Traditional Project Management

 

Summary of Traditional Project Management

1. Definition and Overview:

   • Traditional Project Management is a structured approach used for projects with well-defined scopes and predictable outcomes.
   • Also known as Waterfall or Predictive Project Management, it involves sequential processes, extensive upfront planning, and minimal changes during execution.

2. Key Characteristics:

   • Well-Defined Scope:
     • The scope of work is established upfront and does not evolve over time.
     • Example: Building a 20-story building requires the entire plan (foundation, height, and structure) to be defined before starting.
   • Clear Standards and Processes:
     • Standards and processes are well-documented and have been used successfully in similar projects.
     • Example: Construction projects rely on proven methods for laying foundations and erecting structures.
   • Predictability:
     • Projects are managed, controlled, and executed based on past experiences, making outcomes predictable.
   • Limited Changes:
     • Changes are discouraged and tightly managed to prevent scope creep, where the project scope expands uncontrollably.

3. Planning Approach:

   • Extensive Upfront Planning:
     • All project planning (scope, schedule, budget) is completed before execution begins.
     • Example: A year or more might be spent planning a large construction project before breaking ground.
   • Objective:
     • Complete the scope within the set time and budget.
     • Example: Build a structure within 2 years and a $100 million budget.

4. Differences from Agile:

   • Scope:
     • Traditional: Fixed scope; changes are controlled.
     • Agile: Evolving scope; changes are expected and welcomed.
   • Planning:
     • Traditional: All planning is done upfront.
     • Agile: Planning is iterative and occurs throughout the project.
   • Control:
     • Traditional: The project manager is in control.
     • Agile: The team has greater autonomy and control.

5. Advantages:

   • Suitable for projects where scope, requirements, and processes are well-known.
   • Works well in industries like construction or manufacturing with minimal scope for flexibility.
   • Easier to predict timelines and budgets.

6. Challenges:

   • Poor adaptability to changes or unforeseen events.
   • Extensive upfront planning can delay the project start.
   • May result in inefficiencies if the project encounters unexpected issues.

7. Key Considerations for Exams:

   • Understand the 49 processes of traditional project management.
   • Familiarize yourself with the tools, techniques, inputs, and outputs associated with each process.
   • Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing details.

8. Examples:

   • Construction: Building a skyscraper with a fixed number of floors and a predetermined budget.
   • Manufacturing: Developing a new product assembly line with defined steps and standards.
   • Software Development (Waterfall): Completing one phase (e.g., requirements gathering) before moving to the next (e.g., design).

9. Highlighted Points:

   • Predictive Nature:
     • Based on past experiences, traditional project management ensures predictable outcomes.
   • Risk of Scope Creep:
     • Strict controls prevent uncontrolled changes that could derail the project.
   • Efficiency:
     • The goal is to complete the project within the shortest possible time and lowest possible cost.

Key Takeaway:

Traditional project management is ideal for projects with clear objectives, predictable outcomes, and minimal need for flexibility. Extensive upfront planning, strict control, and a focus on efficiency make it effective for industries like construction and manufacturing. "Plan extensively, execute predictably."