Question:
Write an Investigation report on a topic related to Project Management.
Project Management plays a significant role in managing different types of projections of every industry of all over the world. The scope of the project management practices is very wide because it focuses on the innovation, strategy, teamwork, schedule, cost, quality, risk and methodologies, etc. (Kerzner, 2013). So, it is very difficult to include all these topics in a single report. So, the current report has chosen a specific topic which is project management methodologies and its role in managing project and attaining objectives. Regarding this, report will comprise five different articles of the different author who have researched similar subject. These articles will help in understanding the different aspects of the project management methodologies and provide an insight to develop a meaningful conclusion. Along with this, the author will describe the main ideas and themes which have used by past research scholars in their studies (Schwalbe, 2015). Afterwards, the reflective statement will also be described in the following paragraphs of the report.
Use of project management methodologies and their role in attaining objectives of the project is the main topic of this report. Project management methodologies provide guidelines and process for project managers to complete the project in the specific manner (Fleming and Koppelman, 2016). It is not a tool specific, but the organization’s project management software and methodologies are intertwined. These methodologies include themes, principles, process and standards that play the significant part in completing the project in specified time, cost, quality, and resources. Using a right methodologies project manager can determine the success and failure of the project in an easy manner. There are some project management methodologies that can be selected by different organizations for completing their complex projects and these are Agile, Prince2, Waterfall, Scrum, Kanban and PMBOK, etc (Boud, Cohen and Sampson, 2014).
For understanding the concepts of different methodologies, researcher has been chosen different journal articles (Walker, 2015). These papers are based on distinct subjects such as comparison of two different methodologies for similar projects. Along with this, the study has selected articles related to the reason behind the use of project management methodologies by different organizations. Critical evaluation of the Prince2 and Agile metrologies for the complex project is also an important article for understanding the subject of the current report (Kerzner, 2017). At the time of literature, review author has found that most of the digital organizations are using Agile methodologies for completing their projects so, the author has also included an article related to the future approach of the Agile to the management of projects. Also, comparative analysis of all these methodologies is one of the necessary aspects of their study so, the researcher has included an article also which have also done a comparative study of project management methodologies (Leach, 2014). Therefore, the major articles which have chosen by the researcher are listed as follows:
Karaman and Kurt, 2015 has been the focus on two different methodologies Prince2 and PMBOK. The major aim of the study was to compare both methodologies to determine the significant characteristics of these practices to assist in decision-making process of the organization to manage their IT projects (Karaman and Kurt, 2015). Major themes of this study were section criteria for project management methodologies. Karaman and Kurt, 2015 has compared both methodologies on different aspects such as coverage, management frameworks, IT project management characteristics, practical approach, comprehensive approach, project board activities, management by exceptions, product focus, customer requirements focus, detailed techniques, etc. (Karaman and Kurt, 2015). As per the study author has described that organizations should select project management methodologies by the overall strategy of the company and the competitiveness of the methodologies towards the strategy. Further, the company should also focus on the size of the project team and priority of the project. Including this, flexibility and components are also important aspects which need to be focused by the project manager at the time of selection of methodologies for completing projects (Turner, 2016). Comparison of both methodologies have reflected that Prince2 is focused on the business case and products, but PMBOK focuses on customer requirements. Prince2 is practice and focus on critical areas, but PMBOK is comprehensive. Along with this, it has also concluded that PMBOK includes continuous monitoring on different phases of the projects, but PRINCE2 has the stronger emphasis on the continuous business case only (Rosemann and vom Brocke, 2015). Major coverage of PMBOK includes stakeholder and human resource management, quality, scope, cost, time and risk. Regarding project life cycle both methodologies use different processes for managing every stage of the lifecycle. Regarding IT project management characteristics Prince2 is appropriate for small size project as compared to the PMBOK. Overall, this study has concluded that PMBOK provides the more comprehensive approach with large techniques, but there are some features of Prince2 which have been not covered by PMBOK (Gido, Clements and Clements, 2014). So, project manager needs to choose methodologies as per their projects and requirements.
