Project Management: Past vs Present
Past:
1. Traditional Methods – Focused on strict plans like Waterfall (step-by-step process).
2. Manual Tracking – Used paper, spreadsheets, or whiteboards.
3. Rigid Structures – Projects followed fixed timelines and budgets with little room for
changes.
4. Limited Tools – Few digital tools were available.
5. Hierarchical Teams – Project manager had full control; team members had limited input.
Present:
1. Agile & Flexible Methods – Approaches like Agile and Scrum allow quick adaptation and
ongoing changes.
2. Digital Tools – Tools like Trello, Asana, Microsoft Project, and Jira make management
easier.
3. Remote & Global Teams – Projects are managed across different locations using online
platforms.
4. Collaboration Focus – Team members are more involved in decisions.
5. Continuous Learning – Emphasis on improvement during and after the project.
Project Management Overview (Short & Clear):
Definition:
Project management is the process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling
resources to achieve specific goals within a defined time, budget, and scope.
Key Elements:
1. Project Scope – Defines what needs to be done.
2. Time – Scheduling tasks and deadlines.
3. Cost – Managing the budget.
4. Quality – Ensuring standards are met.
5. Resources – Assigning people, tools, and materials.
6. Risk – Identifying and managing potential issues.
7. Communication – Keeping everyone informed.
Project Life Cycle:
1. Initiation – Define the project.
2. Planning – Develop a roadmap.
3. Execution – Complete the work.
4. Monitoring – Track progress and make adjustments.
5. Closure – Finalize and deliver the project.
Goal:
To deliver a successful project that meets objectives, satisfies stakeholders, and stays within
constraints.
Project Management Framework (Simple & Clear):
A project management framework is a structured approach that guides how projects are
planned, executed, and completed. It includes phases, processes, tools, and standards.
Main Components:
1. Project Life Cycle
- Initiation
- Planning
- Execution
- Monitoring & Controlling
- Closure
2. Knowledge Areas (based on PMBOK)
- Scope, Time, Cost, Quality
- HR, Communication, Risk, Procurement
- Stakeholder & Integration management
3. Tools & Techniques
- Gantt charts, project scheduling software, risk logs, etc.
4. Processes
- Defined actions like defining scope, creating WBS, estimating costs.
Popular Frameworks/Standards:
- PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge)
- PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments)
- Agile
- Scrum
Purpose:
Helps teams stay organized, follow best practices, and improve success rates in delivering
projects.
Agile:
Agile is a project management approach used mainly in software development (but also in
other fields). It focuses on:
- Flexibility
- Fast delivery
- Customer feedback
- Small, continuous improvements
Scrum:
Scrum is a type of Agile — it’s a specific framework that follows Agile principles.
Key parts of Scrum:
- Sprints: Short work cycles (usually 2 weeks)
- Scrum Team:
- Product Owner – decides what needs to be built
- Scrum Master – helps the team follow Scrum
- Development Team – does the actual work
- Meetings:
- Daily stand-up
- Sprint planning
- Sprint review
- Sprint retrospective
Summary:
- Agile is the mindset or philosophy.
- Scrum is a tool or method used to apply Agile.
Project Stakeholder Management:
Project Stakeholder Management is the process of identifying, analyzing, and managing the
people or groups who have an interest or impact on a project.
Key steps:
- Identify stakeholders
- Analyze stakeholders
- Plan communication
- Manage engagement
- Monitor
Culture and Project Management:
Culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, behaviors, and customs of a group or
organization. It greatly impacts how projects are planned, executed, and managed.
How culture affects project management:
- Communication differences
- Decision-making styles
- Time perception
- Conflict resolution
- Leadership styles
In project management, understanding culture helps improve teamwork, avoid conflicts,
and ensure project success.