Projects are never executed in isolation. They rely on teams operating within a project management framework. Whether structured or informal, this framework guides how tasks flow across teams and channels, ensuring alignment and efficiency.
Project management frameworks are indispensable. Without them, managing projects would feel like stepping back in time, over a century, in fact.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) points out that the Gantt Chart, introduced by Henry Gantt in 1917, was the first formal project management tool. It enables teams to track timelines and deliverables visually, setting the foundation for modern methodologies.
As a project manager today, you likely recognize the value of these project management techniques. The next step is to dive deeper into frameworks and refine your approach.
Top 12 project management frameworks you need to know for work
To become a confident and knowledgeable project manager, take the time to explore 12 widely recognized project management framework examples.
Each offers unique benefits and approaches, helping you find the best fit for your team’s goals and challenges.
Agile project management framework
Agile was developed in response to the structured, sequential nature of the Waterfall model, drawing influence from Lean principles to promote adaptability and continuous improvement.
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However, calling it a framework isn’t quite right. It’s more accurately described as a principle of project management.
Several core principles shape Agile’s dynamic:
- People and interactions precede rigid processes and tools for fluid communication and teamwork.
- Working solutions are prioritized over extensive documentation, focusing on functional outcomes rather than exhaustive planning.
- Customer involvement is continuous, shifting the focus from fixed contractual agreements to active collaboration throughout development.
- Adaptability is key, with teams embracing change as an opportunity for improvement rather than following a strict predefined roadmap.
When teams adopt the Agile project management framework, they usually pair it with specific methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, or Scrumban. These methodologies provide a more structured way to execute Agile, creating a well-defined path for delivering successful projects.
Agile project management divides a large plan into smaller segments called sprints. After each sprint, the team reviews progress and makes adjustments.
It lets the team respond quickly to new information, making it ideal for complex projects, especially in software app development and software R&D teams.
Waterfall project management framework
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A structured, step-by-step approach has long been favored for its ability to deliver predictable project outcomes. The Waterfall project framework is a go-to for many industries, particularly in software development.
The process follows a strict sequence of phases: requirements analysis, design, testing, implementation, and maintenance. Each phase must be completed before moving to the next, maintaining a structured and predictable flow.
The structured nature of Waterfall gives teams more control over each phase. It also encourages thorough planning upfront, helping to capture all project requirements early.
However, Waterfall can be rigid when faced with changes. Adjusting the project scope mid-way is challenging, making it less suitable for dynamic or evolving requirements.
Scrum project management framework
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Think of Scrum as a flexible playbook designed to bring Agile principles to life.
The Scrum project framework defines key roles, such as the Scrum Master, and organizes work into sprints, which are two to four-week development cycles.
During each sprint, teams focus on items from the backlog, an ordered list of tasks prioritized by the product owner.
Originally designed for software development, Scrum doesn't always fit neatly into other industries. However, many companies adopt parts of it. They often use daily stand-ups, progress demos, and sprint retrospectives while combining them with other practices for a more customized approach.
Kanban project management framework
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Developed by Toyota in the 1940s, Kanban is another project management framework example that with no fixed roles or strict processes. It focuses on visualizing workflows, limiting the number of tasks in progress, and constantly evaluating ways to improve.
Teams use a Kanban board in the form of physical sticky notes or digital cards to track progress and identify challenges.
Kanban works well for environments requiring steady output but with shifting priorities, like support or maintenance. It benefits agencies since priorities can change quickly, and clients often revise their needs.
If Scrum feels too rigid but you want to apply agile methods, Kanban offers a simpler, more adaptable alternative.
Lean project management framework
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Born out of Toyota’s quest for efficiency in the 1950s, Lean is all about cutting waste and delivering maximum value. Over time, the principles of Lean have made their way into knowledge work, helping businesses cut costs, meet tight deadlines, and refine processes.
There are five core Lean principles that guide project management, including:
- Value: It is critical to define a project's value to customers. Before starting, clarify the specific value your project will provide. This will help you focus on what truly matters to the customer.
