Identification of the Main Traditional Project Management Methods Through a Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Traditional project management methods are specific, predictable and seek to keep the planning as detailed as possible and, even over time, companies continue to integrate them into their processes. The present study aims to raise the main traditional methods of Project Management, to present them in more detail, through a Systematic Literature Review. In this review, 37 articles were found and analyzed to answer five research questions. The research questions focused on answering: the main traditional project management methods, the most relevant maturity models, trends in the area, and the challenges and future directions for project management. As the main results, PMBOK was pointed out as the main traditional method, followed by PRINCE2, ISO 21500 standard and CTCR methodology. In addition, highlighting the tools, there are Gantt Chart, Earned Value Management, Critical Chain Project Management, and TOC Method as the most relevant. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a broad and detailed view of the main traditional methods of PM and with this, researchers in the area will be able to make better decisions in choosing the appropriate method for their type of project. As for challenges and future directions, the article pointed out that currently, project processes are complex and therefore do not meet their initial deadlines, cost, quality and business goals. Thus, difficulties in PM also stand out: delays in the schedule, lack of clearly defined objectives and support from leadership/company, scope changes, insufficient resources, poor risk management and measurement of project performance and lack of communication.