How do you follow project management standards and frameworks?

1 Choose the right standard or framework

There are many project management standards and frameworks available, such as PMBOK, PRINCE2, Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and more. Each one has its own advantages, disadvantages, and suitability for different types of projects, industries, and contexts. You should choose the standard or framework that best fits your project characteristics, such as complexity, uncertainty, scope, duration, and deliverables. You should also consider the preferences and requirements of your stakeholders, clients, and organization, as well as your own skills and experience.

2 Understand the key elements and processes

Once you have chosen the standard or framework for your project, you should familiarize yourself with its key elements and processes. These may include the project life cycle, the project phases, the project roles and responsibilities, the project documents and artifacts, the project tools and techniques, and the project performance indicators and metrics. You should also understand how the standard or framework aligns with the project management knowledge areas, such as integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, procurement, and stakeholder management.

4 Evaluate and improve your project management practices

Following a standard or framework is not a one-time activity. You should continuously monitor and control your project performance and progress, using the standard or framework as a reference and a benchmark. You should also collect and analyze feedback and lessons learned from your project team, stakeholders, clients, and organization, using the standard or framework as a source of best practices and improvement opportunities. You should also update and revise your project documents and artifacts, using the standard or framework as a guide and a template.

5 Learn from other project managers and experts

Following a standard or framework is not an isolated activity. You should learn from other project managers and experts who have used the same or similar standards and frameworks in their projects. You should seek their advice, insights, tips, and recommendations on how to follow the standard or framework effectively and efficiently. You should also join and participate in professional communities and networks, such as PMI, APM, IPMA, Scrum Alliance, and more, where you can access and share resources, knowledge, and experiences on project management standards and frameworks.