ls can also integrate with other techniques like Gantt charts and resource levelling.

While CPM is well-suited for projects with well-defined tasks and dependencies, it may be less effective for projects with high levels of uncertainty or frequent changes. In such cases, it’s often used in conjunction with other techniques, such as PERT or APM qualification cost Agile methodologies , for a more adaptive approach.Simon Buehring

PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique)20 Mar 2026

PERT is a project management technique that can be used for Learn about the hidden costs associated with APM courses, including typical exam and material fees. Read on to plan your budget effectively. projects The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. with uncertain or variable task durations. Developed in the 1950s for the U.S. Navy’s Polaris missile program, PERT allows project managers to incorporate probabilistic time estimates into their project schedules.

PERT requires the creation of a network diagram of all project tasks, along with three time estimates for each task: Manage options

1. Optimistic time (O): The shortest time the task could possibly take. Manage services
2. Most likely time (M): The best estimate of how long the task will take, based on available information. Manage {vendor_count} vendors
3. Pessimistic time (P): The longest time the task could possibly take, considering all potential issues. Read more about these purposes

The expected time (E) for each task is then calculated as E = (O + 4M + P) / 6.

Key takeawaysPortfolio, Programme, and Project Management Maturity Model (P3M3)Accept

• Provides more realistic project timelines by accounting for uncertainties
• Identifies critical paths and potential schedule risksSimon BuehringDeny
• Helps in better resource allocation and 23 Feb 2026 risk management View preferences
• Allows probabilistic analysis of project completion times.Discover P3M3 and how it can improve your organization’s project, programme, and portfolio management capabilities. Scroll down for a comprehensive overview.

Quick tips Save preferences

• Involve experts in estimating task durations to get accurate timeframes
• Update estimates regularly as new information becomes available View preferences
• Use PERT in conjunction with CPM for a comprehensive schedule analysis {title}
• Leverage software tools for PERT calculations and visualisations. {title}

Common pitfalls {title}

• Overreliance on extreme (optimistic or pessimistic) estimates Manage consent
• Neglecting task dependenciesException management in PRINCE2Manage consent
• Failing to update analysis as the project progresses
• Misinterpreting results as definitive rather than probabilistic.Knowledge Train

PERT can be time-consuming to apply to large projects, and it may not be necessary for every project. It is most useful when used judiciously, in combination with other techniques, and applied to the most critical or highly uncertain aspects of a project.19 Feb 2026

Kanban boards

Kanban BoardsManaging exceptions is vital to achieving success in PRINCE2 projects. This article demonstrates effective strategies for managing unexpected events to keep your project on schedule and achieve its goals. are a visual project management tool that originated in Toyota’s lean manufacturing system and have since become popular in various industries, particularly in software development and Agile project management .

A Kanban board is a visual tool that helps teams manage their work using Kanban methodology. The board is divided into columns that represent the stages of a workflow, for example, “To Do”, “In Progress”, and “Done”. Cards or sticky notes are placed on the board to represent the work items or tasks, and they are moved from one column to another as the work progresses. This way, the team can:

• Visualise workflow: The status of all tasks is visible at a glance.

• Increased focus and productivity
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities
• Reduced waste of time and resources.

Kanban boards can be physical or digital. A physical board can be as simple as a whiteboard and some sticky notes. A digital board is a virtual representation of the physical board that can be accessed and updated by the team members using project management software . Digital boards offer more features, such as automatic updates, task details, and integration with other tools.

Implementing Kanban boards is easy, but it requires the team to be committed to updating the board regularly and following the work-in-progress limits.PRINCE2 methodology

Risk and stakeholder management

Risk management matrixSimon Buehring

A 19 Feb 2026Risk Management Matrix , also referred to as a Probability and Impact Matrix, is a graphical representation used in project management to prioritise and manage risks. It allows project managers and teams to evaluate potential risks based on their likelihood of occurrence and potential impact on the project.Understand how the PRINCE2 methodology supports organizations in delivering successful projects that meet business expectations. Read further for a deep dive.

The matrix typically displays a grid with probability on one axis and impact on the other. Risks are plotted on this grid, enabling quick visual identification of high-priority risks that require immediate attention and action.

Essential elements in a Risk Management Matrix:

• Probability: The chance of a risk happening (typically rated as low, medium, high)
• Impact: The severity of the outcome if the risk occurs (usually ranked from minor to major)
• Risk score: A value obtained by multiplying the probability and impact assessments.

Advantages of employing a Risk Management Matrix:

• Facilitates a clear, visual summary of potential project risks.
• Assists in prioritising risk responses.Project management triangle
• Improves risk communication with stakeholders.
• Aids in making more informed decisions.Knowledge Train

Tips for effective use:19 Feb 2026

• Update the matrix regularly as new risks emerge or situations evolve.
• Engage the whole project team in risk identification and evaluation.The project management triangle is a key factor in the success of a project. Learn how to balance scope, time and cost for project goals and deliver exceptional results.
• Formulate specific mitigation or contingency plans for prioritised risks.
• Periodically review and revise risk ratings and assumptions.

