Project Methodologies and Processes

Project Methodology

DEFINITION:
-A strategic-level plan for managing and controlling the project
-Game plan for implementing project and product lifecycles

The Project Life Cycle

Collection of logical stages or phases that

  1. maps the life of a project
  1. from its beginning, through its middle,
    to its end,
  1. to define, build, and deliver the product.

Project Phases

1. Phase Exits, Stage Gates, Kill Points


-These are the phase-end review of key deliverables
-Allows the organization to evaluate project performance and
take immediate action to correct errors or problems

2. Fast Tracking


-Starting the next phase of a project before approval is obtained
for the current phase
-Can be used to reduce the project schedule

Plan Project

DEFINITION:
The project goal should be focused on providing business value
to the organization

  1. Project Objectives 2. Resources 3. Controls

Execute, Close, and Evaluate

1. Execute Project Plan
-Manage the project scope, schedule, budget, and people to ensure the project achieves its goal
2. Close and Evaluate Project
-Ensures that all of the work is completed as planned

  1. Project integration management
  2. Project scope management
  3. Project time management
  4. Project cost management
  5. Project quality management
  6. Project human resource management
  7. Project communications management
  8. Project risk management
  9. Project procurement management
  10. Project stakeholder management

PMBOK® Guide

Project Management
Process Groups

The PRINCE2®

  1. Seven (7) Processes
  1. Themes (guidelines to aid project
    goal achievement)
  1. Principles (Universal guidance for all
    projects)
  1. Initiating 2. Planning 3. Executing 4. Monitoring and Controlling 5. Closing

The
10 Project Management Knowledge Areas

  1. Start Project
  2. Initiate Project
  3. Direct Project
  4. Control Stage
  5. Manage Product Delivery
  6. Manage Stage Boundaries
  7. Close Project
  1. Business Case 2. Organization 3. Risk 4.Quality 5.Planning 6.Change 7.Progress
  1. Business Case Driven
  2. Product Focus
  3. Lessons Learned
  4. Manage the Stage
  5. Adapt to the Project
  6. Manage by Exception
  7. Accountability

The Systems Development Life Cycle

  1. Planning
  2. Analysis
  3. Design
  4. Implementation
  5. Maintenance and Support

Agile Systems Development – What is Agile?

DEFINITION:
-Condenses the SDLC into an iteration or sprint
-Users and developers work closely together to define and prioritize important (“must have”) features

Four (4)
Themes or Categories

  1. Customer
  2. Product
  3. Project Team
  4. Performance

Agile Methods:

1. XP
-User requirements first documented as user stories
2. Scrum
Three important roles:

  1. Scrum master – similar to project manager
  2. Product owner – represents the business side, ensures the most important features are included
  3. Development team – responsible for delivering a quality product or system

A Learning Cycle

  1. Understand & frame the problem.
  2. Plan
  3. Act
  4. Reflect & learn