Common project management approaches and how to select one

You have been learning a lot about different project management approaches and when to use them. In this reading, we will briefly recap some of the most common ones and recommend a couple of articles with supporting information. You’ll continue to learn more about these approaches throughout this certificate program.

Popular project management approaches

Below is a brief recap of some of the project management approaches you’ve been introduced to so far:

Waterfall is a traditional methodology in which tasks and phases are completed in a linear, sequential manner, and each stage of the project must be completed before the next begins. The project manager is responsible for prioritizing and assigning tasks to team members. In Waterfall, the criteria used to measure quality is clearly defined at the beginning of the project.

Agile involves short phases of collaborative, iterative work with frequent testing and regularly-implemented improvements. Some phases and tasks happen at the same time as others. In Agile projects, teams share responsibility for managing their own work. Scrum and Kanban are examples of Agile frameworks, which are specific development approaches based on the Agile philosophy.

Scrum is an Agile framework that focuses on developing, delivering, and sustaining complex projects and products through collaboration, accountability, and an iterative process. Work is completed by small, cross-functional teams led by a Scrum Master and is divided into short Sprints with a set list of deliverables.

Kanban is both an Agile approach and a tool that provides visual feedback about the status of the work in progress through the use of Kanban boards or charts. With Kanban, project managers use sticky notes or note cards on a physical or digital Kanban board to represent the team’s tasks with categories like “To do,” “In progress,” and “Done.”

Lean uses the 5S quality tool to eliminate eight areas of waste, save money, improve quality, and streamline processes. Lean’s principles state that you can do more with less by addressing dysfunctions that create waste. Lean implements a Kanban scheduling system to manage production.

Six Sigma involves reducing variations by ensuring that quality processes are followed every time. The Six Sigma method follows a process-improvement approach called DMAIC, which stands for define, measure, analyze, improve, and control.

Lean Six Sigma is a combination of Lean and Six Sigma approaches. It is often used in projects that aim to save money, improve quality, and move through processes quickly. Lean Six Sigma is also ideal for solving complex or high-risk problems. The 5S quality tool, the DMAIC process, and the use of Kanban boards are all components of this approach.

Despite their differences, all of these project management methodologies require communication and collaboration among various teams and aim to deliver projects on time and within budget.

Selecting a project management approach

With so many methodologies available, there are many options that would work well for your project. Since projects and the organizations in which you will execute them vary greatly, the approach you choose to implement for each project will vary. At Google, we often use a hybrid of approaches and frameworks to efficiently meet the project goal! All approaches can be combined with others, depending on the needs of your project.

Choosing an approach that works best for the project, the organization, and the team takes time and practice. You’ll learn more about how to choose a project management approach throughout this certificate program. In the meantime, take a look at how this article breaks down common methodologies and when (or when not) to use them: Which project management methodologies should you use?

Congrats on completing this module on the project life cycle and

project management methodologies.

So what did you think?

Hopefully, this introduction to a few of the core project management methodologies

and hearing from a Googler about the way we approach project management

here at Google has you interested and excited to keep on learning.

One of the great things about project management is

that it can be really creative and

present you with challenging problems to solve that have a rewarding impact.

You get to work with teams full of interesting, skilled, and dedicated people

who help with the problem-solving and idea-generating process.

Every project is an opportunity to learn and try something new.

Waterfall, Agile, and Lean Six Sigma are solid foundations from which to

build your understanding of project management.

Each methodology has its own set of rules, values, and processes.

There is no such thing as a right or a wrong methodology.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to take, and

there is almost no limit to the number of ways you can blend different

approaches to fit the needs of your project.

Your goal in choosing a methodology is to maximize the use of resources and time.

The method, or combination of methods, will help you reach your goal in the

most efficient and effective way.

This might feel like choice overload right here, but hang in there. With time and

practice, you will become more comfortable with the benefits and

limits of different methodologies,

and you'll be able to approach your project assignments with confidence.

Next, you'll build on these foundations by learning how an organization structure

and culture can impact the way you manage your project.

See you soon.

Weekly Challenge 3 Latest Submission Grade 90%

1. Question 1 Which of the following are phases of the project life cycle? Select all that apply. 1 / 1 point Execute and complete tasks Correct Initiate the project Correct Improve and control Close the project Correct 2. Question 2 Why should project managers always initiate a project (phase one) before making a plan (phase two)? 1 / 1 point Because determining scope, cost, and timeline is crucial to creating a budget, setting a schedule, and determining roles and responsibilities Because executing and completing tasks successfully is crucial to creating a budget, setting a schedule, and determining roles and responsibilities Because establishing your team is crucial to have in place before understanding scope, cost, and timeline Because creating a budget, setting a schedule, and determining roles and responsibilities is crucial to understanding scope, cost, and timeline Correct 3. Question 3 Choose the best definition for a project management methodology. 1 / 1 point A project management methodology is a set of guiding laws and measures for owning a project through its life cycle. A project management methodology is a set of guiding tasks and measurements for owning a project through its life cycle. A project management methodology is a set of guiding principles and processes for owning a project through its life cycle. A project management methodology is a set of guiding ethical values for operating a project through its life cycle. Correct 4. Question 4 Which answer best describes the Agile project management methodology? 0 / 1 point Created in the nineties, the Agile methodology refers to being able to move quickly and easily through a project by working on many tasks at once. Created in the seventies, the Agile methodology refers to the sequential ordering of phases, including initiating, planning, executing, and closing. Created in the eighties, the Agile methodology refers to being able to move quickly and easily through a project by combining and eliminating tasks. Created in the eighties, the Agile methodology refers to the sequential ordering of phases, including defining, measuring, analyzing, improving, and controlling. Incorrect Try reviewing the video on Waterfall and Agile methodologies. 5. Question 5 What is the main advantage of the Agile approach over the Waterfall methodology? 1 / 1 point Agile focuses on reducing waste within an operation. Agile allows the project manager to make centralized decisions and assign tasks. Agile has clearly defined expectations and helps teams avoid expensive changes to a project once it has started. Agile takes a flexible approach, letting teams make adjustments as they go. Correct 6. Question 6 The Lean Six Sigma approach includes which of the following phases? 1 / 1 point Measure, define, apply, improve, control Impact, measure, define, control, analyze Define, measure, analyze, improve, control Connect, control, impact, apply, analyze Correct 7. Question 7 Which of the following are project manager responsibilities during the planning phase? Select all that apply. 1 / 1 point Set the schedule Correct Get project approval Create a budget Correct Establish the team Correct 8. Question 8 Which of the following are project manager responsibilities during the execution phase? Select all that apply. 1 / 1 point Make adjustments to the schedule, budget, and resources Correct Manage the project’s progress Correct Handle communication for the team Correct Do the majority of the work 9. Question 9 In which project phase does it help to ask questions such as: “Who are the stakeholders?”, “What skills and resources will the project require?”, and “What are the client’s or customer’s goals?” 1 / 1 point Make a plan Close the project Initiate the project Execute the project Correct 10. Question 10 Which project management approach uses the 5S quality tool, the DMAIC process, and Kanban boards? 1 / 1 point Scrum Lean Six Sigma Waterfall Agile Correct