Another article which has been chosen by researcher is Organizational Project management methodologies, Structure, content and its use. This study was conducted by Vaskimo in 2015. It is one of systematic research in which researcher has focused on among ten case studies of different organizations (Vaskimo, 2015). Along with this, it has also used primary and secondary data collection methods for obtaining facts and figures about the subject. Afterwards, it has been applied qualitative methods for analyzing the collected information. Major themes of this study were based on project management structure, cost, budget, schedule, risk management and reporting communication and information system. Major sections of this study are Introduction, Literature review, methodology, case analysis, cross-case analysis, discussion, conclusion, and recommendations. Review of literature has been focused on organizational, public domain and commercial project management methodologies (Vaskimo, 2015). Findings of the secondary data analysis have helped in getting insights to understand the problems of the different organizations by which author can select the appropriate methodology for resolving the problem of every case. Just because it has included ten different cases, it needed to focus on a number of methodologies also such as NOCOP, Prince2, Scrum, UPMM, XLPM, etc. The hypothesis of the project was based on structure, content, and use of project management methodologies. As per the findings of the article, organization needs to use a specific structure for project management methodologies, and these include auditing process and system, lesson learned system, project reporting, support system, cost and budget management system, risk and communication management system and information system, etc. (Vaskimo, 2015). Along with this, case analysis and cross-case analysis have found the major content which needs to be used by the organization at the time of using appropriate project management methodologies. Content includes information regarding roles of team members, description of project, compliance requirements, schedule, material requirements, etc. For geting all these content organizations need to use different documents such as template and tools, process guidelines, diagrams and frameworks, and instructions. Findings have also reflected that organizations need to use project management methodologies for attaining aim, objectives and completing projects as per the cost, budget and time (Portny, 2017).
Karaman and Kurt, 2015 has compared the Prince2 and PMBOK, but for including different methodologies, the current study has been chosen a research paper of Priyanka, 2016 that has been included a critical evaluation of Prince2 and Agile project management methodologies for complex projects (Priyanka, 2016). Agile is one of the major methodologies which is used by different organizations for resolving the technical problems in the present era. Research problem of Priyanka, 2016 stated that most of the IT related projects become fail due to the project complexity, intensity of the business requirements and changes in technology. One of the themes of this study has stated that Prince2 is the best solution for resolving such type of issues because this methodology divides the whole problem into different small stages which can be easily resolved. As per the study, Prince2 includes seven different principles, themes, and processes in which all processes cover whole project life cycle by which every organization can complete all the activities of project life cycle effectively (Priyanka, 2016). According to the ideas of this study, seven themes of Prince2 methodology includes the risk, quality, and business case of the project. Principles of Prince2 helps in maintaining the required standards. Therefore, all themes of this study have cleared that Prince2 is one of the best methodologies for organizations for managing their complex and large-scale projects. On the other hand, Priyanka, 2016 has also, disclosed that Agile is the most suitable approach for managing medium and small-scale project (Hill, 2013). This methodology highlights the development activities, product requirements, and error-free delivery. It is secondary data collection study which has analyzed the whole data using the qualitative analysis. Author has used the literature review method for obtaining facts regarding Agile and Prince2 methodology. The study has covered a detailed description of both methodologies which has helped in understanding these in the effective manner (Priyanka, 2016).
Chin, and Spowage, 2012 has also conducted the comparative analysis of project management methodology, but its approach for completing investigation is different (Chin and Spowage, 2012). All the writers have been focused on the different project management methodologies for the different organization, but it has been applied a project management methodology for different sectors such as academic institutions, industry organizations, and government organizations. The current study has classified project management methodologies in five different levels such as best practices standards and guidelines, Sector specific methodology, organization-specific customized methodology, project-specific methodology and individualized methodology (Chin and Spowage, 2012). But, this study has been focused on only level 3 methodology and its characteristics and implication of these in three different sectors. For making the comparison between different universities, industries and government organization author has used some elements which include project phases, processes, types, input and output activities, tools and techniques, checklist, etc. Comparison between different universities has been reflected that major PM practices which have been used by universities are PMBOK, Thomsett organization 3rd wave PM, Prince2, IPA, MSF and Knapp and Moore. But, on the other hand, major PM practices which have been used by industries are PMBOK, IBM RUP, and PROPS. As per the Findings of the comparative analysis, government organizations use only PMBOK for managing their projects and different phases. Therefore, as per the objective author has completed a comparative analysis in an effective manner (Pearlson, Saunders and Galletta, 2016).
