A “framework” is a way of describing and representing the empirical relations between every aspect of the matter under consideration.
somewhere on the web..
Those who are in the project management profession will have to deal not only with “frameworks“, but also with “theories” and possibly many “models“. The problem with the definitions of these terms lies in the fact that these terms apply differently depending on field, sector and industry. The terms have also evolved over time and in some fields they are often used interchangeably.
The purpose of this series is to explore these terms more in details. “Theories” and “Models” have been covered previously. Let’s conclude the series talking about “frameworks”.
As a framework is a way of describing and representing the empirical relations between every aspect of the matter, it has probably more practical applications.
While it still provides a ‘big picture’ view of various descriptive categories and agents, a framework provides clarity on the relationships, and occasionally suggests tools and techniques. Often frameworks are proper ‘methodologies’.
Which frameworks do we recall?
As an example, a ‘career framework” outlines the skills, knowledge and experience required to be an effective scientist or engineer.
There are many ‘technological’ frameworks: think for example in IT a ‘web app’ framework or a ‘mobile app’ framework.
In public health there are ‘evaluation’ frameworks that provide a structure for evaluating implementation / intervention initiatives. Two common frameworks that originated in public health are RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) and PRECEDE-PROCEED (Predisposing, Reinforcing and Enabling Constructs in Educational Diagnosis and Evaluation-Policy, Regulatory, and Organisational Constructs in Educational and Environmental Development).
And lastly, in education, we may have come across the ‘Self-Evaluation and Improvement’ framework.
Which frameworks are specific to the project management practice?
A ‘project management framework’ consists of the processes, tasks and tools used to take a project from start to finish. It encompasses all the key components required for planning, managing and governing projects.
Project management ‘frameworks’ often are called ‘methodologies’. In my view, the two main frameworks are: PMBOK (highly structured, with an emphasis on upfront planning) and Agile. The latter is very often refer to as a ‘model’. It is an iterative approach to delivering a project throughout its life cycle.
But which other models should we also consider?
Risk management frameworks: These are sets of references and tools that organisations rely on to make decisions about how to manage risk. They could include, for example, policies, strategies, plans, responsibilities, processes and statements of the organisation’s position on risk. Consider for example the COSO framework for enterprise risk management. Project risk management should be integrated in these frameworks, which are sector- and industry-specific.
Logical framework (or Logframe): This is a planning tool consisting of a matrix which provides an overview of a project’s goal, activities and anticipated results. It provides a structure to help specify the components of a project and its activities and for relating them to one another. It also identifies the measures by which the project’s anticipated results will be monitored. I already wrote an article on this blog about the Logframe.
Knowledge management frameworks: These are structures designed to help the mapping, creation, distribution and optimisation of the project or organisation’s knowledge and knowledge resources. Knowledge is increasingly valuable for the organisations, with a significant relevance for project management. Practical knowledge management framework would ensure the effective management of knowledge generated in the course of the projects, especially for project-based firms (article). This is a developing and evolving subject.
Has this article been useful? Would this be in line with your understanding on the subject?
I need to confess that I am still confused. As said earlier, sometimes these terms apply differently depending on field, sector and industry. In some fields they are often used interchangeably and they are constantly evolving. I hope this series offered some guidance to the project management professionals, at least at a high level. Let me know if you have any comments.
Marco Bottacini, Senior Portfolio Manager at GALVmed
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinion of GALVmed.
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