Top Project Management Methodologies: Types, Examples & How to Choose the Right One

Managing a project can feel like solving a puzzle. There are deadlines, budgets, people, communication, and deliverables that all have to come together at the right time. Without a clear plan, projects can become confusing, leading to missed deadlines, mixed messages, and pressure from stakeholders.

Project management methodologies help bring order to that chaos. These methods give project managers a clear way to plan work, organize tasks, and keep teams moving toward a shared goal. 

Learning how different methodologies work is an important step for anyone interested in a project management career. In this guide, you’ll learn about some of the most common project management methodologies, how they’re used in different industries, and what to consider when choosing the right approach for your team and career goals.

Why Project Management Methodologies Matter

Project management methodologies give teams and project managers (PMs) a clear plan for organizing, executing, and completing projects successfully. They provide a framework for planning tasks, assigning work, tracking progress, and keeping teams coordinated.

Choosing a management tool that fits your team, project scope, and industry can improve outcomes and help manage complex projects more effectively. Without a defined methodology, projects often lack structure and consistency. Deadlines are missed, projects go over budget, stakeholders get frustrated, and changing requirements can leave teams unsure of what to do next.

There are many project management methodologies to choose from. Each has its own set of strengths and challenges, and teams often blend methods to meet their specific needs. The following sections explore six common project management methodologies and how they are used in real-world projects to help you understand which approach might work best for your team and projects. 

8 Popular Project Management Methodologies

Anyone pursuing a career in project management should be familiar with widely used methodologies. The following are some of the most popular project management methodologies used in the PM world:  

1. Waterfall Methodology 

The Waterfall methodology is the most straightforward method for managing a project. Its name refers to the way a project flows from one phase to another in a downward direction. In Waterfall project management, tasks must be completed in sequential, linear phases, and no phase can begin until the prior phase is complete. Each team member has a clear role and works toward an end goal. This structure makes progress easy to track against the project schedule.

The phases of the waterfall method generally look like this:  

• Gather information 
• Analyze 
• Design 
• Implement 
• Test 
• Deploy 
• Modify 

Because of its inability to adapt to change, the waterfall method works best for projects that have a single timeline and are well defined from the start—which is why this methodology is most used in manufacturing and construction.  

2. Agile Methodology 

Agile is a flexible project management methodology that focuses on collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement. Instead of following a fixed plan from start to finish, the Agile manifesto allows teams to work in small stages and adjust as project needs change.

Agile projects are completed through short work cycles called iterations or sprints. During each cycle, teams plan tasks, complete work, review results, and make improvements before moving on to the next phase. The Agile framework encourages frequent feedback and keeps projects aligned with stakeholder needs.

Agile supports close teamwork, clear communication, and fast problem-solving. It’s most effective for projects that need flexibility, such as software development and marketing.

3. Scrum Methodology 

Scrum is a framework that operates within the Agile methodology. It’s considered less of a traditional project management methodology and more of a framework for product and software development—although it can be beneficial to any team working toward a common goal.  

The Scrum process consists of meetings, roles, and tools to help teams working on complex projects collaborate and better manage their workload. Work is done in short sprints that typically range from two to four weeks. Each sprint consists of a planning session, a daily scrum to check in on tasks, a sprint review, and a sprint retrospective.  

For this process to work effectively, a scrum team needs three specific roles: 

• Scrum master: A person who leads scrum meetings and manages the framework, principles, and values that make scrum work, including the skills and tools needed for it to be effective. 
• Product owner: A person who focuses on the business side of the project. They’re in charge of managing the product log and translating the vision of the project to the team. 
• Development team: All the members who are involved in helping to develop the product. 

While the Scrum method can lead to quality work and faster deliverables, it isn’t for every organization. It usually works best with teams of three to 10 people and requires a well-trained and experienced team to effectively implement it. 

4. Critical Path Methodology 

If your project is large-scale, complex, and has many dependencies, then the critical path method (CPM) can be ideal. CPM is all about identifying the most important tasks in a project, then outlining their timeline and dependencies. These key tasks are put into a project roadmap, so you can visualize what needs to be done to reach your end goal.  