By systematically identifying, evaluating, and addressing risks, project managers can proactively manage potential challenges and opportunities, thereby enhancing the project’s chances of success.

Stakeholder mapping

Stakeholder mapping is a visual technique to analyse and prioritise stakeholders for your project based on their interest, influence, and impact on the project.

Key takeawaysProject manage your life – Webinar with Bina Champaneria

• Recognise all potential stakeholders, those who may affect or be affected by the project.
• Help prioritise stakeholders based on their influence and interest in the project.Sevcan Yasa
• Facilitate communication planning with stakeholders.19 Feb 2026
• Aid in risk managementTo watch the webinar recording of Bina Champaneria discussing project management techniques to manage your life, watch the video or download the podcast or presentation. and informed decision making.

Quick tips

• Use a power/interest grid to plot stakeholders.
• Update the stakeholder map regularly as the project evolves.
• Identify both positive and negative stakeholders.
• Customise communication plans for different stakeholder groups.
• Engage team members in the mapping process for a broader view.

Common pitfallsProject management tools in 2025

• Missing less apparent stakeholders.
• Not reassessing stakeholder positions over time.Knowledge Train
• Ignoring low-power stakeholders.19 Feb 2026
• Overlooking the need for individual engagement strategies.
• Assuming stakeholders’ interests do not change.Find out about the most efficient project management tools for 2025. This comprehensive guide compares the best software solutions and enables you to select the right one to manage your workflow and complete the project on time.

Project success can be achieved by carefully identifying and communicating with key project stakeholders. The concept of a stakeholder map can be explained as the graphical representation of project stakeholders. The process to be performed for conducting a stakeholder mapping analysis is very crucial for the project success. When starting with a new project, the first phase in stakeholder mapping analysis is to conduct a stakeholder identification process. The stakeholder identification process in a project involves categorising the identified stakeholders based on their impact on the project and their level of influence in the project.

Financial and resource management

Earned Value Management (EVM)

Earned Value Management (EVM) is a project management technique that uses scope, schedule, and cost data to assess a project’s progress and performance. It integrates scope, schedule, and cost measures to provide a comprehensive view of the project’s health. EVM compares the planned work with the actual completed work and the actual costs incurred, offering insights into both the status and future projections of the project.

The key components of EVM are:

• Planned Value (PV): The budgeted cost of work scheduled to be done
• Earned Value (EV): The budgeted cost of work performed
• Actual Cost (AC): The actual cost incurred for work performed.

EVM is used to compute the following metrics:

• Schedule Variance (SV) = EV – PV
• Cost Variance (CV) = EV – AC
• Schedule Performance Index (SPI) = EV / PV
• Cost Performance Index (CPI) = EV / AC

Key takeaways

• Offers early warning signs for potential project performance issues
• Allows for accurate prediction of project costs and completion dates
• Facilitates data-driven decision making.

Quick tipsGive us a call

• Set a clear project baseline before implementing EVM
• Utilise project management software+44 (0)207 148 5985 to automate EVM calculations
• Regularly review and analyse EVM metricsOr chat with us using the link at the bottom of the screen.
• Effectively communicate EVM results to stakeholders.Contact us with questions about the courses on this page, or about which project management certification or training is best for you.

Common pitfallsFinance FAQs

• Using EVM in a rigid way without understanding the context and qualitative issuesContact
• Using EVM without adequate training or knowledgeCookies
• Not revising the baseline for significant changesPrivacy
• Not acting based on the EVM information.Terms

Cost-benefit analysisCustomer Support

Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) is a financial evaluation technique that assesses the expected costs and benefits of a project or decision. It aims to determine whether the project is economically viable and justifiable.[email protected]

Five steps to perform a CBA:Join Our Team

1. Identify all the costs and benefits associated with the project
2. Monetise the costs and benefits in monetary terms[email protected]
3. Compare the present value of costs and benefits using metrics such as net present value (NPV) or benefit-cost ratio (BCR) Copyright © 2005-2026 Knowledge Train Limited.
4. Analyse the sensitivity of the results to changes in assumptions or inputs Registered in UK: 5566983.
5. Decide based on the CBA results and other criteria. Registered VAT: GB872413526.

Key takeaways Knowledge Train

• CBA provides a clear and transparent financial justification for a ®project is a registered trademark of Knowledge Train Limited.
• It helps prioritise projects with the highest return on investment (ROI) 20 Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7AN, England, United Kingdom.
• It supports objective and rational decision-making. Knowledge Train are experts in project management, PRINCE2, agile and change management training and certification. Choose from a full range of instructor-led and self-paced

Quick tipsproject management courses

• Identify and include all relevant costs and benefits, both tangible and intangible, a
• Use realistic and consistent assumptions and data sourcesPRINCE2 course
• Involve subject matter experts in the analysis process, or an
• Review and update the CBA regularly to reflect changes in the project or environment.agile project management course

Common pitfalls to boost your career.

