Project management methodology
Successful project management is characterised by good planning, effective scoping and resourcing, realistic expectations of outcomes and strong management support. The more complex a project, the more important it is to have rigour applied to its project management through the adoption and use of a project management methodology.
A project management methodology is a system of inter-related phases, procedures, activities and tasks that define the project process from the start through to completion. Each phase of the project produces a major deliverable that contributes towards achieving project objectives. Phasing of the project is also used to provide logical breaks in the project associated with key decision points. Phases consist of a number of activities that are groups of related tasks and, when viewed in isolation, give a clear indication of the logical sequence of steps to be taken to achieve either phase or project objectives. Each activity will have a number of tasks. Tasks are the lowest level shown in the breakdown and produce an outcome contributing towards major deliverables.
The generic methodology provides a structured approach to manage any project with the amount of documentation scaled appropriately.
The component methodology is particular to component parts of a project where there is a relationship to the overall project.
Last reviewed: 02 August 2011
