The Five Pmlc Models

The five PMLC models

Wysocki (p.299, 2009) says that he builds his project landscape around two variables, which are Goal and Solution. Each of these two variables can be Clear and complete or Not Clear and complete. He then proceeds to to divide a square into 4 quadrants.

Quadrant I is when the Goal and Solution are Clear and that quadrant defines the Traditional Project Management (TPM). Traditional Project Management approaches have two models which are : Linear Project Management Life Cycle (PMLC) and the Incremental PMLC.

TPM is basically simple and there are no surprises. These projects are probably done several times. The staff under the project know their jobs and know what is expected of them and they proceed to do their works like clockwork. In the Linear PMLC model, the five process groups (Scoping, Planning, Launching, Monitoring and Controlling, Closing) are completed in order one after the other. There is no repeating. If there is something new learnt in the project, there is no going back to change the scope a little to deliver something better.

In the Incremental PMLC model, the solution to the goal is released in parts, that is in increments, though it follows the linear approach. After a part of the solution is released initially, increments are released subsequently and then the final part is released. Every part, however follows the process groups sequentially. This model does encourage scope changes though not hugely.

Quadrant II is when the Goal is clear, but the solution is not clear and this quadrant defines the Agile Project Management (APM). There are two models of APM. They are Iterative PMLC and Adaptive PMLC.

In the Iterative PMLC model, Every iteration gives a solution. This model also requires customer feedback extensively. In the adaptive PMLC model, there is very little information about the solution. This model is extensively used by software development companies.

Quadrant III is when both the Goal and the Solution are unclear. This quadrant defines the Extreme Project Management (xPM). Quadrant IV is when the Goal is unclear and the Solution is Clear. This Quadrant defines the Emertxe Project Management (MPx). xPM is normally used for Research and Development Projects and MPx is used in projects, where a new technology is to be used, for which there is little or knowledge of application.

Both the xPM and MPx is used by the Extreme PMLC. This is the fifth PMLC. This approach requires a high involvement of the client. The goals and the solutions are both not clear in these type of projects.

Risks & Mitigation :

Linear PMLC Model :

Risks :No scope change, High Costs, Takes too much time

Mitigation : The Project Manager should create a process to adopt some changes. The high costs can be controlled by following