October 1, 2023

2 thoughts on “Using Waterfall and Agile project management methodologies

  1. Waterfall methodology is a project management approach that emphasizes a linear progression from start to finish of a project by gathering stakeholder and customer requirements early in the project and then creating a consistent project plan. The model is so named because each phase of the project cascades into the next, following and going down like a waterfall. It is a thorough, structured methodology that is used in construction, IT, and software development. The 5 stages of the Waterfall Methodology are:

    1. Requirements and Planning
    2. Design
    3. Implementation
    4. Inspection/Testing
    5. Support

    Advantages of the waterfall

    Each phase of development proceeds in a strictly defined order
    Easy to control due to the rigidity of the model
    Each phase has specific deliverables and a review process
    Phases are processed and completed one by one.
    Disadvantages of Waterfall:
    The main disadvantage of the waterfall methodology is that it can be time-consuming because it requires approval for each phase before moving on to the next. Another disadvantage is that projects can block at one stage where the team fails to complete them – e.g. Completing the verification of a design can be a challenge and the project stops there. An error that occurs can only be fixed within the relevant phase. This methodology is not recommended for complex projects where the requirements for changes are frequent.
    Agile methodology is a way of managing a project by dividing it into several phases. This involves constant collaboration with stakeholders and continuous improvement at every stage. Once work begins, teams go through a process of planning, executing, and evaluating. Continuous collaboration is vital, both with team members and project stakeholders. This methodology is one of the most popular project management approaches due to its flexibility, adaptability to change and high level of customer input.

    Agile is based on 4 key values ​​and 12 key principles. While agile values ​​provide project managers and developers with a very general overview of what it means to be “agile” and help guide the agile process, the 12 agile principles provide examples of how agility should be implemented.
    4 key values:
    1. Individuals and interactions on processes and tools
    2. Working software on comprehensive documentation
    3. Cooperation with the client when negotiating a contract
    4. Responding to shift after the plan
    12 key principles:
    1. Priority #1 is customer satisfaction through early and continuous delivery of valuable software
    2. Welcoming changing developments, even at a late stage. Agile processes use change for the customer’s competitive advantage.
    3. Delivery of working software from several weeks to several months.
    4. Businessmen and developers should work together daily during the project
    5. Building projects around motivated individuals. Providing the environment and support they need and trust to get the job done.
    6. The most effective method of communicating information to and within the development team is face-to-face.
    7. Working software is a key measure of progress.
    8. Flexible processes promote sustainable development. Sponsors, developers, and users must be able to maintain a constant pace for an indefinite premium.
    9. Constant attention to technical excellence and good design improves flexibility.
    10. Simplicity – the art of maximizing the amount of work to be done is essential
    11. The best architectures, requirements, and designs emerge from self-organizing teams.
    12. At regular intervals, the team considers how to become more effective, after adjusting and adjusting its behavior accordingly.

    Agile benefits

    Less resource is used because current tasks are always being worked on.
    Can better adapt to change and react quickly.
    Faster turnaround time.
    Problems and defects can be detected and corrected more quickly
    Get instant feedback.

    Agile Disadvantages

    The documentation tends to drift, making it difficult for new members to get on board quickly.
    It is more difficult to measure progress than waterfall because progress occurs in several cycles.
    It requires more time and energy because developers and customers are constantly interacting.
    Projects can become eternal because they have no clear end
    Clients working to a specific budget or schedule have no way of knowing how much the project will realistically cost.

  2. There is much discussion in Internet groups about the Japanese Agile process methodology for completing projects or work items.
    It is one of the most popular approaches to project management because of its flexibility, adaptability to change, and high level of customer input.
    “Agile” methodology is a way of managing a project by dividing it into several phases. This includes constant communication with stakeholders and continuous improvement at every stage. Once work begins, teams go through a process of planning, executing, and evaluating. Communication and collaboration is vital, both with team members and project stakeholders.

    The differences between the two methodologies are that Waterfall is a sequential design process where no changes can be introduced. Once project development begins, the plan and method of action is rarely discussed during the test phase. The testing process begins after development is complete, which can lead to bugs discovered at a later stage that are difficult to fix and will lead to unforeseen costs. This methodology is easy to manage and is good for working with small projects. Through it, the project is executed faster, but the client does not always get exactly what he wants – precisely because of the lack of communication.

    In Agile methodology, the customer is the focus and is continuously involved in every stage of the work. The project is divided into sprints and follows an incremental approach. The test plan is revised after each sprint – therefore, if the client wishes something to be changed, it can be changed immediately and work on the project can continue without the risk of additional costs after its completion.
    I recommend you to switch to an “Agile” work methodology.
    It will benefit our organization, customers will be more satisfied, and team members will work more calmly, with a higher degree of coordination!
    By keeping customers informed and making changes based on their feedback, we will deliver value to the customer and guarantee that the end product truly meets their requirements. This way we will protect the organization from possible costs.

    The other benefit of this methodology is that, in theory, any project using it will never fail. There is always a small part that can be saved and used in the future, even if an approach does not go as planned. This way of working will give us security and more satisfied customers!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

×

Become a CERTIFIED Project Manager

Online Exam: $280 $130 Get a FREE Mock Exam