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Project management methodologies enable a project to succeed and comply with the deadlines, budget and resources provided. They help each stage of the project to be completed, from planning to implementation, in the interests of efficiency and profitability.

Principal methodologies include:

a. Classic methods: these methods are most often used in project management. They are referred to as “cascading” because each stage must end by moving on to the next. The major disadvantage of this approach lies in its lack of flexibility with regard to changes.

b. Agile methods: these methods are gaining more and more popularity. They offer more flexibility and control in project management and better fulfill client expectations. Client needs are the cornerstone of agile methods. The client is involved throughout the entire project, which is executed according to an iterative, incremental process. Scrum, the agile method most often used, introduces the concept of sprints, which represent the different stages of the project. Throughout the project, existing functionalities will be continuously improved. It is also possible to add new functionalities if needed. Scrum is based on three roles:

– the product owner, who sets the technical requirements for the product,

– the development team, which develops the project according to the needs specified by the product owner and the scrum master,

– the scrum master, who oversees the realization of these objectives and is responsible for management within the project team. Successful communication with the product owner and the development team lies within the remit of the scrum master.

c. Adaptive methods: these methods adjust themselves to fit variations in projects, especially those that are complex and difficult to manage with a classic approach.

d. Critical path method: this method corresponds to the full set of tasks that must be accomplished in order to complete the project by a predetermined date. These critical tasks must not be subjected to any delay, otherwise the project will fall behind schedule.

e. The PERT method: this method is used to manage sequencing in a project. It involves representing the project in the form of a graph, a network of tasks whose sequencing will enable the achievement of preset objectives.

All of the tasks necessary for the execution of the project are listed and put in a specific order, with their dependence on one another established.

In this method, the stages of a project are represented graphically in a PERT diagram, which establishes the critical path that determines the minimum duration of the project.

f. The PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments, version 2) method: this method is a structured, pragmatic and adaptable project management methodology that can be used for any type of project. It guarantees that projects will be delivered on time, within budget and ensuring risk, advantage and quality management.

g. The Lean Management method: this method is used to provide high-quality work with minimal money, resources and time.

A wide range of tools is available for the management of a project. These are used to increase productivity and efficiency. Thus, it is necessary to know which ones to choose depending on our needs.

Table 1.1 recaps the main tools available for each phase of a project.

Table 1.1 Main tools for project management

	Initiation (pre-project)	Design	Execution	Closure
Examples of tools	Objective treeRACI matrixSpecifications	ParetoWBSGantt diagramCommunication planRisk management	Collaborative work toolsBrainstormingProblem-solving toolsControl panel	Project review