PM FPX 4080 Assessment 1 Comparing Agile to Waterfall PM-FPX4080 Agile Project Management Part I: Comparing Agile to Waterfall Methodologies

 

Introduction

In this section, we will examine two major project management methodologies: Agile and Waterfall. Both methodologies are widely used across industries and have distinct approaches to project management, particularly in software development.

Project Case Scenario

This section explores a hypothetical project case where both methodologies can be compared to understand their benefits and drawbacks.

Agile

Agile is a flexible, iterative approach to project management, which focuses on continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer feedback. It was designed to accommodate changes and deliver small, incremental value throughout the project lifecycle.

Waterfall

Waterfall is a traditional, linear methodology, where each phase of the project must be completed before moving to the next. This approach is often used when project requirements are well understood and unlikely to change.

Short Comparison

Agile Definition

Agile follows an iterative approach, relying on collaboration, flexibility, and customer feedback. It encourages teams to work in short cycles to continuously improve the product.

Iterative Approach

The iterative nature of Agile allows teams to build and improve the product through repeated cycles of planning, executing, and reviewing.

Consensus Used

Agile encourages teams to reach a consensus on decisions, ensuring that everyone is aligned and involved in the development process.

4 Main Values (Agile Manifesto)

The Agile Manifesto outlines four key values: individuals and interactions over processes and tools, working software over comprehensive documentation, customer collaboration over contract negotiation, and responding to change over following a plan.

Agile Philosophy & Emphasis

The Agile Philosophy

The core of Agile emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and adaptability, aiming to deliver value through short development cycles.

12 Agile Principles

The 12 principles of Agile guide project teams, focusing on continuous delivery, adaptability, and collaboration with stakeholders.

Agile Features & Requirements

Releases Value-Driven Development Multi-Level Planning

Agile emphasizes delivering small, incremental releases, ensuring that development is always driven by customer value and feedback.

Iterations Continuous & Adaptive Planning Estimations

Agile teams work in iterative cycles, continuously adapting and planning based on feedback and changing requirements.

Agile Project Phases

• Envision
• Speculate
• Explore
• Adapt
• Close

Agile Examples

• Scrum
• XP
• FDD
• DSDM
• ASD
• Crystal
• LSD

Waterfall Definition

Waterfall is a linear approach where each phase must be completed before the next can begin. It is best suited for projects with well-defined requirements that are unlikely to change.

Linear Approach

In Waterfall, projects progress through clearly defined stages, from initiation to completion, without revisiting previous phases.

Seven Phases

Waterfall projects typically move through seven phases: requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, maintenance, and review.

Preparation During Early Stages of Development

Waterfall places a strong emphasis on planning and design during the initial stages, ensuring that the project is well-defined before moving forward.

Waterfall Philosophy & Emphasis

Minimal Project Requirements

Waterfall focuses on defining all requirements at the beginning of the project to avoid changes and scope creep later in the process.

Simple Approach

Waterfall uses a straightforward, step-by-step approach, making it easy to manage and track progress.

Importance/Emphasis on Project Planning

Waterfall puts a significant emphasis on planning and documentation before beginning development, ensuring that the entire process is well-structured.

Extreme Focus

Waterfall ensures extreme focus on each phase, minimizing distractions or changes until the previous phase is fully completed.

Requirements Documented

In Waterfall, all project requirements must be documented and understood before development begins.

Product Stability

Waterfall assumes that once development starts, the product will remain stable, with few or no changes to the requirements.

Dynamic Technology

Waterfall may struggle with projects involving rapidly changing technologies, as it is less adaptable th