Project 2 - Types of Project Management

 

The 4 types of Project Management

There are 4 main types of project management. These include Waterfall, Agile, Kanban and Scrum. I will investigate further into what they each are, and will then choose one to help me manage my workload. 

Waterfall

Waterfall management is based upon the thesis that you can only go down a waterfall, not back up. If you want to go back up, you have to start again from the top. In waterfall project management, you must meticulously plan every step of your project. You must never go back a stage, and similarly, you must never move onto the next stage until the previous stage is fully completed.

Agile

Agile management is suited to creative industries due to the flexibility of its nature. This management style believes in communication and regular updates with the client, daily meetings to update and reassess the project so far, and always adapting to the customer, even at the last minute. The idea behind agile management is that you are always searching for more efficient methods, then adapting to that.

Kanban

Kanban management depends on simplicity. You should only do what is required to complete the project. Strip back possibilities and maybes. Get a solid vision of your concept, and do what is necessary to pull it off. Things can be altered and changed later, the key is making a start.

Scrum

Scrum is a style of project management that was initially thought of to deal with large teams in a project. The idea is to break down every single step of your project into manageable tasks, and then these tasks should be given to the people most competent for the task. The project is then pieced together and reassessed as a team, and anything that is missing or needs to be added or changed can be done before the deadline. You make room for error and reassessment.

Conclusion

I like the theory behind waterfall because it means making a plan and sticking to it. This avoids timewasting and means you avoid expenses of last minute changes. However, it is not always practical. Situations can change, availability of people, equipment and props can change. The client could change their mind, so I definitely don't think this is an effective project management method to apply in creative industries. 

Agile project management appeals to me. It means you can adapt your workflow, ideas, or plans for maximum efficiency. You will have an edge over your competitors because your customer is always satisfied, even if they change their minds at the last minute. The main issue I have with Agile management is that it sound great, but it is not practical. Especially when relying on other people, loaned equipment, a booked studio time etc. Everything needs to be set in stone before that shoot. The concept that you are obliged to rectify mistakes made by the customer also irritates me.

Kanban management is a great idea because I often struggle to get started and I spend too long planning. The idea of getting your work underway and then reviewing it to see what resources you will need is a good one.  The problem I see with this management style, however, is that you may run with something, only to later down the line discover that it is not feasible

Scrum is my favourite project management style. This means you have conceived a solid and plausible idea, broken it down, executed it, then perfected it. The right amount of planning has been done, but the project does not become overwhelming. This is therefore the management style I will run with.