Analysis of Project Management Models: An Investigation of Structure-, Process- and Function-Oriented Elements for the Tailoring of Project Design

Choosing the right project management method is essential for the successful implementation of a project. At the same time, it is a difficult decision, as a large number of standards, frameworks, and process models have been developed and established over the years, ranging from plan-based to agile versions. That makes it all the more important to know the characteristics of those models in detail. This paper fundamentally analyzes existing project management models with regard to their essential elements. Elements are the building blocks that make up each individual model. Each element has its own mission with regard to structure-, process-, and function-oriented tasks in a model, and therefore also in the project. Through the qualitative content analysis of the documentation and guidelines for the models, strengths and weaknesses within a wide range of 23 different project management models could be uncovered. Furthermore, a helpful comparison could be made between the models on aspects such as temporal structure, roles, quality assurance, communication, and collaboration. This analysis and the knowledge of the individual advantages and disadvantages of the models form the basis for making targeted adjustments to project management models in future.