Traditional Project Management

What is Traditional Project Management?

Traditional project management is a structured, step-by-step approach to managing projects, relying on well-established techniques for planning, estimating, and controlling activities. Its primary objective is to deliver results on time, within budget, and according to predefined specifications.

This methodology is best suited for projects where tasks can be completed in a sequential order and changes are minimal or unlikely. Because it is based on predictability, it emphasizes careful upfront planning and strict adherence to the project plan once execution begins.

Traditional project management typically follows the same five-phase lifecycle:

1. Initiating – defining goals, scope, and stakeholders.
2. Planning – creating detailed schedules, budgets, and resource allocations.
3. Executing – carrying out the planned tasks and deliverables.
4. Controlling/Monitoring – tracking progress, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with the plan.
5. Closing – finalizing deliverables, evaluating results, and formally completing the project.

Because of its linear, process-driven nature, traditional project management works best for industries like construction, manufacturing, and engineering, where requirements are clear, outcomes are predictable, and changes are costly.