Tools and techniques for project management

The success of any project depends on three factors – the project manager, resources, and, most importantly, the right tactic. However, project management, too, required the aid of various tools and techniques to be executed properly. 

These tools and techniques for project management would help increase the project’s overall performance, productivity, and general sentiments regarding it. They get the job done without spending a lot on manpower and resources. 

But how do you choose which technique to apply? Which tool works best for your project? This article will discuss all the tools and techniques for basic project management to facilitate an efficient system that will produce a top-notch project.

Project management techniques and tools

While you might work on different types of projects with different techniques, you have to tackle some sets of general tasks and processes before starting. These tasks include:

• Planning the workflow of the project
• Making a project schedule to some extent
• Managing time
• Maintaining communication with the team
• Taking ideas and collaborating with your team members
• Handling the intricacies of your project, including finance and accounting

However, carrying out these tasks alone is tedious for the project manager. Hence, it is vital to inculcate tools and techniques for project management. Tools like Flow will help you do these tasks perfectly. Jump to the next section to familiarize yourself with the top techniques that will help your project.

Top 8 techniques every project manager should know

Out of all the techniques available on the market, the best ones are:

1. The classic project management technique
2. Kanban project management methodology
3. Change management project planning techniques

Using these techniques, you can improve your project management skills and execute them properly. 

The classic project management methodologies

The classic project management technique is one of the oldest ones in the books. It is simple yet appropriate for almost all types of projects. 

What is the classic project management methodology? It is one of the easiest and most widely used methodologies to integrate into project management. The technique includes creating a detailed plan with all the activities and tasks charted out. These activities are ordered according to their urgency and dependency. 

To apply the technique properly, you need to:

• Make a plan with all the activities for the upcoming week, 
• Estimate the number of tasks you’ll have to carry out,
• Allocate the requisite resources,
• Monitor the work ethics and quality of the team members,
• Manage the team’s deadline for each activity and gauge efficiency,
• Provide them with productive feedback. 

The approaches that come under this sequential methodology are:

1. The waterfall model 

This method follows a sequential approach to project management. Also known as Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), it focuses on efficient management and execution. It follows a pipeline – once the previous task is finished, only the next will begin. The deadlines are already given with specified results to be achieved.

2. The critical path method

The critical path method includes visualizing the steps to achieve the end goal. While mapping out, you’ll realize there are several other, more efficient, ways. Hence, you can pick out the one that takes the least amount for completion. 

3. The critical chain method

The critical chain method aims to evenly spread the resources rather than focusing on the process itself. Its main goal is to eliminate anything that can delay the process, including overestimating time, uncertainty, and internal buffers. 

Read: Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, and More – top project management methodologies and how they’re different

Kanban project management methodology

The word “Kanban” originated from Japan and meant a billboard. It is a methodology that incorporates a visual drawing board that maps out different elements of the plan into development columns. 

So, what exactly is the Kanban project management tactic? It is an agile project management methodology that visualizes the project and tracks its progress. The main advantage of the method is that it allows complete work transparency.

The methods that come under it are:

4. Scrum method

The Scrum method helps focus only on the client’s real priorities and fulfill their immediate requirements. It leverages the team’s work ethic, efficiency, communication skills, and teamwork. 

Under this, a team is led by the scrum master, who inculcates the steps of Agile methodology, i.e., breaking the project down into cycles or sprints. With a leader to answer, the team is more efficient and seamlessly collaborates with other teams. 

5. Agile method

It is one of the most popular methods that use the ‘sprint approach,’ i.e., moving quickly and responding to changes fastly. The method entails a process that involves ongoing communication and an iterative development process. 

It is based on the idea that the project will evolve continuously during the process, and the team must respond swiftly and effectively to these changes. 

Read: What is Agile project management? And how can it benefit your team?

6. Adaptive project framework (APF)

Adaptive project framework (APF), also known as adaptive project management (APM), is a mix of Agile and Scrum methodology. It works on the practice that the project needs to be improved as soon as a setback is discovered. 

Change management project planning techniques

Under change management techniques, tools and approaches are used to bring changes in the team and project to achieve the end goals. Since the structure is well-defined and the process tracked and enhanced, organizational chaos is reduced significantly,

7. Extreme project management (XPM)

The XPM method is best worked against complex projects with high risk. It takes a more optimistic approach to planning and further emphasizes informality in company culture. Moreover, it assists you in managing variables that emerge and alter the project. 

8. Event chain methodology

The event chain methodology is focused on discovering relationships between project events and any event that might hinder the project. It is almost like a risk management plan introduced by the project manager. 

Final words

Project management is incomplete without the presence of rightful tools and techniques. While there may be overwhelming choices to take your pick from, remember you know your project best. So, before starting any project, sift through these pointers and then think — which of these project management tools and techniques for success is my best bet? You’ll have your answer in no while!

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