Project Managers are expected to be creative and figure out solutions to problems within projects, but there are also standard ways of organizing and executing projects regardless of where or what the project manager is working. These standard ways of doing things within project management are called methodologies.
There are two main types of project management methodologies: waterfall and agile. These two methods provide two very different approaches to working on a project, but they’re also both adaptable for different projects and work environments. You may hear about other types of methodologies, but they all generally fall under these two categories. Smaller methods are often referred to as being a part of either the waterfall or agile “family.”
- Waterfall
The waterfall method is the most common and most traditional method used among project managers. It employs a top-down approach to projects, where the project has clearly defined steps from clarifying the objectives to final implementation and follow-through. The project manager may start by outlining the requirements of the project product and then creating a design for the product. Next is the implementation stage (which could include construction, coding, or integration), which is followed by verification stages (which could include testing and debugging, depending on the project). The last stage is typically the maintenance stage, which includes fixing the kinks before the product is finished. The waterfall method can be modified, but the basic principles of the top-down approach are the keys to this method.
- Agile
The agile method, although not as traditional as the waterfall method, is being used more and more frequently by project managers because of its change-driven approach. The agile method is characterized by its flexibility and faster turnaround. The goal is to make a quick product by allowing creative flexibility. It is sometimes called a “people-centric” approach and it employees short, iterative sprints that continuously shape and refine the project path. The main appeal of the agile method is that it leaves room for creativity, so it’s often used within IT, software, and marketing companies.
The main differences between these two methods are the approach and need for the product you’re trying to make or accomplish on the project. The agile method is great for flexibility and creativity, but may leave more room for ambiguity. The waterfall method, on the other hand, is very structured and may not leave as much room for creativity, but it does make it easier for clarity of goals and implementation. Whichever methodology you use as a project manager, it’s important to be skilled at both, because you may need to use them for different projects throughout the course of your career.
