July 15, 2022

5 Trends that Will Change Project Management Plans in 2021

Over the years, both project management plans as well as the industry have undergone significant transformations. How does this impact the industry and project managers? What are the implications of these changes?
Probably among the first project management plans were the architectural and engineering achievements made along the banks of Nile many millennia back. While the achievements of the Romans, Egyptians, and even Mughals are notable, Henry Gantt, a pioneer in this discipline, is what’s most important.
Project management has seen a lot of change since its inception in the mid-20th Century. Part of this evolution is due to the natural learning curve that project management’s practitioners have experienced over the years. It is the changes in society and the economy that have shaped project management over the years.
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Five Trends that Are Shaping Up Project Management Plans
Project management plans will undergo seismic shifts in 2021 as you witness exponential growth in cutting-edge technologies, and businesses transitioning to a digital age.
1) Hybrid Project Management Approaches
Industry experts predict that hybrid models will be accepted by project managers. Traditional project management plans followed the waterfall model for many years. However, Agile and its methods have gained popularity. Project managers worldwide use Lean, Six Sigma and Scrum.

Source: Medium
Project teams have become more flexible in their project management methods due to the rapid pace at which project environments are changing. Project managers can use improvisations in Agile methodologies to create their own version of hybrid Agile methodologies.
A hybrid of Agile and waterfall methods will include elements from both schools. Updates are a key part of an Agile project charter. The Agile method of project management is also used in a waterfall project schedule. This allows for shorter phases and faster prototypes. Scrum masters that incorporate elements from traditional methods could also open up new hybrid project management options.
When it comes to hybrid project management, there are many options. It may seem confusing to mix different methodologies but the goal is to get the best from each one to improve project management performance.
By introducing short sprints and allowing for changes, you can eliminate the rigidity of traditional methods. When designing the flow, the project manager must identify the strengths and pitfalls in each method and take into consideration them.
2) Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Management of people is part of project management. Even when a new employee is being recruited, emotional intelligence must be assessed. The measure of success in professional life has been IQ. Emotional Quotient (EQ) is also important and has been recognized for a long time. This is a fact that can be seen in project management plans. It will also influence project management in the coming years.

Source: Boyer Management Group
High EQ project managers can foster strong working relationships within their project teams. This will allow the manager to direct the project in the right direction and resolve conflicts and differences.