Project Management Framework Types, Key Elements & Best Practices

Project Management Framework Types, Key Elements & Best Practices


A project is executed by a team within an organization that has a project management framework established to enable the process. A project management framework maps out the methods, processes, tasks, resources and tools needed to take the project from beginning to end. It is typically broken into three parts: project lifecycle, project control cycle and tools & templates. Gantt charts are tools that help map the project life cycle and, in turn, help control project execution. There are many common types of frameworks designed for different projects, team sizes, industries and budgets.
Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and Waterfall are all project management frameworks that focus on task management and process improvement. Scrumban is a mix of Scrum and Kanban, while Lean focuses on continuous process improvement, resource management, and work management. The three elements of a project management framework are the project lifecycle, project control cycle, and tools and templates. The project life cycle outlines how you'll set up your overall project management framework, with five phases: initiation, planning, execution, management and review. Tools and templates are available online, with popular templates such as PRINCE2, CCPM, scrum, and the waterfall methodology.

The actions in a framework can either be sequential or simultaneous, which a kanban board can support. The lifecycle stage is the most important part of a project management framework. It consists of research, planning, coordinating with stakeholders, brainstorming ideas, interviewing customers/stakeholders/partners/manufacturers, executing the project, monitoring, reviewing and reporting updates, and reviewing all notes, key successes and points that could improve with stakeholders, team members, customers and manufacturers. The project lifecycle is a tool to show key stakeholders each stage against each milestone and what goals will be accomplished at each point. The Project Control Cycle is the monitoring and management portion of the project, using software to combine communication across channels into one area.

Different project management metrics help record the progress of all team members, monitor for possible risks, optimize the program, and create channels for open communication. Unfortunately, 57% of leadership teams surveyed said the risk was the one facet they felt least prepared to deal with, and only 36% of companies have a plan in place to address risk appropriately. Without a project manager appropriately managing and monitoring the risks, the project would likely fail.