Project Management

Knowledge Areas and

the Lean Methodology

Ian Ray
College of Aviation, Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University
ASCI 674: Project Management in
Aviation/Aerospace
Prof. Charles Harding
March 24th, 2024
Are all PMI Knowledge
Areas of Equal Importance
to Every Project?

Not all PMI Knowledge Areas

are of equal importance to
every project, as their
significance can vary based on
the project's scope, complexity,
industry, and specific
objectives.
 Not all PMI Knowledge Areas are of equal importance to every project, as
their significance can vary based on the project's scope, complexity,
Are All PMI industry, and specific objectives due to :

Knowledge 1. Project Nature and Scope:

Areas of Equal - Software Projects: Emphasize Scope, Schedule, Quality Management.

- Construction Projects: Focus on Cost, Risk, Resource Management.
Importance to 2. Industry and Regulatory Requirements:
Every Project? - Heavily Regulated Industries: Prioritize Quality, Risk Management for
(Cont.) compliance and safety.

3. Stakeholder Needs and Expectations:

- Diverse Stakeholders: Highlight Communication, Stakeholder

Management for alignment and expectation management.

4. Project Size and Complexity:

- Larger/Complex Projects: Require more Integration, Scope Management.

- Smaller Projects: Benefit from a leaner management approach.
 1. Value vs. Scope:

Comparison - Lean: Focuses on eliminating non-value activities.

- PMI Knowledge Areas: Ensures definition and control of all necessary work.

of Lean 2. Flow vs. Schedule:

Management
- Lean: Prioritizes smooth value flow, efficiency.
- PMI Knowledge Areas: Focuses on scheduling, efficiency through structured
planning.

with PMI 3. Elimination of Waste vs. Comprehensive Management:

Knowledge
- Lean: Central focus on waste elimination.
- PMI Knowledge Areas: Broader management scope without singular focus on
waste.

Areas 4. Continuous Improvement vs. Structured Planning:

- Lean: Emphasizes ongoing improvements.

- PMI Knowledge Areas: Adopts a more controlled, structured change
management approach.

5. Adaptability vs. Rigidity:

- Lean: Supports flexibility, rapid delivery.

- PMI Knowledge Areas: Often more rigid, plan-driven.
 Lean: Best for flexible, rapid improvement projects
(e.g., manufacturing/ production line, continuous
improvement, elimination of waste, efficiency,
developing a pull system).
Appropriateness
of Approaches PMI Knowledge Areas: Suitable for projects needing
close control over scope, time, cost, quality (e.g.,
providing a framework, construction, aerospace).
 • The choice between Lean and PMI Knowledge
Areas should align with the project's unique goals,
constraints, and environment. A hybrid approach,
Conclusion blending both methodologies, can provide
flexibility and structure, adapting to evolving
project needs.
 • Flouris, T. G., & Lock, D. (2009). Managing aviation projects
from concept to completion. Taylor & Francis Group.
• Haniff, A., & Salama, M. (Eds.). (2016). Project
management. Goodfellow Publishers, Limited.
• Myerson, Paul. (2012). Lean supply chain and logistics
management (1st ed.). McGraw-Hill.
References • Westland, J. (2021, November 22). Top 10 Project
Management Methodologies: An Overview. Project Manager.
https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/project-management-
methodology#section-11