choosing an approach
When you start a project, there are different methodologies that help you deliver successfully. Choosing the approach changes how the project software, PPMA, looks. There are 5 to choose from and each one is described in this table to help you compare:| Full | RIBA | Change | Simple | JDI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| other terms used |
PRINCE2 Waterfall |
Royal Institute of British Architects |
Agile Scrum |
Adaptive | Fast-track |
| great for |
legislative fixed and immovable end products |
contstruction projects only |
software development projects where there is flexibility in when and what will be delivered |
projects where you know where you want to go but not sure how you are going to get there | very simple projects that require little governance and no funding |
| sizing | best for large scale projects | suits large or small construction projects | suits large or small projects | best for small projects | best for very small projects |
| approach | highly structured | highly structured | highly structured | less structured | very loose structure |
| driven by | Project Manager | Project Manager | self organised teams | Project Manager | Project Manager |
| number of stages | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| number of gates | 4 +1 optional | 5 | 4 +1 optional | 4 | 3 |
| scope | detailed, agreed and signed off upfront | detailed, agreed and signed of upfront | value is agreed and scope remains flexible | high level scope agreed upfront | very simple scope, often 1 statement |
| planning | linear, detailed and signed off at the start | linear, detailed and signed off at the start | cyclical, less detailed based on sprints | cyclical, high level and signed off at start | cyclical or linear and very high level |
| documentation | detailed requirements and other documentation required | detailed requirements and other documentation required | less focus on documentation | focus is on post project documentation | no business case and minimal documentation |
| changes | scope and plans are rigid and difficult to make changes once started | scope and plans are rigid and difficult to make changes once started | highly flexible | scope changes difficult to make once started; plans are highly flexible | no business case means no changes |
| knowledge required | structured training and experience required | structured training and experience required | structured training and experience required | little training and no experience requried | no training or experience required |
| more information | click here for more information | click here for more information | click here for more information | QuickRef Guide coming June 2024 | QuickRef Guide coming June 2024 |