Project Management Methodologies

Posted: January 4th, 2023

Project Management Methodologies

Student’s Name

Names of Audience Members

Table of Content

1. List of Figures……………………………………..………………………………….3
2. Executive Summary……………………………..……………………………………4
3. Introduction……………………………….……………………………………….….5
   1. Purpose and Scope……………………………………………………………………5
   1. Background Information…………………………………………………………..….5
4. Body…………………………………………………………………………………..5
   1. Overview of the Organization……………………………………………………..….5
   1. Existing Project Management Methodology………………………………………….6
      1. Existing Methodology Advantages……………………………………………..…….7
      1. Existing Methodology Disadvantages…………………………………………………7
   1. Alternative Project Management Methodology...…………..……………………..…..8
      1. Alternative Methodology Advantages ……………………..……………….….……..8
      1. Alternative Methodology Disadvantages………………………….……………….….8
5. Recommendations …………………………………………………………………….9
6. References……………………………………………………………………………..10

1. List of Figures

The company produces more than 100 brands.

The group operates at least 40 stores in the U.S.

It employees about 9000 employees

2. Executive Summary

Constellation Brands is an example of a company that pays considerable attention to project management. The company uses the waterfall project management approach, which requires the group to complete one phase before transiting to the next phase. Nonetheless, the company must understand the possible merits and demerits associated with the technique to avoid any inconvenience. The main merit with the waterfall method is the ability to achieve control and departmentalization, but the disadvantage is inflexibility. However, it is also possible to the agile approach, which presents some opportunities to handle the project effectively. The group may also have to consider the possible benefits and disadvantages of using the technique to avoid any blunders. The main merit for the agile method is flexibility but its limitation is it requires constant collaboration, which may be hard to maintain. The company should stick with the waterfall method because the firm already has structures to implement it, but can consider possible ways for making improvement.

• Introduction

3.1 Purpose and Scope

The purpose of the study is to illustrate the need identify the most suitable project management technique while considering the potential strengths and weaknesses for using the methodology. company uses the waterfall project management approach but must consider the possible strengths and limitations for using the methodology. The scope is its focus on Constellation Brands and its application of the waterfall approach, and how it may consider the agile project management technique. 

3.2 Background Information

Each company, especially those that engage in various projects, should apply effective project management techniques to achieve the best results. Ika (2009) describes project management as the use of appropriate experiences, knowledge, skills, methods, and processes to attain specific project goals depending on project acceptance guideline within acceptable frameworks. Those managing a project must abide by the final deliverables that are reserved to a predetermined budget and timescale (Ika 2009). Failing to identify and apply the most suitable project management approach could disrupt the entire process, and possibly result in poor outcome.

• Body

4.1 Overview of the Organization

Constellation Brands is one of the leading producers and marketers of spirits, wine, and beer companies in the United States in terms of revenue generation. The company holds the third position in terms of the market share of all leading beer suppliers (Constellation Brands 2020). The group has a considerable investment in recreational and medical marijuana and produces more than 105 brands (Constellation Brands 2020). The group that manages approximately 42 stores and about 9200 workers pay considerable attention to project management and use techniques it believes will result in a good performance (Constellation Brands 2020). The primary objective for project management at Constellation Brands is to predict or foretell as many problems and dangers as possible, and to plan, organize, and regulate operations so that the activity is handled and accomplished as effectively as possible despite the possible threats. 

4.2 Existing Project Management Methodology

Constellation Brands uses the waterfall project management approach, which is one of the widely used techniques for handling organizational projects. The management technique involves categorizing the project into different stages, with each new stage starting only when the previous stage has been completed (Ruel, Bondarouk & Smink 2010). The group that handles the waterfall approach work in a linear method towards meeting the set end objectives. The roles of all participants in the project management process are appropriately outlined, and none of the objectives or phases is anticipated to alter during the implementation process (Ruel, Bondarouk & Smink 2010). Constellation Brands usually apply the waterfall project management approach when handling detailed and extended projects that require one phase to be completed before commencing the other. The implementation team follows a single timeline, and unnecessary transformations are usually discouraged and can be expensive.

