Project management types, templates, and questions

Being a project manager means overseeing and organizing your team to complete a project successfully.

Dealing with so many moving elements, a project manager needs to keep everything on track. It is way more than just automating your daily agenda and checking tasks off the to-do list. This is why knowing the appropriate project management style to implement is crucial.

There are several types of project management approaches. Matching a project management style to align with your team and company goals is one way to effectively lead a project to completion.

Different Types of Project Management and When to Use Them

1. Waterfall

The waterfall project management style is the most well-known type as it is rather straightforward.

The project manager takes the project and divides it into distinct phases. Each phase must be completed before moving on to the next one, making it a very linear system.

For the waterfall project management system to be successful, all the processes and each team member’s responsibilities are clearly defined from the beginning. There are little to no changes made during any of the stages once the project has begun.

This management style works best for longer projects that can benefit from step-by-step phase completion. These projects are often linear with a static goal and scope.

The waterfall project management style can be limiting for projects that have overlapping timelines or need frequent modifications and revisions while the project is ongoing.

2. Agile

The Agile methodology entails running several iterations or sprints. This allows for more opportunities for revisions and adjustments throughout the project.

Agile breaks down large goals into small, manageable tasks that can be worked on simultaneously. They also take the feedback after every sprint and incorporate them into the next iteration, creating a cycle of constant improvement.

Projects that require constant innovation, collaboration, and modifications would work well with the Agile methodology. Effective workplace communication is the name of the game. This style is also perfect for projects that often have new developments and a lot of variables involved.

Agile is most popular in software development since technology and customer needs constantly change and developers need to meet and adapt to those changes.

3. Scrum

Scrum is a derivative of the Agile methodology. It implements principles from the Agile Manifesto to keep the project organized. Project managers using scrum divide the tasks into small teams, run short development cycles, have frequent communication, and all team members have assigned roles.

Projects utilizing the Scrum method can turn projects around quickly without compromising on the quality and flexibility for changes they would need to keep the project successful.

Managers can implement Scrum for projects that anticipate frequent change and thrive on constant adaptation.

4. Kanban

Kanban is another system derived from the Agile project management style. The word “kanban” translates to “signboard” in Japanese. It is a visual way of managing the project through cards divided into columns on a physical or digital board with the help of open source project management tools.

The team can easily visualize the assigned tasks as well as the progress in real-time by seeing if its current status is “to do,” “in progress,” or “complete.”

The method emphasizes continuous workflow and eliminating inefficient work. It is well-suited for projects that need multiple tasks completed simultaneously. It can also be used in tandem with the Scrum or Lean method.

5. Lean

Lean, like Kanban, focuses on eliminating tasks that don’t add value to the project.

At the beginning of the project, the managers specify what value means for the customer. From there, they have to identify the project’s value stream and disregard any processes that aren’t value-adding. As the project continues and more feedback is received, project managers can further refine the tasks.

This project management style is great for those who want to reduce costs and shorten timelines while improving customer satisfaction.

6. Six Sigma

The Six Sigma method, like the Lean project management style, focuses on cutting down on wasteful tasks, understanding the needs of the customer, and continuously improving the systems to deliver a high-quality project.

There are five phases in Six Sigma: define the project, measure data, analyze the root of any problems, improve processes, and control by implementing solutions.

It is a perfect project management style for those who want to increase efficiency and organization. Keep in mind that due to the structured nature of Six Sigma, it can be limiting for projects that need flexibility and constant innovation.

7. PRINCE2

PRINCE2 stands for Projects in Controlled Environments. The project management type focuses on the details of the project’s organization and structure.

Projects must have a business justification, with detailed cost assessment and baseline requirements, before they are given the green light. Everything is clearly defined from the team member's roles and responsibilities down to the different phases and tasks. Time is allotted for quality control and reflection.

While it is a very controlled system, it still offers flexibility for changes. Assessments and reflections after each stage offer room for improvement along the way.

This management style is best for projects that require highly detailed processes. It requires extensive documentation to look back on for future projects. It isn’t the best for those who need quick turnovers as it can be slower than other project management types.

Why Choosing The Right Project Management Style Matters

A project manager must be able to distinguish what kind of style works best for a specific project to achieve the results and goals they set out to reach.

You must also understand what kind of project manager is needed to fit the situation best. You have the Executors who are reliable leaders and stay in line with the company’s current growth. Prophets have a long-term vision for the company and an eye for seeing new growth strategies and are perfect for leading moonshot projects.

Experts are analytical and reliable when it comes to making sound business decisions and taking up opportunities that may not be in line with current strategies. Gamblers stay within the existing strategies but may bet on and find new growth opportunities that were overlooked by analysis.

Knowing how to best match a project to the appropriate project manager and management style can make or break a project. Being able to effectively and efficiently see a project to success is extremely rewarding and can set the precedence for your organization’s reputation.

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