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Project Management Methodologies: Your Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Project Management Methodologies: Your Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Jul 13, 2023 | Project Management

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Small businesses often overlook Project management methodologies, primarily due to misconceptions or confusion surrounding their implementation. This blog aims to dispel these concerns and explain why project management is essential for any business. Additionally, we will explore various project management methodologies and their significance in achieving success.

Why Project Management is Crucial for Small Businesses

Small businesses can significantly benefit from implementing project management tools, as they ensure timely project completion within budget and with the desired quality. Here are some compelling reasons why small businesses should embrace project management:

Enhancing Organisation

Project management enables the effective organisation of tasks, deadlines, and resources, increasing productivity and efficiency.

Facilitating Clear Communication

Project management ensures everyone is aligned with project goals, timelines, and deliverables by fostering communication between team members, clients, and stakeholders.

Optimal Resource Allocation

Efficient project management helps businesses allocate resources such as personnel, equipment, and finances more effectively, minimising waste and maximising profitability.

Effective Risk Management

Project management allows businesses to identify potential risks and develop contingency plans, reducing the likelihood of project failure and ensuring successful completion.

Improved Quality Control

Through project management, businesses can establish quality standards and monitor progress to ensure projects meet the desired quality, thereby maximising customer satisfaction.

By streamlining operations, improving communication, and boosting profitability, project management proves invaluable to small businesses.

Choosing the Right Project Management Methodology for Your Business

With an understanding of project management’s importance, selecting the most suitable methodology for your business is vital. Here are key factors to consider during the decision-making process:

Project Requirements

Evaluate the size, scope, and complexity of the project. Different methodologies cater to varying project types, ensuring an appropriate fit.

Team Size and Skill Level

Consider the capabilities of your team. Inexperienced teams may benefit from more straightforward methodologies that are easier to grasp.

Project Timeline

Assess the project timeline and choose a methodology that aligns with it. Some methodologies excel in short-term projects, while others are more suitable for longer engagements.

Customer Involvement

If customer collaboration and feedback are crucial, it is obvious to opt for methodologies incorporating customer involvement throughout the project lifecycle.

Flexibility

Evaluate the flexibility of each methodology. Determine whether it can accommodate project requirements or scope changes without compromising project integrity.

Cost

Consider the resources and tools required by each methodology. Take into account training and software expenses when assessing the overall cost.

Industry Standards

Research specific project management methodologies widely used and accepted within your industry. Adhering to industry standards can enhance project success.

Organisational Culture

Assess your organisational culture and determine which methodology aligns with it. Some methodologies may require significant operational changes, while others seamlessly integrate with existing practices.

By carefully weighing these factors, you can confidently select a project management methodology that best suits your project and team.

 

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Exploring Project Management Methodologies

Waterfall

Waterfall project management follows a sequential approach, dividing projects into distinct phases: planning, design, development, testing, and implementation. Each phase is completed before progressing to the next one. The waterfall method suits large, well-defined projects with minimal anticipated changes.

Agile

Agile project management is an iterative approach that emphasises adaptability and flexibility. Projects are broken down into manageable parts, allowing incremental delivery. Frequent communication, quick responses to change, and continuous improvement are the hallmarks of agile methodology.

Lean

Lean project management adopts Lean Manufacturing principles to maximise value while minimising waste. By streamlining processes and eliminating non-value-added activities, businesses increase efficiency and productivity. Collaborative work, continuous monitoring, and focusing on high-quality results in minimum time are essential to lean project management.

Scrum

Scrum is a framework for managing complex projects. It involves dividing projects into short iterations called sprints, emphasising transparency, inspection, and adaptation. The team plans, executes, and reviews each sprint, delivering working product increments. Scrum promotes teamwork, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Kanban

Kanban project management utilises visual boards with columns to track and manage work processes. Tasks or work items are represented by cards or sticky notes, which move across the board to reflect their progress. Kanban helps maintain a continuous workflow and enhances efficiency, making it popular in various industries.