The critical path method can provide valuable insight on how to plan projects, create budgets, and schedule tasks. Here’s an example of how to execute CPM: 

1. List all the activities or tasks needed to produce the deliverable.
2. Determine which tasks are dependent on one another. 
3. Make a flowchart that displays the chronology of activities. Create a box for each task and use arrows to depict task dependencies.  
4. Estimate the duration of each activity. 
5. Write down the start and end times next to each activity to calculate a critical path based on the longest sequence. 
6. Find out if any tasks are flexible and can be delayed (also referred to as “floated”) without impacting subsequent tasks or the project end date. 

CPM can benefit project managers, teams, and stakeholders because it sets accurate expectations for deliverables, builds in safeguards for worst-case scenarios, and allows teams time to perfect the project.  

5. Kanban Methodology 

The term “kanban” originates from a Japanese word meaning “visual board” or “sign,” and it’s another method that works with agile project management. In this method, work items are represented visually on a kanban board made up of cards and columns. This board serves as a central information hub for team members to see the progress of every piece of work at any time. 

The kanban method helps teams identify bottlenecks early;  if one of the columns is getting overloaded, they can make changes quickly to keep work flowing efficiently.  

This method requires six core practices to be implemented successfully: 

• Visualize the workflow  
• Limit work in progress (WIP) 
• Manage flow 
• Make process policies explicit  
• Implement feedback loops  
• Improve collaboratively 

You might notice that kanban is similar to scrum methodology in that both encourage adaptivity and transparency. However, kanban centers on a continuous work model while scrum organizes work in sprints. If you’re looking for a visual approach to project management with continuous status updates, then the kanban method can be an ideal option. 

6. Lean Methodology 

Lean methodology is unique because it centers on the customer. It leans into the idea that by optimizing people, energy, and resources, a company can reduce waste, maximize efficiency, and ultimately provide better value to customers. A company that uses a lean method is focused on refining its internal process as much as possible. Anything that doesn’t provide value to the customer is considered inefficient.  

Lean project management promotes continuous improvement over operational excellence. It encourages every team member involved in a project to share their ideas and look for ways to improve. This method can be applied to almost any business or production process—from marketing to manufacturing to software development.  

There are five basic principles in the lean project management model:  

• Value: Identify the customers’ wants and needs, and the value you want to deliver. 
• Value stream: determine where value is being generated and which parts of the process do or don’t produce value.  
• Flow: Assess each part of the value stream to make sure every step is in sync and there are no bottlenecks or roadblocks.  
• Pull: Only produce what customers want when they need it.  
• Improvement: Always analyze the value stream to make changes that enhance productivity and reduce waste.  

Lean methodology is constantly evolving as products and consumer needs change. However, at its core, it promotes continuous improvement, responsible decision-making, and a strong focus on providing customer value.  

7. Six Sigma (and Lean Six Sigma)

Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology that helps organizations improve quality and reduce errors in processes. It is often combined with Lean practices, creating Lean Six Sigma, which focuses on both efficiency and quality.

The Six Sigma process follows five main phases, called DMAIC:

• Define: Identify the problem or goal.
• Measure: Collect data to understand current performance.
• Analyze: Identify root causes of defects or inefficiencies.
• Improve: Implement solutions to fix problems.
• Control: Monitor results and maintain improvements.

Six Sigma has a strong focus on reducing defects and delivering measurable results. However, it can be complex, which makes it better suited for larger organizations. This methodology is most effective in environments with repeatable processes, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and operations, where consistent quality and efficiency are important.

8. Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM)

Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) is a method that helps teams manage resources and keep projects on schedule. Unlike the Critical Path Method (CPM), which focuses on task order and timelines, CCPM adds extra time buffers to account for delays and resource limits. This helps prevent bottlenecks and keeps work moving smoothly.

CCPM works well for organizations with limited resources or teams handling many projects at once. By focusing on the most important tasks and protecting the schedule, CCPM helps teams use resources efficiently, reduce multitasking, and finish projects on time.

