I often come across misunderstandings in what a framework is versus a methodology. Which is quite understandable as there is precious little agreement even in the literature available on the internet. I have found a couple of definitions below that I believe adequately capture the essence of the difference.
Framework:
In general, a framework is a real or conceptual structure intended to serve as a support or guide for the building of something that expands the structure into something useful.
Source: http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/framework
Framework = WHAT (and perhaps WHY)
Methodology:
A documented approach for performing activities in a coherent, consistent, accountable, and repeatable manner.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treasury_Enterprise_Architecture_Framework
Methodology = HOW
Key Distinctions
- Frameworks are high level (high enough that all organizations could see their work in it) while methodologies are specific to the organizations they are developed in.
- Frameworks can be applied anywhere (are interchangeable) while methodologies tend to only work where they were developed.
- Methodologies are step by step instructions and are developed based on frameworks.
The PMBOK is a framework applicable to all projects.
The Island Health Project Management Methodology is specific to the organization.
Jan 8 2015
Framework VS Methodology
I often come across misunderstandings in what a framework is versus a methodology. Which is quite understandable as there is precious little agreement even in the literature available on the internet. I have found a couple of definitions below that I believe adequately capture the essence of the difference.
Framework:
In general, a framework is a real or conceptual structure intended to serve as a support or guide for the building of something that expands the structure into something useful.
Source: http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/framework
Framework = WHAT (and perhaps WHY)
Methodology:
A documented approach for performing activities in a coherent, consistent, accountable, and repeatable manner.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treasury_Enterprise_Architecture_Framework
Methodology = HOW
Key Distinctions
The PMBOK is a framework applicable to all projects.
The Island Health Project Management Methodology is specific to the organization.
By Craig "hachiroku" Mercer • Key Terms •