Project Management guide · Project management fundamentals
Project Management Methodologies, Frameworks and Approaches
The words methodology, framework and approach are often used interchangeably, but they mean slightly different things. Knowing the main options, and how they differ, helps you choose the right way to run each project.
Key takeaways
- Approach, framework, methodology and standard mean different things.
- Choose based on requirement stability, deliverability in pieces and governance.
- Hybrid approaches are common.
Approach, framework, methodology
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | The overall philosophy for delivering work | Predictive, adaptive (Agile), hybrid |
| Framework | A structure with some rules, leaving room to adapt | Scrum, SAFe |
| Methodology | A defined system of practices, processes and rules | PRINCE2, Waterfall |
| Standard | A description of good practice | PMBOK Guide, ISO 21502 |
Main methodologies compared
| Methodology | Core idea | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Waterfall | Sequential phases, detailed up-front plan | Stable, well-defined projects |
| Agile | Short iterations, continuous feedback | Uncertain, evolving requirements |
| Scrum | Sprints, roles, events and artifacts | Product development teams |
| Kanban | Visual flow and WIP limits | Continuous work |
| PRINCE2 | Stages, roles and management by exception | Governance-heavy projects |
| Lean | Maximise value, eliminate waste | Process improvement |
| Six Sigma | Reduce variation with data (DMAIC) | Quality improvement |
| Critical Chain | Schedule around resources with buffers | Resource-constrained portfolios |
| Extreme Project Management | Highly flexible, for fast-changing projects | Innovation projects |
How to choose
- How stable are the requirements? Stable favours predictive; uncertain favours Agile.
- Can the work be delivered in usable pieces?
- What governance and regulation apply?
- How available are customers for feedback?
- What does your organisation already use?
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular project management methodology?
Agile approaches, especially Scrum, are the most widely used in technology; Waterfall and hybrid approaches remain common in construction, engineering and government.
Can you combine project management methodologies?
Yes. Hybrid approaches are common and often the most practical.
What is a project management methodology?
A defined system of practices, processes and rules for delivering projects, such as PRINCE2 or Waterfall.
What is the difference between a project management methodology and a framework?
A methodology prescribes detailed processes and rules; a framework provides structure but leaves more room to adapt, as Scrum does.
How do I choose a project management methodology?
Consider how stable the requirements are, whether work can be delivered in pieces, governance and regulation, customer availability and what your organisation already uses.
What is a hybrid project management methodology?
Combining predictive and Agile elements, such as a milestone plan for governance with Agile iterations for delivery.
What is the difference between the Agile and Waterfall project management methodologies?
Waterfall plans everything up front and delivers in sequence; Agile delivers in short iterations and adapts. See Agile vs Waterfall.
Is PMBOK a project management methodology?
No. The PMBOK Guide is a standard and guide to good practice, not a step-by-step methodology.
Which project management methodology is best for software projects?
Agile approaches such as Scrum and Kanban are most common, often with engineering practices from Extreme Programming.
Which project management methodology is best for construction?
Predictive approaches remain the norm for construction, often combined with Lean construction techniques such as the Last Planner System.
What is an adaptive project management methodology?
Another term for Agile and iterative approaches, in which plans are adjusted frequently based on feedback.