In project management, there isn’t a universal method that fits every project. Each project is distinct and comes with its own set of needs. To ensure we’re equipped with the most suitable tools, we need to focus heavily on tailoring.
Tailoring: Determining the appropriate combination of processes, inputs, tools, techniques, outputs, and life cycle phases to manage a project. PMBOK Ver 6
Tailoring: The deliberate adaptation of approach, governance, and processes to make them more suitable for the given environment and the work at hand. PMBOK Ver 7
Tailoring refers to the process of customizing a project management approach to meet the specific needs of a project. This approach involves identifying and adapting to the unique characteristics of each project in order to determine the most appropriate methods of producing the desired outcomes.
In project management, tailoring is the act of choosing the process, related inputs and outputs of the project carefully to determine the subset of the processes to be included in the management approach of the project
The success of a project is often contingent on the ability to adapt to the unique context of the project. Tailoring the project management approach is an iterative process that should occur continuously throughout the project. This allows the project team to respond to changes in the project environment and adjust their approach accordingly. A big part of tailoring your approach to a specific project is selecting the right models, methods, and artifacts
Tailoring:
Each project is unique, and project success is based on adapting to the unique context of the project to determine the most appropriate methods of producing the desired outcomes. Tailoring the approach is iterative and is a continuous process throughout the project. Design the project development approach based on the context of the project, its objectives, stakeholders, governance, and the environment using “just enough” process to achieve the desired outcome while maximizing value, managing cost, and enhancing speed.
- Choose how to start; Initial Development Approach. Make sure it fits your project. From the Agile-hybrid-predictive spectrum to the relevant life cycle model and cadence
- Tailor for your company. Think about your organization while making changes. The nature and culture of the sponsoring and delivering organization
- Tailor for your project. When making changes, consider the project size, importance, and other key things.
- Keep making things better. Watch how it’s going and change things if needed.
The tailoring process begins by analyzing the context of the project, including its objectives, stakeholders, governance, and environment. By understanding these factors, the project team can determine which project management approaches will be most effective in achieving the desired outcomes. ; Adaptive, Predictive or Hybrid
The approach to project development should be designed based on the specific needs of the project. This includes using “just enough” process to achieve the desired outcome while maximizing value, managing costs, and enhancing speed. In other words, the project team should avoid unnecessary bureaucracy and focus on what is essential to delivering the project successfully.
Tailor What?
- Methodology
- Procurement Strategy
- Delivery Approach
- Delivery Cadence: Lifecycle Stages and Phases
- Tools, Techniques, Artifacts, Models
The tailoring process is ongoing and should be revisited as the project progresses. As the project environment evolves, the project team should continue to adapt their approach to ensure that they are addressing the unique challenges and requirements of the project. By doing so, they can increase the chances of project success and achieve the desired outcomes.
PMP ECO 2021
Domain 2, Task 13 is ‘Determine appropriate project methodology/methods and practices
- Assess project needs, complexity, and magnitude
- Recommend project execution strategy (eg: contracting, finance)
- Recommend a project/methodology/approach (ie: predictive, agile, hybrid)
- Use iterative, incremental practices throughout the project lifecycle (eg: lessons learned, stakeholder engagement, risk)