As per the current business scenario, most of the organizations are using project management methodologies for managing their IT projects. So, the author has selected an article which has been focused on the Agile methodology which is one of the useful practice for managing IT projects (Karaman and Kurt, 2015). So, the researcher has chosen the study of Stare, 2013 and major aim of this study is determining that whether Agile project management methodology is a future approach for managing projects of different organizations or not. Therefore, selected article has been focused on current and future benefits of Agile. As per the study of Stare, 2013 project management is emerging innovations and new techniques. Agile is one of the most popular and successful methodologies for delivering the best outcome in the era of the 21st century (Stare, 2013). This practice was focused on the field of software development and provided benefits to entire project team and client. This article was focused on the most innovations introduced by the Agile for different types of project. As per the study, Agile is the best approach for software development projects because it gives the highest priority to the satisfaction of the client and welcomes all changes which are required for attaining objectives. It also focuses on motivation, sustainable development, face to face conversation, self-organizing team and change management (Stare, 2013). All these aspects play important role in completing the project in a specific manner. The study has also focused on the weaknesses of the traditional approach of the project management such as allocation of the task to team members by the manager could delay the whole project. Lack of the communication, collaboration, waste of time and cost, strict sequence, the pressure of deadline are the major weaknesses of the traditional approach of the project management. Analysis of the traditional approach has helped in understanding the benefits of the Agile effectively. Overall, the conclusion of the study has reflected that Agile can be a future approach to manage different projects in all organizations. Because it can manage all IT projects in an effective manner as compared to the traditional approach (Schwalbe, 2015).
Critical evaluation of the different articles has helped me in understanding the different aspects of the project management. Analysis of the paper of Karaman and Kurt, 2015 has reflected five different objectives during the selection of project management methodologies. I am also agreed with these objectives. I like the described selection criteria (Karaman and Kurt, 2015). I am also agreed with that organizations should select only those methodologies which are competitive with the strategic management of the company and provide priority to the project. Along with this, as per my opinion flexible methodologies also helpful regarding managing competencies. Therefore, I like the theme of Karaman and Kurt, 2015 which has been focused on selection criteria of the project management methodologies.
I have evaluated the article of Vaskimo, 2015 and I like the way of research and structure of the whole paper. Author has completed the entire investigation in a very systematic manner (Vaskimo, 2015). Along with this I also agree with the use of different case study for a single paper because it helps in understanding the different aspects and issues of the project management by which author can use the appropriate methodology for resolving issues. As per the author, I also agree with that every organization needs to focus on structure content and use of project management methodologies (Fleming and Koppelman, 2016). The study has utilized the quantitative techniques for analyzing collected facts and figures which is one of the favorable methods for finding the appropriate result. Therefore, I am completely satisfied with the findings of the study of Vaskimo, 2015.
Priyanka, 2016 has completed the critical evaluation of Prince2 and Agile in a detailed manner. I like the way in which it has written its conclusion which has provided a clear idea of all findings of the paper (Priyanka, 2016). I am also agreed with the result that Prince2 is one of the important methodologies for managing large scale projects, and Agile is beneficial for medium size and Small-scale projects. Prince2 can help in managing construction and other big projects but on the other hand Agile can resolve the IT related projects easily. Therefore, I am completely agreed with the findings of this study (Walker, 2015).
Regarding study of Chin, and Spowage, 2012 I like the idea of comparing three different sectors using a similar level methodology. It is one of the different concept related to this study. Along with this, I also like the classification of the project management methodologies which can help in adopting an appropriate approach at the different level of the project (Chin and Spowage, 2012).
Stare, 2013 has completed his study in an effective manner and found the meaningful conclusion for the research question. I like the choice of methodologies in which study has been chosen Agile as a modern approach and Waterfall as a traditional approach (Stare, 2013). Agile is frequently used by various organizations for managing their information technology projects. Along with this, the author has compared the Agile with the traditional practice, and I like this method for getting the appropriate result. I am also agreed that there is no other way to get the truth because without making the comparison of present with past study cannot predict the future of Agile. So, I like the design of the research (Boud, Cohen and Sampson, 2014).
Karaman and Kurt, 2015 has been focused on only PMBOK and Prince2 which is a very narrow aspects of project management methodologies. Because there is the number of methodologies which can also be compared to batter results. Along with this, the author has not focused on a specific country, organization, and project. The whole study is based on general content which increases the expectations of readers. So, I disagree with the study regarding generalization of the content (Leach, 2014). The author should focus on a specific problem and afterward should compare the selection of both methodologies.
Vaskimo, 2015 has focused on the ten different case studies of distinct organization with various problems, but it has not used all major methodologies such as agile, waterfall, etc. These two are major methodologies of project management, but the author has not included enough description about these. Along with this, the author has been focused on only three aspects structure content and use, but study needs to focus on benefits and drawbacks of every methodology which has been used by organizations for resolving problems. Also, the author has not provided specific recommendations for organizations (Turner, 2016). So, I dislike that author has not included some more points which can enhance the value to their research study.
Priyanka, 2016 has completed the whole study in a systematic manner by which she found a significant and clear conclusion for the research problem. But, as per my opinion study should include some primary facts also that can include the contemporary data. It can increase the value of the research. Along with this, it has not included any specific example of the project which is one of the major dislikes of this study.
