7 types of project management your team can explore

What are the main types of project management?

The main project management types are Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Six Sigma, and PRINCE2, and each one suits a different kind of work.

• Some types follow a fixed, step-by-step plan. Others stay flexible and adapt fast.
• The right choice depends on your goals, your budget, and your team.
• You can also outsource project management to a skilled offshore team.

Project management can look like many things. Also, running a project can feel stressful on its own. So teams should first check that they picked the right approach. There are many project management types, and each one has its own style and benefits. Because of this, a skilled project manager can pick the best fit. As a result, the team gains better efficiency and a stronger reputation.

Project management is one role you can outsource to firms like DOXA. Its experience with capable offshore teams will be a gain for your projects. In fact, the right project manager tools make that support even stronger.

What is project management?

Project management is a set of techniques and methods. You use them to plan, manage, and control projects well. In short, it helps you finish work on time and on budget.

It is an approach that builds a project team and a project plan. The goal is simple. Every task should be done on time, within budget, and to the right quality.

The project manager sets the project goals and needs. This also covers the resources, the schedule, and the budget. Overall, project management is a key part of business leadership, planning, and execution.

7 types of project management

There are many project management types. However, we outline seven of the most common ones here. Understanding these types will help you find what works best for your business. For a deeper look, you can also study modern project management techniques used in software teams.

1. Waterfall project management

Waterfall is a linear, step-by-step approach. You finish each phase in order, with no return to an earlier one. Its main phases are planning, executing, controlling, and closing. This is the most traditional project management type. It moves through several clear stages. As a result, it gives clear lines of responsibility between phases and teams.

2. Agile project management

Agile is a flexible framework for managing and delivering projects. It puts a focus on change, on working productively and efficiently, and on steady customer value. People often see Agile as an alternative to older methods. Those older types lean on heavy documentation and fixed schedules. Agile, by contrast, stays light and adaptable. In fact, many firms pair it with agile outsourcing solutions to move even faster.

3. Scrum project management

Scrum uses short cycles, called sprints, to ship work on a fixed schedule. Usually, you move from one sprint to the next in two-week cycles. Each sprint starts with planning. Then it ends with a review and a retrospective. Scrum teams are self-organizing and cross-functional. So they hold all the skills needed to finish set tasks. The Scrum manager makes sure the team follows key rules for the whole project.

4. Kanban project management

Kanban is a visual system that helps you organize work. It shows what tasks are in progress and when they will be done. Each task sits on a card, and each card sits on a board. As work moves forward, cards shift between columns. For example, a card can move from “To Do” to “Ongoing.” As a result, teams stay focused on the most important tasks at any time.

5. Lean project management

Lean maximizes productivity by cutting waste from your processes. Because of this, you improve steadily and drop steps you do not need. It also asks you to start with the end in mind. In other words, set your goal before the work begins. The aim is to build only the features that matter. So waste like extra meetings, paperwork, and vague requirements goes down. To go deeper, see our guide to lean management and its uses.

6. Six Sigma project management

Six Sigma helps you finish projects with high quality and low cost. It is one of the project management types that use data to find defects. Then it fixes those defects before they grow into a problem. The term “Six Sigma” points to a strict quality target. In practice, a process should have 3.4 defects or fewer per million. So the idea is clear. Defects will happen, but you keep them very rare.

7. PRINCE2 project management

PRINCE2 stands for Projects in Controlled Environments. It guides you through a project from start to finish. Both the public and private sectors use it. Still, it is most popular in the UK. It uses a clear, systematic approach that covers every area of the work. It also relies on set documentation to manage the project. In addition, it gives you clear guidelines to check your progress.

How to choose the right project management type

No single type wins every time. So start with your goal, your timeline, and your budget. Fixed, well-known work often fits Waterfall or PRINCE2. Fast-changing work tends to suit Agile, Scrum, or Kanban. For more ideas, try these project management hacks to lift your team’s output.

Find flexible project managers through DOXA

DOXA makes it easy to find a skilled, competitive workforce. It also makes sure your outsourced project managers fit your business culture and values. Hiring project managers through DOXA can save you up to 70% versus local talent. Meanwhile, you still direct your offshore team and use DOXA’s resources and infrastructure. So you get expert help without the heavy overhead.

Kickstart your project management success with DOXA today!

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common project management type?

Waterfall is still the most traditional and widely known type. However, many modern teams now prefer Agile or Scrum. The best pick depends on how much your work changes.

Which project management type is best for software teams?

Software teams often choose Agile, Scrum, or Kanban. These types handle change well and ship work in small steps. As a result, teams get fast feedback from users.

Can you combine project management types?

Yes. Many teams mix methods to fit their needs. For example, some blend Scrum with Kanban, often called Scrumban. So you can borrow the best parts of each.

Do small businesses need formal project management?

Yes, even a light process helps. It keeps tasks clear and deadlines on track. Because of this, small teams waste less time and avoid confusion.

Can you outsource project management?

Yes, you can. Firms like DOXA supply skilled offshore project managers. So you gain expert oversight while you keep full control of your goals.

Key takeaways

• The seven main project management types are Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Six Sigma, and PRINCE2.
• Fixed work suits Waterfall or PRINCE2, while fast-changing work suits Agile, Scrum, or Kanban.
• The right type depends on your goals, budget, and team.
• You can outsource project management to a skilled offshore partner and save up to 70%.