Conclusion

Embracing project management methodologies empowers small businesses to optimise operations, improve communication, and increase profitability. Businesses can select the most suitable methodology by carefully considering project requirements, team capabilities, timelines, customer involvement, flexibility, costs, industry standards, and organisational culture. Whether it’s the sequential nature of Waterfall, the adaptability of Agile, the efficiency of Lean, the structure of Scrum, or the visual flexibility of Kanban, project management methodologies pave the way to success. If you require project management assistance, consider contacting a Virtual Business Manager experienced in this field. Book a no-obligation consultation call to explore how they can support your projects.

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5 Mistakes Business Owners Make On Projects

5 Mistakes Business Owners Make On Projects

Feb 4, 2023 | Project Management

I have worked with many small business owners on projects ranging from product launches to website development, moving premises to planning a social media strategy. I am often called in after the project fails or needs to catch up. Time and again, I see business owners making the same mistakes on projects, usually as they are rushing to get results. Here are the 5 mistakes I see most often:

#1 Don’t Assess The Feasibility Of The Project

A project should not be undertaken just because you want it done and believe it is a good idea.

It is easy to get excited by a new idea or project, But take a step back and determine your requirements, assumptions, risks and constraints.

#2 Focus On The Execution, Not The Planning

A common mistake is that a business owner launches into a project with the mindset that the project will show results from the get-go. If this is the mindset going into the project, it is highly likely to fail.

Spending more time and money on planning and initiating a project increases the likelihood of it succeeding. Rushed projects rarely succeed the first time, which means more cost in rectifying mistakes.

#3 Unrealistic Schedules

We all want projects completed in the fastest amount of time, but it will take a lot of work. Yes, spending time to initiate & plan DOES help; however, it is impossible to predict everything that could happen.

Ask your contractors about their typical delivery time, and then add wiggle room. If your contractor cannot deliver on time, it’s not the end of the world because you have already scheduled a buffer for it.

#4 Neglecting stakeholders

We see this time and time again. By definition, a stakeholder is someone whose interest could be impacted positively or negatively by the project.

Stakeholders can be internal or external to the project.

It would be best to determine how the project will impact each stakeholder and how to manage their expectations. Good communication is key to a good project.

#5 Vague Scope

You might have a clear picture in your head of your vision; however, this needs to be detailed to all your stakeholders.

From what your project success looks like to each step needed to achieve that success. Take the time to document your project fully to have a roadmap to success.

 

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The Complete Guide to Project Methodology

The Complete Guide to Project Methodology

May 14, 2022 | Project Management

When it comes to managing your projects, you can do it two ways!

First, you could do it the wrong way! Start the project without planning, and then hope that you and your team can pull it off. While you might be able to finish in the end, you’ll waste a lot more time.

So instead, you should plan out all your projects in the most efficient way. And the first step for it is to decide on your project management methodology!

But what is it exactly, and how can you do that? Continue reading to find out.

What is Project Management Methodology?

Project Management Planning

First things first, let’s get a clear understanding of what project management methodology is!

To put it simply, it’s just the way you manage your projects. Each methodology has its own set of principles and practices that aim to give you the most optimum performance.

But since there are so many different projects, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all methodology! And for that reason, there are hundreds of different methodologies out there.

So when deciding on one, you must consider everything. These include your project costs, longevity, team size, risk tolerance, etc.

 

6 Main Types of Methodologies

1 – Waterfall Methodology

It’s the most traditional project management methodologies out there!

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That’s because this methodology is linear. Each step is clearly defined, and there won’t be any changes along the way, hence the name.

So, what makes this project management method so great is that it brings a lot of clarity. With it, everything is planned, and you know exactly what the next step is!

Projects with this methodology usually follow this sequence:

  1. Requirements
  2. Analysis
  3. Design
  4. Construction
  5. Testing
  6. Deployment and Maintenance

However, there are a couple of problems as well! One of the biggest problems is its linearity. That means it doesn’t work best for projects that require creativity, like content marketing.

2 – Lean Methodology

Lean methodology is quite similar to Waterfall methodology but with one twist. Like Waterfall, Lean methodology is usually linear, but instead of doing the same thing repeatedly, Lean tries to make the process better.

It does that by maximizing the project’s value while minimizing any waste. One of the most famous users of this methodology is Toyota, which is why they can create such reliable cars.