- Value stream: Mapping the entire project process is key. You start with materials and move to delivery and identify any areas of waste. Analyze every step to make sure no time or resources are wasted.
- Flow: Once waste is removed, the goal is to achieve smooth, uninterrupted progress. Each step should flow seamlessly toward the final goal without unnecessary delays.
- Pull: In Lean, action is taken only when the customer demands it. Unlike traditional methods, Lean avoids forecasting and prevents premature work to reduce excess and waste.
- Perfection: Lean encourages continuous improvement. Regularly evaluate your processes to eliminate waste and increase efficiency, always aiming for perfection
Lean's focus on reducing waste and maximizing value leads to higher profits and lower costs. It improves customer relationships by delivering exactly what they want, avoiding overproduction, and cutting excessive inventory.
Six sigma project management framework
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Six Sigma is a unique project management framework focused on quality control. Typically, it is paired with Lean or Agile frameworks, forming Lean Six Sigma or Agile Six Sigma.
The primary goal of Six Sigma is to reduce defects and continuously improve processes. Experts work to refine, define, and control processes to eliminate inefficiencies.
The Six Sigma DMAIC process breaks improvement into five phases:
- Define: Establish the project’s scope, business case, and hold an initial meeting.
- Measure: Gather data to identify areas needing improvement.
- Analyze: Pinpoint the root causes of issues.
- Improve: Address and resolve the root causes.
- Control: Develop strategies to maintain improvements over time.
Six Sigma is most effective in large organizations with hundreds of employees. When projects grow in scale, eliminating waste becomes crucial to the company’s overall success.
PRINCE2 project management framework
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Originally developed by the UK government, PRINCE2 (projects in controlled environments) has evolved into a globally recognized framework that helps teams deliver projects on time, within budget, and aligned with business goals.
PRINCE2 is a structured project management methodology widely used in industries like IT, construction, and government. It provides a clear framework with defined roles, processes, and principles that guide projects from initiation to completion.
While PRINCE2 offers robust control and governance, its highly structured nature may require adaptation for teams working in agile or fast-paced environments.
Critical chain project management (CCPM) framework
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Managing project timelines often feels like balancing a dozen spinning plates.
Critical chain project management (CCPM) framework takes this challenge head-on by building on the critical path method (CPM) and introducing time buffers to create a more realistic, resource-focused approach. It adds specific time requirements for each task, providing better tracking and ensuring that tasks do not exceed their allocated time.
CCPM also uses resource leveling to distribute workloads evenly across available resources, helping prevent bottlenecks and maximize efficiency. It ties tasks directly to project goals, assisting teams to stay focused on what matters. Many project management tools include visual elements to track progress, creating a clear roadmap for team members.
This framework works well for both small and large teams, especially in improving project efficiency. It’s also a helpful tool for reporting progress to leadership.
Critical path method (CPM)
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The critical path method is a simple technique for identifying the most crucial tasks to the project’s success. It helps you organize activities to meet deadlines without blowing your budget.
The process starts with a list of all necessary tasks, estimated durations, dependencies, and key milestones.
CPM identifies the most efficient path to completing the project or hitting milestones. It highlights tasks that must be completed to keep the project on track.
Like the CCPM method, CPM focuses on task sequencing, but CCPM adds time buffers to account for uncertainties.
Hybrid project management framework
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Sometimes, no single methodology fits the bill. Hybrid project management frameworks combine the best elements of different methodologies, such as Agile, Waterfall, and Lean, to create a more flexible, customized approach.
These frameworks allow teams to adapt processes to meet a project's specific needs rather than sticking to one rigid methodology.
For example, a team might use Agile for product development phases where flexibility and speed are critical. However, they switch to Waterfall for the final stages when they need a more structured, predictable approach.
By blending these two methodologies, teams can take advantage of the iterative nature of Agile while still having the control and predictability offered by Waterfall in critical phases like deployment or final testing.
One key advantage of hybrid frameworks is their adaptability. They allow project managers to tailor their approach to project requirements, timelines, team dynamics, and customer needs.
