An interconnected global economy demands timely results and the ability to adapt to changes. Within days of releasing a new software, feature, application, or another project deliverable, teams may already face additional, unforeseen tasks on top of planned activities. It’s no wonder, then, that there’s been an increasing focus on creating an Agile PMO, one that can quickly and easily adapt to changing needs. However, as you work to create a PMO that delivers value, you’ll also need to consider which Agile methodology framework is the right fit.
What Is a Project Management Framework?
When we talk about a “project management framework,” we’re referring to a collection of processes, tasks, and tools that help teams organize and execute projects. In other words, a project management framework outlines everything you need to plan, manage, and oversee projects.
Regardless of its nature, your project management framework should include each of the following components:
- A well-defined project life cycle
- Activities, practices, and processes that outline how to get work done
- Tools, checklists, templates, and other resources that support effective project planning
The Agile Methodology
Many of the project management frameworks popular today fall under the umbrella of the Agile methodology.
A methodology is distinct from a framework; it outlines principles, values, and best practices for project management offices (PMOs) to follow. A framework, meanwhile, defines a way to follow that methodology.
If a methodology is the “skeleton” of your approach, then a framework acts like its nerves or muscles, facilitating the actions needed to bring the methodology to life.
What is Agile, then, and why is it the basis for so many popular project management frameworks? Agile, according to the Project Management Institute (PMI), is a way of working. It’s an iterative approach to work that aims to help teams deliver value faster.
Sound like a fairly broad definition? This is intentional. Agile isn’t just a project management methodology; it’s a mindset. Its overarching goal is to help teams deal with the reality of continuous change. How it does that specifically, though, is where different frameworks emerge and branch off from each other.
5 Common Agile Frameworks for Project Management
Today’s fast-paced economy demands approaches to project management that are flexible, fluid, and built for change. Agile frameworks achieve this by incorporating learning and discovery into their processes throughout project life cycles.
Where these frameworks differ is the specific processes, tools, and activities they use to get the job done. So, choosing the right framework for your Agile PMO requires examining your current operations as well as your goals for the future.
There are dozens of frameworks out there, but a select few rise to the top. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular Agile methodology frameworks for project management teams.
1. Scrum
Best for: Teams working on fast-paced, complex projects in any industry.
Scrum is perhaps the most popular Agile methodology framework for PMOs. It breaks projects down into short, time-boxed iterations known as sprints. Most sprints last one to four weeks and end with the completion of a specific goal or deliverable.
This framework achieves agility by focusing on delivering tasks and projects incrementally, leaving plenty of opportunity for adjustments. It also relies on regular communication – like sprint planning, reviews, and daily stand-ups – to keep teams in the loop, even in the face of change.
2. Kanban
Best for: Teams transitioning to Agile or focused on continuous delivery.
Kanban is a simple, visual method for project planning. Originally designed for scheduling, it enables teams to see project progress and what’s next.
A focus on visualized workflows and tasks broken down into small pieces are both hallmarks of the Kanban framework. It typically uses a board to track progress, breaking tasks into categories like “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done.”
Kanban makes it simple to identify bottlenecks and focus on limiting them. It’s also ideal for teams that need flexibility but don’t want to adopt Scrum’s time-boxed iterations.
3. Extreme Programming (XP)
Best for: Software teams working in environments prone to change or that need the ability to produce reliable software quickly.
Extreme programming, or XP, is an Agile software development framework. It empowers teams to develop high-quality software without sacrificing an orderly and good working environment.
XP leverages iterative sprints, like Scrum, to embrace agility and get things done. It also prioritizes high levels of customer feedback and involvement. Some other principles and processes that XP focuses on include:
- Simplicity
- Frequent, small releases
- Embracing change
- Continuous integration
4. Feature-Driven Development (FDD)
Best for: Organizations working on long-term software projects with clear, evolving feature sets.
Feature-driven development (FDD) is another software-specific Agile framework, but it’s better suited to larger teams than XP is. FDD typically aims to create new software models every two weeks, meaning it also adopts an iterative approach.
However, it notably treats individual features as units of work, meaning each requires a separate development and design plan.
FDD is more documentation-heavy than other frameworks and best for teams with the resources to support it.
5. Crystal
Best for: Teams working on projects with varying priorities or levels of criticality; organizations seeking a customizable approach.
Crystal is not a single methodology but a family of Agile methodologies, including Crystal Clear, Red, Orange, Yellow, and more. Each Crystal methodology has a unique framework. The one you choose will depend on factors specific to your projects, like team size or project priorities.
Regardless of its color, Crystal seeks to focus on people and communication. It encourages PMOs to tailor their methodologies to their teams and context. While different colors are ideal for different project sizes and complexities, they all emphasize minimal overhead.
Put Any Agile Framework Into Action with the Right Tech
Embracing agility means being prepared for the unknown. This seemingly paradoxical feat doesn’t require you to be able to read the future, though – it just requires an approach that’s flexible enough to adapt to changing needs.
Having purpose-built project management software designed to support agility can be just as important as choosing the right framework. Whether you choose to try Scrum, Kanban, or any other Agile methodology framework, you need tech that aligns with your goals.
Sciforma Vantage can help you visualize, plan, and track project progress in a way that supports your ideal Agile framework. Interactive and user-friendly dashboards centralize key details for you so that you can make quick, informed decisions about projects without headaches.
Want to learn more about how Sciforma can help you implement the right Agile framework for your teams? Book a demo with us today to see our software in action.