• Overlooking or underestimating hidden or long-term costs or benefitsPRINCE2
• Overestimating the benefits or underestimating the costs®
• Not considering alternative options or the status quo, MSP
• Not accounting for risks and uncertainties.®

Resource levelling, ITIL

Resource levelling is a technique for managing project resources to achieve optimal resource utilisation. It involves adjusting the allocation of resources to tasks so that resource demand does not exceed the available supply. By smoothing out the use of resources, resource levelling can reduce overallocation and idle time.®

Key takeaways, P3O

• Resource levelling can lead to better resource utilisation and increased productivity.®
• It can help avoid burnout and reduce project risks., PRINCE2
• It can help project managers create more realistic ®schedules Agile, RESILIA.®

Quick tips, and the Swirl logo are registered trademarks of the PeopleCert group. Used under licence from PeopleCert. All rights reserved. AgilePM

• Identify resource constraints early in the project planning process.®
• Use and AgileBAproject management software® that includes resource levelling capabilities. are registered trademarks of Agile Business Consortium Limited. All rights reserved. The APMG International AgilePM and Swirl Device logo, APMG International AgileBA and Swirl Device Logo, APMG International Change Management and APMG International Better Business Cases and Swirl Device logo are trademarks of The APM Group Limited, used under permission of The APM Group Limited. All rights reserved. Better Business Cases™ is a trademark of Her Majesty’s Treasury. All rights reserved. DevOps Foundation
• Prioritise critical path activities when levelling resources.®
• Communicate any resource changes to team members and stakeholders. is a registered mark of the DevOps Institute. “PMI”, “PMBOK

Common pitfalls®

• Over-optimising resources at the expense of meeting project deadlines. Guide”, “PMP” and “CAPM” are registered marks of Project Management Institute, Inc. Knowledge Train Scrum Essentials™, Business Learning Library (BLL)™, Business Analysis Learning Library (BALL)™, Agile Learning Library (ALL)™, IT Learning Library (ITLL)™, and Compliance Learning Library (CLL)™ are trademarks of Knowledge Train Limited. All rights reserved.
• Forgetting to account for the skill sets of individual resources when reallocating them.Knowledge Train Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of NewDay Cards Ltd for the Newpay finance product provided by NewDay Ltd. NewDay Cards Ltd acts as a credit broker, not a lender. We will introduce you exclusively to Newpay finance products provided by NewDay Limited under this Introducer Appointed Representative arrangement. Finance available from other lenders is not covered by this arrangement. NewDay Ltd and Newday Cards Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (ref nos 690292 and 682417 respectively).
• Failing to update the resource levelling as the project progresses.
• Overlooking the impact of resource levelling on project costs.

Conclusion

Project managers can add the project management techniques described in this article to their project management toolkits. The larger the toolkit, the better equipped they are to handle the challenges their projects throw at them.

Project managers who effectively implement these techniques can improve their Searchproject plans , resource scheduling, time and cost management, risks and stakeholders’ management and project performance.

Informed decisions and right use of these techniques can help project managers deliver better project outcomes.

FAQs

What are the most essential project management techniques?

Some of the most important and effective ones include Gantt charts, Work Breakdown Structure , CPM, Kanban boards and Risk Analysis.Functional

How do Gantt charts help in project management?

Gantt charts are versatile project management tools. A Gantt chart could help in many ways: from getting you started on your tasks and giving you deadlines to plotting out your timeline and tracking your progress, all the way to giving you an eagle eye on task dependencies and seeing bottlenecks. Always active

What is the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and why is it important?

A Work Breakdown Structure or a WBS is a project management technique that decomposes a project into smaller pieces for easier management. A WBS is critical for task organisation, time and cost estimation and more it allows you to build a clear scope for your project and help you to not get overwhelmed and not forget anything important.

How can Kanban boards improve project workflow?

Kanban boards are visual tools that can help you and your team to visualise and manage tasks and workflows. Kanban boards will help your team collaborate, limit work-in-progress, and manage processes more efficiently, they also help you to see the bottlenecks easily. Kanban boards are a more popular tool for recurring processes and Agile project managementThe technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network..

What is the Critical Path Method (CPM), and how does it help in scheduling?

The Critical Path Method or CPM is a project scheduling technique that analyses your project in terms of tasks’ sequence and duration. CPM will help you to identify the longest chain of dependent tasks in your project, the so-called critical path, which would then help you in your decision-making: it will allow you to see what your project’s minimal duration is and what tasks can be delayed or rescheduled without affecting the project in general. The CPM is very useful in resource planning and allocation, as well as ensuring you have a solid deadline.

What is Scrum, and how does it fit into Agile project management?

Scrum is an Agile project management framework that organises the work into short iterative cycles (sprints). Scrum relies on defined roles (Product Owner, Development Team and Scrum MasterPreferences), events (sprint planning, daily stand-ups) and tools (sprint backlog). Scrum helps teams to plan and manage their work, adapt to changing requirements, and deliver value quickly.

How does Agile project management differ from traditional methods?

Agile is an iterative and incremental approach to product development that values flexibility, collaboration, and customer satisfaction over following a rigid plan. Agile teams embrace change even late in the project, and they focus on delivering working solutions regularly rather than following a fixed set of requirements. Agile is all about continuous improvement and responding to feedback, and there are different ways (frameworks) to do it.Preferences

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