lifecycle to develop a greater sense of partnership and consensus, leading to an increased commitment to the project.<\/p>\n

\"Joint
External project collaborators known as Guests will have access Project Discussions as well as Task Comments to close the gap between feedback and iteration.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7. Extreme Program Management<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Another offshoot of Agile, Extreme Program Management (XPM) tries to create organization out of chaos while embracing the uncertainty. This method usually applies to complex and unpredictable projects with a focus on stakeholder management rather than scheduling. It\u2019s related to extreme programming, a type of software development<\/a> framework that emphasizes client satisfaction while responding to frequently changing requirements.<\/p>\n

So which management methodology and type should you\u00a0choose?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Nifty<\/figure>\n

Choosing the right project management methodology depends on a number of factors, including the following:<\/p>\n