One of the tools that help map the project life cycle and, in turn, helps control project execution is a Gantt chart. ProjectManager<\/a>, an online work and project management software, offers Gantt charts that do more than organize tasks, link dependencies and set milestones. You can also filter for the critical path without having to configure complex calculations. Once you have a schedule, set the baseline and begin tracking the planned effort against your actual effort to stay on schedule. Get started with ProjectManager for free.<\/p>\n This can be a common source of confusion, but it\u2019s simple to untangle. A project methodology<\/a> acts as a set of processes or principles that best help manage a project. Methodologies are usually strictly defined and reinforced\u2014they\u2019re formal for a reason. Without a strict code in place for your methodology, the project can fall apart.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, you have more freedom and flexibility within a framework. The main difference is that a project management framework can mix elements from several project management methodologies<\/a> to establish a project management system for an organization.<\/p>\n Therefore, a project management framework allows project managers to change rules, adopt new rules mid-framework and abandon rules as needed. Plus, a framework includes much more detail\u2014it even has phases that might not be included in a methodology such as complex onboarding processes and post-go-live assessments.<\/p>\n Get your free<\/p>\n \n\tUse this free Gantt Chart Template to manage your projects better.<\/p>\n\tGet the Template<\/a>\n<\/div> \n\n <\/p>\n There are many common types of frameworks designed for different projects, team sizes, industries and budgets. Here are some project management framework examples.<\/p>\n This project management framework is a linear, sequential process that involves completing each phase of a project before moving on to the next. The phases are similar to a cascading waterfall<\/a>, which is where it gets its name, with each phase building on the previous one\u2019s deliverables and feedback.<\/p>\n Agile<\/a> is a project management framework that breaks large projects into smaller, more focused parts so teams can work in short, incremental phases called sprints. The name refers to moving quickly and managing shifting priorities.<\/p>\n Kanban<\/a> is a visual project management framework that uses boards to help teams improve workflows, reduce waste and increase team focus. The term comes from the Japanese word for sign or visual board and the framework was first developed by Toyota engineer Taiichi Ohno in the 1940s.<\/p>\n This project management framework helps determine a project\u2019s duration and identify tasks necessary for completion. It\u2019s a step-by-step process that involves breaking a project down into individual tasks, evaluating the resources and duration of each and considering the relationships between them. The critical path method<\/a> identifies the longest sequence of activities that must be completed on time for the project to be finished, which is known as the critical path.<\/p>\n This is a project management framework that focuses on resources to help teams complete projects as efficiently as possible. Critical chain project management<\/a> involves identifying the steps, timelines and resources needed to complete a project and then creating a roadmap to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget.<\/p>\n This project management framework helps plan and organize complex projects by estimating how long it will take to complete them. PERT charts<\/a> are used to plan tasks, which can help with scheduling deliverables and coordinating with team members.<\/p>\n The project management body of knowledge<\/a> (PMBOK) is a collection of processes, best practices, terminologies and guidelines that are accepted as standard within the project management industry. It\u2019s published by the Project Management Institute (PMI).<\/p>\n PRINCE2<\/a>, which stands for projects in controlled environments, is a project management framework used worldwide but is mostly found in Europe. It\u2019s a linear framework that focuses on moving projects through predefined stages and emphasizes organization and control. It can be scaled and tailored to each project and can help develop the skills needed to become a successful project manager.<\/p>\n Six Sigma<\/a> is a project management framework that uses data and statistical analysis to improve processes, reduce waste and increase customer satisfaction. It\u2019s a disciplined approach that can help organizations improve their products, services and processes in production, marketing, finance, administration and other industries.<\/p>\n This project management framework is a flexible and adaptable approach that combines the best elements of traditional and agile project management methodologies. It allows businesses to balance structure and flexibility and to tailor project management techniques to meet the specific needs of a project. For example, Scrumban<\/a> is a combination of scrum and kanban.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve already briefly touched on these three elements: the project lifecycle, project control cycle and tools and templates. These three elements are not carried out in any one specific order, but when combined, they help the project function at optimal levels. Let\u2019s take a deeper dive into these three elements.<\/p>\n As previously mentioned, there\u2019s no need to reinvent the wheel, considering all of the templates already available online. Popular templates include PRINCE2, CCPM (critical chain project management), scrum (primarily used in development environments) and the waterfall methodology. Many Gantt charts<\/a> employ the waterfall methodology in their makeup, so it\u2019s an easy transition to make should you migrate from software to software.<\/p>\n The actions in a framework can either be sequential\u2014ideal for a waterfall methodology\u2014or simultaneous, which a kanban<\/a> board can support.