There is no magical tool which could manage a project for you. However, there are many indispensable tools, which assist in project management. Knowledge of using these tools is essential for every project manager. A tool does not have to be a software. It could also be a document such as a scope statement.

The tools techniques a project manager chooses to use or is required to use is often dependent on the nature of the project and the corporate environment. Following is a non-exhaustive list of suggested tools and techniques organized by the project management knowledge area.

Communication management

Following is a list of some important
- kick-off meetings
- document templates
- communication management plan
- progress reports

Cost management

- cost baselines
- cost management plan
- project portfolio management
- return on investment

Human resource management

- project organizational charts
- responsibility assignment matrices
- team building exercises

Integration management

- lessons learned reports
- change requests
- project charters
- project management methodologies
- project management software

Procurement management

- contracts
- proposal requests
- quote requests

Quality management

- checklists
- quality control charts
- quality metrics
- statistical methods

Risk management

- risk management plans
- risk rankings

Scope management

- requirements analysis
- scope management plans
- scope statements
- work breakdown structures

Time management

- gantt charts
- project network diagrams
- schedule performance measurements