Constellation Brands follows the typical phases of managing a project when using the waterfall approach. The team pays attention to the first phase, which is requirements whereby the team leader analyzes and collects all the necessary information and documentation for the practice (Andrei, Casu-Pop, Gheorghe & Boiangui 2019). The second phase is system design, whereby the project manager creates the workflow structure for the project. The third phase is implementation, whereby the group puts the system into action. It is at the implementation phase that things get to happen. The next phase is testing, and during this category, each feature is tested to make sure they function as anticipated and meet the necessary objectives (Andrei, Casu-Pop, Gheorghe & Boiangui 2019). The next phase is deployment or delivery, whereby the group behind the project officially launches the outcome. The final phase is maintenance, and in this outgoing phase, the management team conducts maintenance and upkeep on the resulting outcome (Andrei, Casu-Pop, Gheorghe & Boiangui 2019). The project management follows all these steps because they all play essential functions in making the project succeed. 

4.2.1 Existing Methodology Advantages

The company must consider the merits of using the waterfall project management approach and assess whether it is the most suitable approach for the organization. The main merit of the waterfall approach is that it permits control and departmentalization (Ruel, Bondarouk & Smink 2010). Such provisions make it easier to create a schedule that outlines the specific deadlines for each phase of development, and a product or service can move through the development process model stages one by one (Ruel, Bondarouk & Smink 2010). Thus, the company should consider the influence of these advantages on its practices.

• Existing Methodology Disadvantages

On the contrary, the approach is relatively inflexible, so any adjustments in stakeholder needs will interfere with the flow of operations and may require some adjustments, or possibly an entirely new framework. It is the reason why the waterfall approach is less appropriate for most knowledge-based initiatives, like computer modelling and programming (Ruel, Bondarouk & Smink 2010). Therefore, the team at Constellation Brands should consider these possible strengths and weaknesses and find out whether there is a need for adjustments. 

4.3 Alternative Project Management Methodology

A company can alternatively apply the agile project management approach. Contrary to the waterfall method where the team works on long phases of the project, the agile approach usually entails shorter phases and involves numerous adaptations, reassessments, and testing (Andrei, Casu-Pop, Gheorghe & Boiangui 2019). All the tasks in most agile methods are added to a backlog that groups can function in each category.

4.3.1 Alternative Methodology Advantages

A group must consider the possible strengths of using the agile method. The main advantages of the agile method are that it provides more room for adjustment and is highly flexible (Andrei, Casu-Pop, Gheorghe & Boiangui 2019). The Agile approach is flexible because team members tend to serve in short terms and are able to make rapid changes. The team can then test each outcome against the consumers’ needs. The possibility of making changes provides the project handlers with the chance to add necessary adjustments that would help to meet the organizational objectives.

4.3.2 Alternative Methodology Disadvantages

The level of collaboration in agile project management can be hard to maintain, which calls on the team handling a project to identify appropriate ways for dealing with the challenge. Agile, can be an empowering process is employed effectively. Nonetheless, the approach requires relentless collaboration, increased commitment, and additional time (Andrei, Casu-Pop, Gheorghe & Boiangui 2019). The approach always requires the presence of team members to perform regular testing, sign off at every stage, and to ensure that products meet the set measures. Unless a company has the ability to avail team members all the time, agile method may prove difficult to use.

• Recommendations

Constellation Brands should retain the waterfall project management approach. It has already established mechanisms that guides it through the various stages while using the approach, including requirements, system design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. However, the company must take some measures to improve how it manages its projects. A suitable approach would be to train employees, especially the team working on projects to equip them with helpful knowledge and skills that they can use to advance their project management techniques. Organizational leaders should identify the most suitable training facilities and allocate enough resources to facilitate the empowerment process (Ruel, Bondarouk & Smink 2010). The company must understand that the training process may require more resources and commitment, which may be costly, but the outcome will be long-lasting. Besides, the company can acquire valuable tips from companies that perform well in project management and use the skills to improve its practices (Ruel, Bondarouk & Smink 2010). It is imperative to consider the various ways of improving how the company manages its projects if it wants to succeed and become more competitive. 

References

Andrei, B., Casu-Pop, A., Gheorghe, S., & Boiangui, C. (2019). A study on using waterfall and agile methods in software project management. Retrieved 17 November 2020, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333968900_A_STUDY_ON_USING_WATERFALL_AND_AGILE_METHODS_IN_SOFTWARE_PROJECT_MANAGEMENT

Constellation Brands. (2020). Constellation Brands. Retrieved 17 November, 2020, from https://www.cbrands.com/

Ika, L. (2009). Project success as a topic in project management journals. Project Management Journal, 40 (6): 6-9. doi: 10.1002/pmj.20137

Ruel, H., Bondarouk, T., & Smink, S. (2010). The waterfall approach requirement and uncertainty: An in-depth case study of an enterprise systems implementation at a major airline company. International Journal of Information Technology Project Management, 1 (2): 43-60.