The challenge with hybrid frameworks is finding the right balance. Too much flexibility can lead to a lack of direction, while too much structure can limit creativity and responsiveness.
The key is knowing when to apply each methodology's strengths and how to manage the transition between them smoothly.
OKR-based project management framework
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The OKR-based project management framework focuses on setting clear objectives and measurable outcomes. The approach connects daily tasks to a company’s broader strategic goals, creating a sense of purpose and direction.
Objectives define what teams aim to achieve, while key results track progress with specific, time-bound metrics. Regular reviews help teams assess their performance and make adjustments when necessary.
The framework encourages accountability by clarifying individual and team responsibilities. It helps teams understand their role in achieving the overall objectives, prioritizing meaningful results over simply checking off tasks.
PRiSM project management framework
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PRiSM project management framework (Source - )
Projects integrating sustainable methods (PRiSM) is a project management framework example that emphasizes sustainability in every stage of the project lifecycle.
It focuses on integrating environmental, social, and economic factors to create projects that have long-lasting, positive impacts on both the organization and the community.
PRiSM combines traditional project management principles with green practices, aiming to reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize the carbon footprint. The methodology encourages project managers to consider the sustainability of each decision, from planning and execution to project delivery and closure.
A key feature of PRiSM is its use of the sustainability management plan (SMP), which guides the integration of sustainable practices. This includes establishing clear sustainability goals, setting measurable targets, and identifying risks that could hinder sustainability efforts.
PRiSM helps organizations improve their environmental performance while also delivering successful projects. It promotes responsible project management by ensuring that sustainability is a core consideration throughout the entire process.
Factors to consider when choosing the right project management framework
Choosing the right project management framework is like picking the right tool.
You wouldn’t use a wrench to cut wood, right?
The suitable framework should match your team’s needs, the project’s complexity, and your industry.
Here are some key things to consider when making your choice:
- Project complexity: If your project has shifting requirements, Agile or Scrum may work best. For simpler, more predictable projects, Waterfall might be a good fit.
- Team size: Small teams often do well with Scrum's close collaboration. Larger teams may benefit from Kanban’s visual management style.
- Goals: If your goal is to innovate or iterate, Agile works best. For projects with clear and fixed goals, the Waterfall methodology may be a better fit.
- Industry: Some frameworks are industry-specific. Lean is common in manufacturing, while Agile thrives in software development.
- Team dynamics: Think about how your team works. Do they thrive on structure, or do they need flexibility and room for continuous improvement?
- Adaptability: Consider how easily the framework can adjust to changes. If your project is likely to change scope, look for flexible options like Scrum or Kanban.
Implementing the right project management framework with Meegle
Meegle is a process collaboration platform with unique features that transform traditional project management approaches. It offers a more intuitive and efficient way to manage a complex project successfully.
The platform provides task management, team collaboration, and real-time communication tools, making it perfect for Agile teams.
Meegle’s Agile development solution offers flexibility and scalability for organizations to customize Agile practices to fit their specific needs and culture.
Here's how it enhances project management:
- Agile project management framework with Meegle
- Agile project management framework with Meegle
Meegle is designed to support Agile methods with status-driven workflow. It offers a clear, centralized view of product backlogs, helping teams effectively organize their sprints and track progress.
Teams can easily visualize tasks, limit work in process, and adjust to shifting priorities.
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Manage your project within Meegle
For example, a software development team can manage their two-week sprints using Meegle’s Kanban board. They move user stories through stages like “Backlog,” “In Progress,” and “Done,” ensuring complete transparency of progress.
Meegle also offers an Agile management template that covers everything from Epic and Story management to Sprint and Task tracking.
Teams can use this template to manage the entire lifecycle of user stories, schedule tasks, track progress, and analyze real-time metrics.
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Meegle’s Agile Development Template for efficient project management
Meegle offers a centralized platform for tracking and assigning tasks. It supports the Agile process by allowing teams to manage their backlog and create a product roadmap. With tools like Gantt charts, teams can quickly see task status and make adjustments as needed.
