Why Use a Project Management Methodology?

Many Project Managers believe that to enjoy totalprojects by itself or guarantee success. It is fair
project management success, you need toto say that no methodology "out-of-the-box" will
manage projects using a formal projectbe 100% applicable to every type of project. So
management methodology. They say it helps giveyou will need to customise any methodology you
you direction, it saves you time and it improvespurchase to ensure that it perfectly fits your
the quality of your deliverables. But does it?project management environment.
Most good managers use a methodology of sorts,Why use a Methodology?
whether it be written on post-it notes stuck toWhile a methodology is not a silver bullet for
their screen, documented in a stack ofprojects, it should help you by giving you a clear
procedures on their desk, or included in softwareprocess for managing projects. After you have
that they have bought. Regardless of the type ofcustomised it to perfectly fit your environment,
methodology used, there is one common theme -your methodology should tell your team what has
that it typically helps them to manage projectsto be completed to deliver your project, how it
and therefore improve their project success.should be done, in which order and by when.
What is a Methodology? A methodology is "a setUsing a methodology you can:
of methods, processes and practices that are- Create a project roadmap;
repeatedly carried out to deliver projects". The- Monitor time, cost and quality;
key concept is that you repeat the same steps- Control change and scope;
for every project you undertake, and by doing- Minimise risks and issues;
that, you will gain efficiencies in your approach.- Manage staff and suppliers.
What is a Standard? So what is the difference 
between a methodology and a standard? AOf course, you will need to use the elements of
standard is "a collection of knowledge areas thatthe methodology that are most suitable to each
are generally accepted as best practice in theproject you undertake. For instance, when
industry".managing smaller projects, you will only want to
Standards give you industry guidance, whereasapply lightweight processes to your project. When
methodologies give you practical processes formanaging large projects, you should apply the
managing projects. Standards are notheavyweight processes to monitor and control
methodologies, and vice versa. The two mostevery element of your project in depth.
popular standards are PMBOK and Prince2.But if you can manage every project you
What should be included?undertake in the same way, then you will gain
When you buy a project methodology, it shouldefficiencies with your approach, work smarter and
give you:reduce your stress. You will also give your team a
- A core set of processes to follow for deliveringclear understanding of what you expect from
projects;them and boost your chances of success.
- A set of templates to help you build deliverablesIf you want a methodology to help improve the
quickly;way you manage projects, you are likely to want:
- A suite of case studies to help you learn from- A core set of processes to follow for delivering
past projects;projects;
- An option for customizing the methodology- A set of templates to help you build deliverables
provided;quickly;
- The ability to import your existing processes- A suite of case studies to help you learn from
into it.past projects;
 - An option for customising the methodology
MPMM is one of the few methodologies thatprovided;
provides all of these features- The ability to import your existing processes
What will it not do?into it.
A Methodology is not a silver bullet. It will not fix