Tailoring – adapting the approach to the project

In project management, tailoring means consciously adapting the approach, processes, tools, and documents to the specific project and organizational context. Instead of applying a rigid method, tailoring allows for flexible combination of practices depending on the project type, industry, company culture, and risk tolerance.

🧭 What is tailoring?

Tailoring is a process:

• selecting the appropriate project life cycle (e.g. agile vs. waterfall),

• modifying project processes and tools,

• adjusting documentation scope and roles to the actual project needs.

⚙️ Key areas of tailoring

1. 📐 Adapting the approach

Choosing the project management model:

• Agile – for variable projects, e.g. IT, product development.

• Waterfall – for linear projects, e.g. construction, engineering.

• Hybrid – combining approaches when the project requires it.

2. 📋 Processes

Adjusting the level of formalization:

• Companies with high risk tolerance → fewer procedures, more flexibility.

• Companies with low tolerance → more standards and controls.

3. 🌀 Project life cycle

Flexibility in choosing between:

• Phased life cycle (plan → execute → close),

• Iterative (step-by-step development),

• Incremental (delivering value in increments),

• or their combination.

4. 📄 Deliverables

Reducing or expanding documentation:

• Templates,

• Status reports,

• Project artifacts.

Everything should be tailored for scalability and real project needs.

5. 🧰 Tool selection

Choosing the right technologies and tools:

• Project management platforms (e.g. Jira, Asana, MS Project),

• Communication and collaboration (e.g. Teams, Slack, Miro),

• Considering budget constraints and team competencies.

📌 Summary
 

💡 Why is tailoring important?
 

• Prevents overengineering or underestimation.

• Enables better alignment with project realities and organization.

• Supports team efficiency and value delivery.

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