A building cannot hold its weight without a sturdy frame, similarly, one cannot manage a project without a proper framework. The project management framework assists project managers in planning projects in a systematic and strategic manner, meeting deadlines and client expectations. It serves as a guide for managing even the most complex projects within the organization.
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What is meant by Project Management Framework?
A project management framework is a set of methods, procedures, and regulations that cover the entire project lifecycle. It consists of the processes, tasks, resources, and tools required to plan, manage, and oversee projects from start to finish. The framework assists project managers in ensuring project completion and keeping it on schedule. It also outlines team members’ responsibilities, which improves collaboration and raises the likelihood of project success.
Key elements of the project management framework
There are three key elements of a project management framework:
Project life cycle
The lifecycle outlines the phases and tasks involved in the project at each stage. It consists of five phases:
Initiation: It provides an overview of the project and the strategy needed to achieve the project goals. It entails conducting research, planning, collaborating with stakeholders, discussing ideas, and conducting customer interviews.
Planning: During this phase, project managers identify teams, break down project activities, prepare the schedule, create deadlines, and prepare plans to eliminate potential risks.
Execution: Project managers put plans into action. The team members begin creating project deliverables to meet the project goals and objectives defined in the project plan.
Monitoring: Project managers continuously monitor and review the project progress to ensure that the project is on track. They even make adjustments in priorities if necessary.
Closure: after the project is complete and the deliverable has been successfully delivered, project managers analyze the results to enhance future projects.
Project control cycle
The project control cycle is the process of monitoring and managing the project. It encompasses risk management and mitigation, progress monitoring across teams and team members, and reporting project status to external stakeholders.
Tools and templates
Tools and templates offer fully prepared architecture for organizations to implement project management frameworks. There are several online tools and templates. PRINCE2, CCPM, scrum, and the waterfall approach are all popular templates.
Project framework examples
There are several types of frameworks built for various projects, team sizes, industries, and budgets. Here are some examples of project management frameworks.
PRINCE2: Prince2 is a project management framework and methodology. It includes complete early-stage planning and outlines every aspect of project management in a detailed manner.
Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM): This framework focuses on the utilization and allocation of specific resources rather than stressing the timeframes of the project.
Lean: Toyota developed the lean project management framework. It emphasizes continuous process improvement, resource management, and work management.
Extreme Project Management: XPM framework used in managing complex projects in complex environments. It stresses a progressive approach to product development, with continuous testing and revision cycles.
Scrum: It is an agile project management framework that is also used for complex projects. Using this framework, project work can break down into short sprints.
Waterfall: A traditional project management framework that comprises project planning and execution in a linear order. Work in this framework proceeds to the next step only after the completion of the previous phase.
How to choose a project management framework?
There are so many project management frameworks available making it challenging for project managers to choose the appropriate one for their project. They can follow the procedures below while selecting a project management framework.
Evaluate the scope and size of the project
Project managers should first evaluate the scope and size of the project to define the framework. For example, adaptable frameworks such as Agile utilize large and complicated projects that demand a longer timetable and a more detailed approach to project planning. On the other hand, rigorous frameworks like the waterfall framework employ smaller projects with less complicated needs.
Make a list of potential PM frameworks
Project managers have to shortlist frameworks that go well with the project. Then they must assess the benefits and drawbacks of each framework. Using this information, they must develop a framework that best suits the project’s requirements and aids in achieving the best potential results while reducing risks.
Feedback from team members
When project managers have decided to use a framework, they should get feedback from their team members. Listening to the members’ perspectives before agreeing to use the framework for the project which helps to avoid conflicts in the team. Once team members have agreed on the framework, project managers can utilize it for the project.
What are the benefits of following a project management framework?
The following are the major benefits of using a project management framework:
Consistency
Project management framework ensures that project planning and execution are consistent. It emphasizes comprehensive project planning, which makes the entire approach consistent and well-defined.
Clarity
The framework clearly defines and explains the project’s scope, tasks, and tools to everyone involved in the project. As a consequence, there is no room for confusion or ambiguity, and the project proceeds as planned.
Collaboration
It involves all project stakeholders, which facilitates collaboration between project team members and stakeholders. The collaboration helps to speed up the project’s completion and enhances the end product’s quality.
Continuity
A project management framework ensures the continuity and efficiency of a project. Since everything related to the project planned in the initial stages, projects move smoothly from beginning to end.
Communication
The framework involves project managers, project teams, and stakeholders at each stage of the project. They all collaborate together to decide the scope and goal of the project. Due to this the line of communication between them is always open, allowing information to flow freely.
Who outlines project management frameworks?
The project manager is in charge of selecting the best framework for the project. Since they understand the project’s size, scope, and complexity, as well as the project team’s competencies and working style. As a result, project managers adopt a framework that aids in the achievement of project objectives while also complementing the working style of the project team. After selecting the right framework, they hold meetings to explain the framework to the team and stakeholders. They further track progress to verify it is the apt project management framework for achieving intended deliverables.
Final thoughts
Project management framework is important for achieving project management objectives. It aids project managers in charting the progress of specific project phases from beginning to end. Furthermore, it offers structure to a project, assisting them in understanding how to meet the project’s requirements. There are several frameworks available, therefore project managers should select one based on the demands of the project. The right framework acts as a foundation for the project and helps in achieving the desired outcome. It also helps the project to complete on schedule and helps in utilizing resources effectively. Additionally, it also helps organizations in improving their processes.
Aspiring project management professionals can enroll in project management certification training such as PMP, CAPM, and PgMP. This training helps candidates gain knowledge about project management frameworks and practical skills in implementing those frameworks in the projects.
