Project management methodologies

August 5, 2015

Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)

i283726789509501837._szw1280h1280_The PMI published the first Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide (PMBOK) in 1987 as an attempt to document and standardise generally accepted project management information and practices. The current edition of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – Fourth Edition, was released in 2008 and it outlines project management process groups, processes and knowledge areas.

Process groups

PMBOK recognises five basic process groups and nine knowledge areas typical of almost all projects. The basic concepts are applicable to projects, programs and operations. The five basic process groups are:

  • Initiating
  • Planning
  • Executing
  • Monitoring and Controlling
  • Closing

It is important to remember that PMBOK process groups are not project phases.

Within the each process group, there are many processes, which overlap and interact throughout a project or phase. Processes are described in terms of:

  • Inputs (documents, plans, designs, etc.)
  • Tools and techniques (applied to inputs)
  • Outputs (documents, products, etc.).
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PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a generic, process based methodology covering the organisation, management and control of projects. This methodology was originally designed by the UK government to aid the development and implementation of information systems projects.

PRINCE2 elements

PRINCE2 is process-based approach to project management, covering the organisation, management and control of projects. 

IT projects – agile methods

i283726789509501533._szw1280h1280_Agile software development is a framework for undertaking software engineering projects. There are a number of agile software development methods, such as those promoted by the Agile Alliance, a non-profit organisation. Agile methods attempt to minimise risk and maximise productivity by developing software in short iterations.

Methodology elements

System Development Life Cycle

i283726789509501460._szw1280h1280_System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology describes the stages involved in an information system development project, from an initial feasibility study through to maintenance of the completed application.

SDLC methodology elements

Melbourne Project Management Methodology Short Courses

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