
In the modern workplace, effective project management is critical to satisfying client expectations and providing high-quality deliverables.
Agile and waterfall project management methods are popular, but each has its own set of risks and rewards. As a project manager, it is your obligation to choose the best approach depending on your team’s requirements and the project’s characteristics.
Regardless of your methodology, flexibility is essential for responding to changing work circumstances. In this blog, we’ll look at the commonalities and distinctions between agile and waterfall project management, as well as what each brings to the table in terms of achieving effective solutions.
What is Waterfall
Waterfall is the “old school” method of project management. Throughout the project’s lifecycle, there are well-defined stages with formal hand-offs from one to the next. Furthermore, all of the conditions for each phase are met before the next one begins.
Although there are schedules and due dates in a waterfall environment, each stage and project lasts until completion, unless the rollout endeavor was deliberately structured to be in phases made up of numerous projects that build on one another.
When to use waterfall
A good waterfall environment does not promote a “throw it over the wall” mentality in which stakeholders delegate responsibility to the owner of the next step. However, it is primarily a linear process that begins with requirements and ends with the project’s final release or completion.
What is Agile
Agile is a relatively recent methodology that emphasizes rapid revision, autonomy, and adaptability. It was created expressly in response to the waterfall’s perceived flaws.
In an Agile setting, work is divided into sprints of work, which are time-based bursts of effort that typically last one to four weeks. The cadence determines how much work is performed in a certain period. The goal is to provide value to the client or user as frequently and efficiently as feasible. As a result, larger projects are split down into smaller portions, allowing for development during each Sprint.
When to Use Agile
Aside from acquiring business priorities and use cases, Agile product management teams self-organize. They determine the best approach to distribute their resources to satisfy the requirements of each endeavor, meeting with the Product Owner or subject matter experts from different areas of business as needed.
Key Differences Between Agile and Waterfall
1-Approach
Waterfall Model
Sequential and linear.
Agile Model
AIterative and gradual.
2-Flexibility
Waterfall Model
Low; modifications are difficult and costly once the project has started.
Agile Model
High; embraces alterations, especially in late growth stages.
3-Project Planning
Waterfall Model
Extensive planning at the start of the project; alterations are discouraged.
Agile Model
Minimal initial planning; plans change as the project advances.
4-Customer involvement
Waterfall Model
is limited after the requirements phase.
Agile Model
Consistent and high throughout the project.
5-Testing
Waterfall Model
occurs after the development phase.
Agile Model
Integrated across development cycles.
6-Delivery
Waterfall Model
A single delivery at the end of the project.
Agile Model
Providing incremental deliveries throughout the project.
7-Risk Management
Waterfall Model
Risks are detected and managed in the early phases.
Agile Model
Risk is controlled throughout the process.
8-Feedback Incorporation
Waterfall Model
Feedback is often included into future versions.
Agile Model
Feedback can be included into the ongoing project.
9-The project scope
Waterfall Model
is precisely defined from the start, and revisions are unusual.
Agile Model
Dynamic and adjustable depending on continuous feedback.
10-Team Structure
Waterfall Model
Teams work in silos depending on the phase of the project.
Agile Model
Cross-functional and collaborative teams
11-Emphasizes thorough documentation
Waterfall Model
from the start.
Agile Model
Documentation is cheap and produced when needed.
12-Suitability
Waterfall Model
Best for projects with defined and fixed criteria.
Agile Model
Suitable for projects with shifting requirements.
Which One is Better? Agile or Waterfall?
Although Agile proponents may argue that Agile adoption is all or nothing, other firms use a hybrid model that incorporates elements of both methodologies. Typically, they combine Waterfall’s more explicit direction and predetermined implementation with Agile’s ongoing, short bursts of production.
In this scenario, there are still major projects with stage gates and overall project goals, but the work is divided into Sprints with a defined scope and deadline. When possible, each Sprint’s output is released; nevertheless, huge undertakings may require numerous Sprints to be ready for prime time.
This allows the software development team to operate as if they were an Agile company while still providing the corporate side of the house with the structure and oversight associated with waterfall. Another approach to the hybrid model is to base the decision on the project’s riskiness, as projects with clear objectives are better suited to Waterfall, whilst those containing unknowns are more suited to Agile. Most importantly, teams should not commit to any approach. Instead, continuously assess what is the best fit for any initiative at any given time.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Method for Your Project
This time, you should have a good understanding of Agile vs. Waterfall. Moving on, in the Agile vs Waterfall Methodology section, we addressed a number of elements that may influence your decision-making process. These distinctions can help you determine which one is best suited for your project. Your decision to choose either of them will be entirely dependent on the size of the project, the timeline available, and the quality of your team. Choosing the right approach will allow you to complete your job in a much more efficient and productive manner.