<\/p>\n The project life cycle outlines how you\u2019ll set up your overall project management framework. You\u2019ll start mapping out your project management framework by referencing your project lifecycle. There are typically five phases that make up the project lifecycle: initiation, planning<\/a>, execution, management and review.<\/p>\n This is why, arguably, the lifecycle stage is the biggest and most important component of your project management framework. The lifecycle often acts as a tool to show key stakeholders each stage against each milestone and what goals will be accomplished at each point. Each new phase and milestone reached is another measurable metric to report<\/a> once the project is complete.<\/p>\n This is the monitoring and management portion of your project. At this phase, you\u2019ll use software to combine communication across channels into one area. Different project management metrics<\/a> help record the progress of all team members, monitor for possible risks that you\u2019ve already identified and manage the expectations of key stakeholders.<\/p>\n Depending on how large your team is and how many countries and time zones in which it operates, this can be as long of a process as the project lifecycle portion of the project. That\u2019s because when you\u2019re dealing with people, you\u2019re dealing with variables. In every variable, there\u2019s a risk.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, as many as 57% of leadership<\/a> teams surveyed said the risk was one facet they felt least prepared to deal with, and only 36% of companies have a plan in place to address risk appropriately. The project would likely fail without a project manager appropriately managing and monitoring the risks, optimizing the program throughout the process and creating channels for open communication.<\/p>\n Since a framework is so flexible and intuitive, it\u2019s fairly difficult for it to fail. But by using these best practices, you can ensure that it succeeds every time.<\/p>\n We offer dozens of free project management templates<\/a> to help you implement any project management framework. We also offer industry-specific templates for manufacturing, product development, construction and more.<\/p>\n Gantt charts are versatile project management tools that can be used when working with any project management framework including waterfall, lean and even agile. Download our free Gantt chart template for Excel and then migrate it to ProjectManager to use our fully-featured online Gantt chart.<\/p>\n One of the most important steps in the project planning process is to define your project scope. Our free work breakdown structure for Excel is the perfect tool to do that. Then you can use our online Gantt chart, which has a built-in work breakdown structure feature.<\/p>\n Creating a project budget can be overwhelming for many. That\u2019s why we created our free project budget template for Excel, which can be helpful for any project you\u2019re working on, regardless of the project management framework that you\u2019re using.<\/p>\n Creating and implementing a project management framework across multiple teams is never easy. But with a software solution with a framework template built in, you won\u2019t have to start from scratch.<\/p>\n With ProjectManager<\/a>, you can cut back on emails by implementing our kanban board tool. Visualize your workflow for maximum efficiency, easily update task progress, set priorities and give team members the autonomy to comment and report updates to you.<\/p>\n With our cloud-based Gantt charts<\/a>, you can plan projects, assign tasks, manage deadlines and link assignments with their dependencies. No matter where your team is, as soon as a task is updated, all associates will be updated accordingly.<\/p>\n Managing and reporting are easier than ever with our real-time dashboard<\/a>. Our reports are fully customizable to get you the data you need. Plus, with the data all in one view, you can see the status of each task instantly.<\/p>\n Project management frameworks don’t have to be rigid, they just have to be successful. With ProjectManager, guide your team members toward new milestones, updated tasks, and new deadlines with the software they need to collaborate effectively no matter where they\u2019re located. Sign up for our free 30-day trial today.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Gantt_Construction_Wide_Zoom-175-CTA.jpg\")
<\/a>Project Framework vs. Project Methodology<\/h2>\n
![\"Gantt](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Gantt-Chart-Template-Excel-image.png\")
\t<\/div>Gantt Chart Template<\/h3>\n
10 Project Management Framework Examples<\/h2>\n
1. Waterfall Project Management Framework<\/h3>\n
2. Agile Project Management Framework<\/h3>\n
3. Kanban Project Management Framework<\/h3>\n
4. Critical Path Method Project Management Framework (CPM)<\/h3>\n
5. Critical Chain Project Management Framework (CCPM)<\/h3>\n
6. Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)<\/h3>\n
7. Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)<\/h3>\n
8. PRINCE2 Project Management Framework<\/h3>\n
9. Six Sigma Project Management Framework<\/h3>\n
10. Hybrid Project Management Framework<\/h3>\n
![\"PM](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PM-101-eBook-banner-ad.jpg\")
<\/a>\nKey Elements of a Project Management Framework<\/h2>\n
Tools & Templates<\/h3>\n
Project Life Cycle<\/h3>\n
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Project Control Cycle<\/h3>\n
Project Management Framework Best Practices<\/h2>\n
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Free Project Management Templates<\/h2>\n
Gantt Chart Template<\/a><\/h3>\n
Work Breakdown Structure Template<\/a><\/h3>\n
Project Budget Template<\/a><\/h3>\n
ProjectManager Can Help With Your Framework<\/h2>\n
Kanban Boards for Work Management<\/h3>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Kanban_Marketing_Wide_Zoom-150_Moving-task-to-different-status.jpg\")
<\/a>\nGantt Charts Are Ideal for Any Project Management Framework<\/h3>\n
![\"ProjectManager's](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Gantt_Manufacturing_Wide_Zoom-175_Focus-on-Tasklist_Spreadsheet.jpg\")
<\/a>\nReal-Time Dashboard for Better Project Management<\/h3>\n
![\"ProjectManager\u2019s](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Dashboard_Construction_Wide_Zoom-150.jpg\")
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