{"id":29715,"date":"2020-12-14T08:42:24","date_gmt":"2020-12-14T08:42:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging-mondaycomblog.kinsta.cloud\/?post_type=pm&p=29715"},"modified":"2026-03-30T11:53:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T16:53:39","slug":"best-project-management-methodologies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/project-management\/best-project-management-methodologies\/","title":{"rendered":"The Top 20 Project Management Methodologies for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Project management<\/a> methodologies can get a bad wrap as processes scattered and riddled with grunt work. While projects can range from simple to complex, the most successful ones have a clear and consistent project management approach.<\/p>\n

When it comes to choosing the best course of action for your team members, it\u2019s best to start with a baseline understanding of both project methodologies and their respective frameworks.<\/p>\n

In this blog, we\u2019ll cover the distinction between these terms, popular project management methodologies and examples, and of course how to manage it all with the right project management tools.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n

Get started<\/a><\/p>\n

What is the difference between project framework and methodology?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In general, frameworks outline what to do but lets the doer decide how to get it done. A methodology is more precise, specifying: what to do, when to do, how to do it, and why.<\/p>\n

Projects in controlled environments\u2014that require you to map details out from the start\u2014 might differ from those that allow for continuous improvement, but more on that soon.<\/p>\n

Why is using a project management methodology important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are several reasons you may want to opt for a project management methodology. We’ve outline a few below:<\/p>\n

Clarity<\/h3>\n

Project management methods allow teams to clearly define roles, which helps improve the decision-making process and ensures accountability. This reduces confusion down the line, saving your teams time and frustration.<\/p>\n

Visibility<\/h3>\n

Whatever project management methodology you follow, you\u2019ll implement a process for monitoring and controlling the project as a part of the project lifecycle. Project management methodologies set standards for how often these project checks take place, as well as any resulting actions incorporated into the workflow.<\/p>\n

Efficiency<\/h3>\n

Whether there is a decision up front as to what the project deliverables are, or they emerge as the project progresses,<\/p>\n

\u201cfollowing a project management methodology makes it almost 20%<\/a> more likely the project will deliver what it\u2019s supposed to.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Using a project management method that\u2019s been tried and tested means you can accurately plan the project initiation phase and the overall project timeline<\/a> and budget from the start.<\/p>\n

You can also incorporate lessons learned<\/a> from other projects, increasing the chance of success.<\/p>\n

Before jumping into specific project management methodologies and frameworks, let’s take a high-level look at the project management lifecycle. As most frameworks and methodologies use these steps in their own way, this will help put all approaches into context later on.<\/p>\n

Quick review: 5 steps of the project management lifecycle<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Below, you’ll read terms like ‘Waterfall’ and ‘Agile’ \u2014we’ll explain these more in the following section. For now, here’s a quick summary of the project management lifecycle<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

Initiation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is the very start of the project when teams put the business case together and senior stakeholders sign off on it. During project initiation<\/a> you can identify a project sponsor and the project scope\u2014 what\u2019s in and what\u2019s out \u2014 in the project charter.<\/p>\n

Planning<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In this phase, the project manager will create the project plan<\/a>. In the Waterfall methodology, this will be comprehensive, with all stakeholders agreeing on project deliverables and identifying milestones. In an Agile framework, the project planning phase<\/a> is shorter and combined with the project execution phase.<\/p>\n

Executing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For Waterfall projects, the project execution phase<\/a> is all about following the project schedule and putting into action what was agreed on in the planning phase. In an Agile project, sprints start at this stage. Each sprint informs what will be delivered next, edging the project closer to the end goal.<\/p>\n

Monitoring & controlling<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Projects following a Waterfall model document their governance processes within a project charter. The key thing the project manager and other stakeholders will look out for is scope creep during project monitoring<\/a>. While changes in scope happen, they should be formally documented through a change control process.<\/p>\n

For Agile projects, a sprint retrospective at the end of each sprint gives the opportunity for a quick and dirty review of what is and isn\u2019t working and what should be prioritized next.<\/p>\n

Closing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hooray, you made it to the end! Whether your deliverables were agreed upon upfront, or they emerged during the project life-cycle, it\u2019s time to hand them over to the business and during project closeout<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Okay now back to our main topic: frameworks and methodologies. Next, we’ll quickly cover two of the most popular project management methodologies.<\/p>\n

Get started<\/a><\/p>\n

Two of the most popular project management methodologies<\/h2>\n

The two main project methodologies are Waterfall and Agile<\/a>. Again, we will get more granular about each later on. For now, here\u2019s an easy way to think about each one:<\/p>\n