Project Management Techniques: Agile, RUP, PERT, and WBS Analysis

This report explores various project planning approaches and techniques, providing insights into their applications and limitations. It begins with an introduction to project management, emphasizing the importance of achieving desired outcomes within budget and time constraints. The report then delves into four key methodologies: Agile Project Management, Rational Unified Process (RUP), Program Evaluation & Review Technique (PERT), and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Each technique is explained with its advantages and disadvantages, illustrated with real-world case studies such as the Three Gorges Dam (Agile), Palm Islands (RUP), Millau Viaduct (PERT), and Crossrail (WBS). The report highlights how each technique can be applied to manage complex projects effectively, considering factors like adaptability, documentation, risk management, and task organization. Finally, the report includes a comprehensive list of references to support the analysis.

Introduction
Project management refers to application of methods,
knowledge, experience, skills and methods for attaining peculiar
objectives as per project acceptance criteria in agreed parameters.
Each project have final deliverables that have finite budget as well as
timescale. The rationale behind project management is to make sure
that end outcome that is attained is as per desired standards. The
poster will illustrate different techniques along with their assets and
limitations with reference to different cases.
Project Planning Approaches and Techniques
Rational Unified Process
The framework that prescribes execution of iterative development process
in which feedback is taken from end service user through which future development
phases can be planned is referred to as rational unified process. Here, emphasis is made
on integration of different aspects so that relevant services can be delivered to end users.
This technique can be utilised by Palm Islands where they took near around 5 years for
carrying out planning as well as land reclamation. The rationale behind usage of this
technique is to ensure that the plans have been formulated as per requirements of end
users and accordingly strategies have been developed by investing ample of time.
Advantages:
In this case focus is laid on relevant documentation which will assist management of
Palm Island to continue work even in case if new people joins the project.
Through this risks can be resolved proactively as end users will be involved while
requirements are analysed.
It renders certain levels of predictability in case uncertainties level within the project
are not very high.
Disadvantage:
Rational Unified process is not adaptive as well as flexible which makes it time
consuming activity.
In case if new technologies are utilised then it will be very difficult to
reuse components as this cannot be done.
Work Breakdown Structure
The method for carrying out multi-step and critical project done is referred to
as work breakdown structure. This denotes the way for dividing as well as
conquering larger projects that will allow to do things in fast and efficient
manner. This technique can be used by Crossrail as the project is shared
among business communities, TfL and government. It becomes necessary that
clear strategies are formulated.
Advantages:
Productivity of Crossrail will be boosted and this will facilitate within
determination of skills that are required for finishing assignments on
peculiar time.
Transparency and accountability will be enhanced through usage of
WBS which will enable to make sure that all phases are attained.
Best time and cost estimates can be made by Crossrail.
Disadvantage:
Step by step approach may become hectic.
At one go Crossrail need to carry out multiple tasks.
Agile Project Management
The set of principles that are dependent on value centred approach is
referred to as agile project methodology. This is liable for dividing
project work within short sprints through usage of adaptive planning
along with continual improvisations. Three Gorges Dam can opt for
this techniques as it will enable them to bring in continuous
improvement by laying emphasis on quality of project, innovative
aspects and overall quality management. This involves supervision at
different levels that will yield efficient outcome.
Advantages:
The software can be deployed quickly that will enable Three
Gorges Dam to have value sooner and yield affirmative
outcome.
Minimised resources will be wasted due to the fact that changes
can be adapted as well as responded quickly.
If any kind of defects are there then they can be identified faster
which also means that turnaround time is fast.
Disadvantage:
It becomes difficult to measure progress as this occurs around
different cycles.
Documentation is sidetracked which makes it difficult for new
members of Three Gorges Dam to cope up with the speed.
References
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Success.
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Program Evaluation & Review Technique
PERT comprises of critical as well as detailed planning along with visual tracking of
results through usage of charts. This comprises of analysis of tasks that are being
conducted in project. Millau Viaduct is cable-stayed bridge across world which makes
this important that relevant planning is done which can be attained via usage of PERT.
Advantage:
Through usage of PERT, Millau Viaduct can have answer to question related with
what-if's through which milestones can be created.
Easy project analysis will be carried out and this involves at what stage project is at
and ways in which this can be managed.
Millau Viaduct will be able to formulate plans for large projects that have to be
conducted by coordinating ability.
Disadvantage:
PERT is time focussed method which means that assumptions will be made and this
might not be possible
It will be expensive process for Millau Viaduct and there might be in-accurracy
because of prediction.