FAQ

Project management (PM) comprises the initiation, planning, control, monitoring and completion of projects. Many terms and methods are standardized. In contrast, process management deals with the standardization and structuring of processes in order to achieve corporate goals efficiently. Project management can also be part of process management.

For successful project management, you start with preparation and planning by defining the project and identifying the stakeholders. You then obtain approval from the project sponsor or client and create the work breakdown structure. During implementation, you monitor and control the project by working through the work breakdown structure.

Finally, the project is accepted by the client. A project normally has five process groups: Initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and completion. Each phase contains specific tasks that must be carried out in order to achieve your project goals.

A project manager optimizes resources, defines clear goals and minimizes risks. They improve communication, monitor progress and ensure that deadlines are met. With their experience, they increase quality and customer satisfaction. In addition, the project remains flexible and well documented, while the team can concentrate on its core tasks. Overall, a project manager ensures efficient and structured project implementation.

The methods provide project managers with guidelines that support them in completing individual tasks throughout the project. Each method follows different strategies to overcome problems that arise. The choice of method depends heavily on the industry and the type of project.

Project management models offer structured approaches for the efficient implementation of projects. Lean aims to minimize waste and optimize the value chain.

The waterfall method is sequential, with each step building on the previous one. Agile methods, such as Scrum and Kanban, offer flexibility and adaptability to solve the problems of traditional methods.

The Critical Path Method (CPM) identifies the longest sequence of tasks required for project completion. PRINCE2 provides a structured approach for projects of all types, while ITIL provides best practices for IT service management. These models can be divided into classic, agile and hybrid project management.

Classic project management focuses on a detailed planning phase in which the budget, costs, deadlines and resources are precisely defined. The original plan serves as a guide, even in the event of deviations. This method is preferred for projects with known parameters and a high degree of planning certainty. Examples of classic methods and tools are the V-model, the waterfall method, work breakdown structures and Gantt charts.

Agile project management emphasizes fast and dynamic responsiveness, especially in changing circumstances. Originating from software development, it is iterative and incremental in nature and aims to break down the rigid structures of traditional methods.

The focus is on communication, lean processes, transparency and short-term goals. These methods are ideal for projects with unknown parameters, high complexity and an innovative character, such as in product or organizational development. Examples include Scrum, Kanban, XP and Lean.

Hybrid project management combines the strengths of traditional and agile methods to manage projects with a high level of complexity that cannot be managed effectively using purely traditional or agile approaches. It utilizes the advantages of both approaches and gains strength as a result. Examples of hybrid methods include Scrumban, the combination of waterfall and Scrum, the V-Scrum model and Lean Sigma.

Classic project management is particularly suitable for projects with a fixed scope, where time and effort are variable and the processes are defined in advance. It is ideal for projects that require extensive planning, coordination and documentation. Agile project management, on the other hand, is advantageous in environments and projects that are characterized by uncertainty, complexity and rapid change. Here, a variable scope with fixed time and effort is emphasized.