Chin, and Spowage, 2012 has completed a comparative analysis effectively, but in some aspects, I am not agreed. This study has only focused on level 3 methodologies for all three sectors, and its elements were also decided which has reduced the scope of the research. Because the author has not included the risk and opportunities which are the major aspect of the project management methodologies. Along with this, I disagree with the selection of sectors all these sectors are different from each other; the author should compare either organizations or industry along with this they can compare different organizations of various industries also (Hill, 2013).
As per the theme of Stare, 2013 author has compared Agile with waterfall only. So, I am not agreed with this because the objective of the study has been stated the future scope of the Agile which has a wide scope of the research, but the author has used only two methodologies for concluding. So, as per my opinion author needed to focus on other important methodologies also for getting a right conclusion and these are Prince2, PMBOK, and Scrum, etc. (Pearlson, Saunders and Galletta, 2016).
The accomplishment of the current paper was not an easy task because it has included the critical analysis of five different paper which is one of the complex tasks to complete effectively. I am satisfied with my experience because I have learned lots of new things which will help in conducting future research. This research has increased my critical analysis skills, and after completing this research, I have got lots of new knowledge regarding project management methodologies (Gido, Clements and Clements, 2014). Now, I have appropriate knowledge regarding the use of the different methodology in the different project. Learning has augmented regarding importance of project management methodologies for completing a specific projects and organization’s vision. Now I can easily compare different methodology in various aspects. I have got lots of new knowledge regarding research and selection of various articles. Also, the accomplishment of the research has also increased my English proficiency also. I have faced some problem in selecting the right article for this study, but for resolving this issue, I have used inclusion and exclusion criteria. I have chosen only those research paper which was related to the project management methodologies and published after 2010 and sued the English language. Therefore, the whole research has measured up with my experience in an effective manner (Portny, 2017).
While I was reading these articles, I have got some additional thoughts like the author can conduct the same study in coming future for some specific real-life projects. It will help in increasing the understanding and use of project management methodologies in the effective manner (Rosemann and vom Brocke, 2015).
Conclusion
The current research study has been chosen project management methodology which is one of the major aspects of the project management. For completing this research, author has used five specific research papers. So, the author has selected some papers regarding project management methodologies such as Prince2, Agile, PMBOK, Waterfall, future scope of the Agile, etc. all these articles were perfect as per the objective of the study. Findings have reflected that Waterfall was one of the major approaches that have been used by organization in past years. But, at present most of the agencies are using themes, principles, and processes of Prince2 for complex and large-scale projects. Similarly, some of the organizations are also using Agile for Software development IT related projects. So, it is one of the major methodologies which will be used in future project management processes
References
Boud, D., Cohen, R. and Sampson, J. eds., 2014. Peer learning in higher education: Learning from and with each other. Routledge.
Chin, C. M. M. and Spowage, A. C., 2012. Project Management Methodologies: A Comparative Analysis, Journal for the Advancement of Performance Information and Value, 4(1), pp.106-118.
Fleming, Q.W. and Koppelman, J.M., 2016, December. Earned value project management. Project Management Institute.
Gido, J., Clements, J. and Clements, J., 2014. Successful project management. Nelson Education.
Hill, G.M., 2013. The complete project management office handbook. CRC Press.
Karaman, E. and Kurt, M., 2015. Comparison of project management methodologies: prince 2 versus PMBOK for it projects. Int. Journal of Applied Sciences and Engineering Research, 4(5), pp.657-664.
Kerzner, H., 2013. Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Kerzner, H., 2017. Project management metrics, KPIs, and dashboards: a guide to measuring and monitoring project performance. John Wiley & Sons.
Leach, L.P., 2014. Critical chain project management. Artech House.
Pearlson, K.E., Saunders, C.S. and Galletta, D.F., 2016. Managing and Using Information Systems, Binder Ready Version: A Strategic Approach. John Wiley & Sons.
Portny, S.E., 2017. Project management for dummies. John Wiley & Sons.
Priyanka, 2016. Critical Evaluation of Prince2 and Agile Project Management Methodologies for a complex project. International Journal Of Engineering And Computer Science (IJECS), 5(10), pp.18702-18706.
Rosemann, M. and vom Brocke, J., 2015. The six core elements of business process management. In Handbook on business process management 1 (pp. 105-122). Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
Schwalbe, K., 2015. Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.
Stare, A., 2013. Agile project management–a future approach to the management of projects. Dynamic Relationships Management Journal, 2(1), p.21.
Turner, R., 2016. Gower handbook of project management. Routledge.
Vaskimo, J., 2015. Organizational project management methodologies-Structures, contents, and use.
Walker, A., 2015. Project management in construction. John Wiley & Sons
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