So Lean methodology works best for projects where you expect continuous improvements. However, like Waterfall, this methodology won’t work for creative projects.

3 – Agile Methodology

Agile project management methodology is quite different from Waterfall. Instead of the project having a linear process, a project can go various ways with agile methodology.

With this methodology, you emphasize collaboration and are open to changes if it makes sense. That makes it perfect for projects that are liable to change. These could include your marketing campaigns.

4 – Kanban Methodology

There are various ways how you can use Agile methodology. One of the most popular methods is through Kanban project management methodology.

In many ways, Kanban is more of a framework than a methodology!

That’s because the process is separated into different columns. Each column acts as a stage of your project. And in those columns are various tasks.

In many ways, the Kanban methodology emphasizes helping you visually see your project’s progress. That comes with various benefits. For example, you can see where the bottlenecks are in your project.

So, if you’re looking for a methodology with which you can see your project’s progress at a glance, then this might be for you. It will also work well for projects that work on a continuous “pull” basis, like content creation.

5 – Adaptive Project Framework Methodology

Adaptive Project Framework methodology (aka APF methodology) is another type of agile project management methodology. It differs from other project management methodologies because it works best for longer-term projects.

In the APF method, teams need to anticipate the risks of the project and plan for the unexpected. That way, you’ll make the project outcome more predictable. However, for this to work, you will need to be very clear on your ultimate goals.

6 – Scrum Methodology

And lastly, we’d like to talk about the Scrum methodology. It’s more than just a framework! Here’s how it works:

Teams split their work into short cycles called “sprints,” which usually last about 1-2 weeks. Then, the groups are led by a Scrum Master who keeps an eye on the progress during the sprint.

What this project management methodology tries to do is strive for continuous improvement. So if that’s something you’re looking to get into with your team, then this might be the correct one for you.

Conclusion

So now that you know what all the six different methodologies mean, all that is left is to pick the correct one for you. Choose the methodology with outcomes you like the most and what works for your project! Then you should see your and your team’s productivity skyrocket!

However, if you’re still struggling with choosing the right one, why not schedule a call with me? I’d love to help you pick the correct methodology and any other problems you have.

So, schedule a call with me here!

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5 Outsourcing Ideas That Make Project Management Easy

5 Outsourcing Ideas That Make Project Management Easy

Feb 13, 2022 | Project Management

Project management is something that is inevitable for every business owner. It doesn’t matter which industry you’re in; you’re still going to create an ad campaign, a new product launch, or something similar. And to make sure that it goes smoothly, you need to manage the project well.

However, that can become a nuisance quickly. Just think about it:

  • the back and forth messaging
  • goal setting
  • progress tracking

These can take a toll on you and make running your small business a nightmare.

Fortunately, with automation and outsourcing, you can make it easier than ever. So in this blog post, you’ll learn the four outsourcing ideas that make project management a piece of cake or at least easier. Then you can focus on the most important things.

So, if that sounds interesting, then keep on reading.

Why Should You Outsource?

Before we get into the outsourcing ideas, let’s first understand why you should even outsource your project management?

Well, that’s because outsourcing can be the deciding factor if your small business will reach new heights or not. Just think about what you can do if you just saved 4 hours of work every single day? You could focus this free time on the tasks that move the needle.

So, with that out of the way, let’s get into the ideas, shall we?

 

Idea #1 – Work with a Virtual Business Manager to Create a Comprehensive Plan

Planning

When creating a new project, an essential part is developing an action plan, so it’s easier and more effective to make it into reality. However, sometimes it’s harder to do than it seems.

So for that reason, it would be great to get an extra set of eyes to make sure your plan is a good one. With a virtual business manager, you’ll be able to create a comprehensive strategy that is both realistic and grows your business most effectively.

 

Idea #2 – Use Project Management Tools

The first thing you should look out for is to try out some project management tools. For example, you could try out Trello.

That platform is excellent for making new tasks and allocating them to your members. And thanks to its Kanban board design, you’re able to get an overview of your and your team’s progress. So if you haven’t yet added any project management tools to your arsenal, you must try Trello out.