Real-time metrics analysis gives teams immediate insights, helping them anticipate market shifts. This allows for fast decision-making and encourages continuous improvement.
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Harness instant data insights within the analytics dashboard
Meegle also supports task splitting, breaking down large tasks into manageable pieces. The feature helps assign tasks based on team members’ strengths, speeding up progress and improving efficiency.
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Divide complex tasks into smaller, more manageable elements
- Get instant visibility into project progress with workflows
- Get instant visibility into project progress with workflows
Meegle's node-based visual workflow easily adapts to methodologies like Waterfall, or hybrid approaches.
You can create nodes for different stages of the development cycle, making task management more manageable. Everyone can see precisely where tasks are in the process, spot bottlenecks, and identify task dependencies.
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Get an at-a-glance understanding of project progress
For example, a marketing campaign that spans social media, email, and content marketing can be tracked through connected workflows. Managers can quickly see how delays in content creation might delay social media posts or email campaigns.
- Communicate easily with real-time collaboration tools
- Communicate easily with real-time collaboration tools
Meegle facilitates teamwork through features like in-context comments, @mentions, and shared file storage.
A designer can upload a website mockup to the relevant task, tag the project manager for review, and discuss changes within the platform. The platform keeps all communication in one place, eliminating the need for scattered emails or separate chat apps.
The platform provides real-time updates. When a developer marks a bug as "fixed," the QA tester gets an instant notification. They can start testing immediately, keeping everyone in sync with the latest progress.
- Automation features for repetitive tasks
- Automation features for repetitive tasks
Meegle automates routine tasks to save time. For example, when a writer marks an article as "Ready for Editing," Meegle automatically assigns it to the next editor and sends a notification so nothing is overlooked.
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Automate notifications and task assignments to keep workflows moving smoothly
For recurring tasks, like monthly reports, Meegle creates new projects each month. It populates these with standard tasks and assigns them to the right team members, cutting down setup time and keeping everything consistent.
- Integration capabilities
- Integration capabilities
Meegle connects with other tools to make work easier.
For instance, when a developer pushes code to Git, Meegle updates the task status automatically. It can move from "In Progress" to "Ready for Review" without any extra steps.
Meegle also integrates with Slack. Important updates, like deadline reminders or urgent issues, are sent directly to the team’s Slack channel. The feature keeps everyone informed and helps improve response times.
Meegle also integrates with Zapier, enabling users to automate workflows across multiple apps. For example, when a new work item is created in Meegle, Zapier can trigger actions such as sending email notifications through Gmail.
- Build your project management framework with Meegle
- Build your project management framework with Meegle
A solid project management framework can boost collaboration, improve efficiency, and reduce risks. But navigating complex projects requires the right tools. That’s where Meegle fits in.
Meegle brings together everything you need for project success. It adapts to your team’s approach from Agile and Scrum to Waterfall. With customizable workflows, real-time communication, and powerful reporting, Meegle helps you build the perfect project framework.
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FAQs
What are project management frameworks?
Project management frameworks are structured methods used to guide the planning, execution, and completion of projects. They offer defined processes, tools, and practices to manage tasks, timelines, and resources. Popular frameworks include Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, and Lean, each with a unique project management approach.
What are the five phases of the project management framework?
The five phases of project management are initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing. These phases help organize the work, track progress, and ensure the project meets its goals and objectives. Each phase is essential for ensuring a project is completed on time, within scope, and on budget.
What are the 5 Cs of project management?
The 5 Cs of project management are Communication, Coordination, Collaboration, Control, and Completion. These key elements focus on effective teamwork, clear communication, and monitoring progress to keep projects on track. Together, they help teams manage resources and overcome challenges during the project lifecycle.
What are the four 4 models of project management?
The four main project management models are Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, and Lean. Waterfall follows a linear process, while Agile and Scrum prioritize iterative work in short cycles. Lean focuses on improving efficiency by reducing waste and optimizing resources.
