A Systematic Review of Project Management Methodologies in Manufacturing

Abstract

In this systematic review we have put the project management methodologies of the manufacturing sector under the microscope, with an eye on Waterfall, Agile, Lean and Six Sigma as well as any hybrid variants. Our aim is to see how they are put to use in everything from production planning and product development to supply chain and process improvement. When you compare them on such measures as cost control, quality, risk and efficiency, it becomes clear that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You will find that Lean and Six Sigma do their job of driving up quality and efficiency, whereas Agile lends itself to greater adaptability; hybrid models, for their part, provide a more even-handed approach. Of course, there are obstacles to contend with, be it a lack of skills or technology, or simply resistance to change. We also look at how new developments like Industry 4.0 and the use of AI and other digital tools are changing the way things are done. Ultimately, our review points to some gaps in the current research and makes the case for more adaptive and sustainable, data-driven frameworks in manufacturing.