Project Management Methodologies

Choosing the right project management methodology is crucial for project success. This guide compares the most widely used approaches to help you select the best fit for your projects.

Methodology Comparison

Methodology Best For Flexibility Planning Delivery
PRINCE2 Large, controlled projects Low Upfront, detailed Staged
Agile/Scrum Software, evolving requirements High Iterative Sprints
Waterfall Fixed scope, clear requirements Low Sequential Phased
Hybrid Mixed environments Medium Adaptive Flexible

Methodologies Overview

PRINCE2

Projects IN Controlled Environments

A process-based methodology widely used in UK government and enterprise. Focuses on business justification, defined roles, and stage-gate controls.

  • 7 Principles, 7 Themes, 7 Processes
  • Strong governance and documentation
  • Scalable to any project size
Learn PRINCE2
Agile & Scrum

Iterative and Incremental Delivery

A flexible approach that embraces change and delivers value in short cycles. Scrum is the most popular Agile framework.

  • Sprints, User Stories, Backlogs
  • Daily standups and retrospectives
  • Customer collaboration over contracts
Learn Agile/Scrum
Waterfall

Sequential Phase-Based Delivery

The traditional approach where each phase must complete before the next begins. Best suited for projects with fixed requirements.

  • Requirements → Design → Build → Test → Deploy
  • Comprehensive documentation
  • Clear milestones and deliverables
Waterfall vs Agile
Hybrid

Best of Both Worlds

Combines elements of traditional and Agile methodologies. Allows organisations to tailor their approach to specific project needs.

  • PRINCE2 Agile, Disciplined Agile
  • Structured governance + iterative delivery
  • Flexible and pragmatic
Learn Hybrid

Choosing the Right Methodology

Use PRINCE2 when:

  • You need strong governance and audit trails
  • The project has regulatory or compliance requirements
  • Stakeholders expect formal stage-gate approvals
  • The organisation values structured documentation

Use Agile/Scrum when:

  • Requirements are likely to change
  • You can deliver value incrementally
  • Close collaboration with users is possible
  • Speed to market is important

Use Waterfall when:

  • Requirements are fixed and well-understood
  • The project has strict dependencies
  • Changes would be costly or impossible
  • Regulatory approval is needed at each stage

Use Hybrid when:

  • You need governance but also flexibility
  • Different project phases suit different approaches
  • The organisation is transitioning between methodologies
  • Complex projects with mixed work types

Methodology Certifications

Methodology Certification Body Popular Certifications
PRINCE2 Axelos / PeopleCert PRINCE2 Foundation, Practitioner
Agile/Scrum Scrum.org, Scrum Alliance PSM I/II, CSM, SAFe
General PM PMI PMP, CAPM
Hybrid Axelos PRINCE2 Agile
Last updated: 13 January 2026