Hybrid & Tailored Approaches

Many organizations combine approaches to create a system that works best for their projects, teams, and goals.  These approaches combine elements from multiple methodologies to better fit a team’s needs. For example:

• Water-Scrum-Fall: Combines traditional Waterfall planning with Agile development.
• Scrumban: Blends Scrum and Kanban practices for flexibility and visual workflow tracking.

This flexibility helps teams stay organized, adapt to changes, and handle real-world challenges more effectively.

How to Choose the Right Project Management Methodology

Choosing the right project management methodology helps your team stay organized and reach project goals efficiently. The best approach depends on your project, your team, and your organization. 

Here are some tips for choosing the right project management methodology:

• Project type and complexity: Decide if the project is one-off or repeatable, simple or complex, and if there are special compliance rules to meet. 
• Industry and regulation: Highly regulated sectors may require Waterfall-like documentation, while fast-moving technology projects may work better with Agile.
• Team size and structure: Small, cross-functional teams may benefit from flexible methods, while large, siloed teams may need more structured approaches.
• Stakeholder expectations: Consider whether stakeholders need a fixed scope and timeline or if they are open to iterative changes.
• Need for flexibility versus predictability: How much change you anticipate during the project can determine how adaptable the methodology needs to be.
• Organizational culture and tools: Assess your team’s readiness for Agile, familiarity with long-term planning, and the software tools available. 

Building Skills in Project Management Methodologies

Earning project management certifications can strengthen your skills and make you stand out in a competitive job market. One of the most industry-recognized certifications is the Project Management Professional (PMP), offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). PMP certification shows that you have the skills to lead projects and manage teams successfully.

To qualify for the PMP exam, you need either:

• A four-year degree, 36 months of project leadership experience, and 35 hours of project management education or a CAPM certification.
  OR
• A high school diploma or associate degree, 60 months of project leadership experience, and 35 hours of project management education or a CAPM certification.

PMI also provides the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), a guide full of processes, best practices, and terminology that are standard in the industry.

Why Choose WGU?

Building strong project management skills takes the right mix of education, practical experience, and flexibility. Choosing a program that supports how project managers actually work can make a meaningful difference in how confidently you lead teams and deliver results. 

WGU’s accredited, online, competency-based business management degree is designed for working adults and industry-aligned to teach real-world skills you can use on the job. It provides a strong foundation in leadership, operations, and strategy—skills that are essential for managing projects across industries. If you’re looking to build focused project management skills, WGU offers a Project Management Certificate that covers key concepts, tools, and practices used by today’s project managers. 

With tuition charged per six-month term rather than per credit hour, you can complete more courses in a term without paying more. In addition, WGU offers scholarships and financial aid to help make your education even more affordable.

If you’re ready to take the next step, explore WGU’s online degree options and see how you can get started today.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are project management methodologies? 

Project management methodologies are tools, techniques, and systems that help managers stay on top of tasks and delivery. They provide a structured framework for planning, executing, and managing projects.

Can a degree prepare you for project management? 

There are many approaches to becoming a successful project manager.  A bachelor’s degree in business management can help you get your foot in the door for a project management position. In fact, according to the Project Management Institute (PMI), about 43% of project managers hold a bachelor’s degree. Internships, on-the-job training, or project management certifications are also helpful.  

Although WGU doesn’t currently offer a degree in project management, if you're looking to pursue a PM career, you can earn the education and skills you need through a business management degree at WGU. 

What is the most commonly used project management methodology? 

Agile is one of the most commonly used project management methodologies in business today, especially in business and technology fields. Its flexible, iterative approach helps teams adapt to change, collaborate more easily, and deliver work in smaller stages.

Which project management methodology is best for software development? 

Agile and Scrum are often the best choices for software development because they allow teams to work in short cycles, respond to feedback, and adjust requirements as the project evolves. These methods support frequent testing and continuous improvement.

Can I use more than one project management methodology at once? 

Yes, many organizations use a hybrid project management approach that combines elements from multiple methodologies to accommodate project needs, timelines, and team structure.

What project management methodology should beginners learn first? 

Agile is a great starting point for beginners because it is widely used and easy to adapt across industries. Learning basic concepts from Waterfall can also be helpful for understanding structured planning and documentation.