 

Idea #3 – Create a Unified Message Board

Message board

One of the most challenging things about project management is communication. The whole process is slow, and the message could reach the right person too late.

So instead of the slow emailing, it’s better to have one messaging board. Then everybody can easily message their problems, and reach the right person as fast as possible. That makes it way more manageable and effective for the whole team.

 

Idea #4 – Get Help With Hiring Freelancers

Freelancers can give substantial aid to any small business. That’s because you can allocate tasks that you or your team are weak at without hiring a new employee. That’s both time and cost-efficient.

A freelancer Working

However, with so many freelancers on the Internet, it’s hard for companies to differentiate good ones from the bad. So if you work with a virtual business manager, you can be sure that the choice is a good one.

 

Idea #5 – Create Your Weekly Reports

One of the most critical things any small business owner needs to do is track how far you and your team are with your project. The best way to do that is by regularly checking how far you and your team are with your goals.

And the most effective method to do it is by automating the whole process! With the power of Zapier, you’re able to create an Airtable record every time your team makes a new task or moves it to another Trello board.

Make Project Management Easy – Conclusion

And those were the five ideas for automating your project management. If you need any help with implementing any of these ideas, then don’t be afraid to ask for help. I’d love to help you out! You can check out my services HERE.

 

Further Reading

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The Amazing Benefits Of Project Management Systems

The Amazing Benefits Of Project Management Systems

Aug 22, 2020 | Project Management

 

I am a great believer that even a small business owner should embrace project management techniques in order to organise themselves. In addition, utilising project management systems enables the business owner to focus more easily on the proactive steps needed to grow.  However, I do understand that for many business owners this is an alien concept. Hence, I thought it would be useful to highlight the top half-dozen benefits of using a good project management system?

 

1. Overall Accountability.

As each project is loaded into the system by the project manager – who may well be you or your Virtual Business Manager – assigns responsibility for completing each stage of the task. By assigning these responsibilities at the beginning of the project means that all those involved clearly understand their role in the success of the project and your wider business.

2. Sharing Resources.

With careful planning and strategic allocation, multiple team members can work on multiple projects simultaneously. Additionally, using the project management tool to divide time appropriately and set relevant deadlines ensures the task stays on track. It is also possible to allocate resources using the tool. Resulting in strategic utilisation of your cash, as you are only making purchases when necessary.

3. Reliability.

Time is money. Using a project management system you can reliably predict when the project will be complete. Moreover, it helps to calculate its value in terms of time or money.

4. Brainstorming.

 You can look at a project management system as something of a mastermind group. Remember that your team of outsourcers are already skilled and knowledgeable and bring plenty of direct expertise to the table. When a number of people are invested in making sure that your project is a success this unleashes an element of brainstorming. Capturing different options and ideas can only seek to improve the overall project in the long run.

 5. Direction.

The typical project is the sum of a number of complicated, moving parts and pieces. Without a centralised project management system, it’s likely that

  •  something is missed,
  • somebody slips up or
  • something is misinterpreted or
  • simply there is confusion on how to proceed at a crucial moment in the project history.

Overall, therefore, the system provides direction and certainty for all involved.

6. Completion.

How many times has a project been started but never finished? Without adequate planning, oversight and supervision there is an ever-present danger. However, with adequate planning and allocation of responsibility, all team members know what their role is. They can see the deadlines and know that the project will be completed, on-time.

 

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Project Management System Important?

Why do you need to consider implementing a project management system? Well, it is simple, to replace uncertainty, risk and threat of failure. As we all know from the recent COVID situation there are many potential hazards and stumbling blocks ahead in business. However, it is important to the success of your business that the lack of internal preparation isn’t one of them.

There are some very sophisticated cloud-based systems available today. Given that working from home could be the new norm and that outsourcing to virtual resources in on the increase, the adoption of a centralised project management system is a critical component if business success is your goal.

Lastly, we shouldn’t forget another potential advantage. By looking at the results of past projects, evaluating success and learning from mistakes, the entire team can learn valuable lessons. This can only help to improve future projects and strengthen the team dynamics going forward.

 

Further Reading

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