Waterfall and Agile Methodologies in project management
Waterfall and Agile Methodologies
The waterfall is a project management methodology based on strict planning and performing approach whose plan is systematic, in a step by step process. Agile methods, on the other hand, provides a continuous iteration of development and testing (Shaydulin & Sybrandt, 2017). Development and testing are usually facilitated concurrently, allowing for more communication between managers, developers, testers, and customers. In the waterfall methodology, customers are required to be available only at milestones, while agile methods allow customers to be possible throughout the project. Features are not prioritized in waterfall methodology, leading to either complete success or complete failure. In agile projects, features are prioritized, and issues are resolved according to priorities.
In waterfall project management, performance is optimal when the scope is known in advance, with contract terms limiting changes. Agile project management allows changes to be made in advance with time and within the budget. Similarly, unlike waterfall, agile works well even if the scope is not defined in advance.
Choosing a proper methodology in project management is essential as it influences the project’s success. Primary factors considered while selecting the method include establishing variables that drive the project and weighing the same against the project’s overall goals. It is essential to determine the criteria that the methodology will impact (Pellerin & Perrier, 2019). All possible methods should be assessed, including the pros and cons associated with each process against the project. It’s prudent to collaborate with other members to weigh the decision of selecting a methodology. Document the chosen method for implementation and apply it to the project, while monitoring it for progress and success (Kovach & Ingle, 2020).
Various passages in the bible demonstrate project management. Nehemiah is an example, as he led the building of Jerusalem wall in record time (Abbud, 2018). The bible illustrates how Nehemiah exhibited great leadership and management skills to persuade the people toward a cause. The bible also demonstrates Jesus Christ as a project leader (Yngvason et al., 2013). In the four gospels, the life and works of Jesus Christ reflect his ability to spark the widespread interest of both personal and social transformation. From the passages, the bible reiterates skills such as integrity, visionary, organization, bravery, persuasion, and unselfishness as critical drivers for effective project management.
References
Abbud, A. (2018). Applying Nehemiah ‘ s Leadership Characteristics in Business World Today.
Kassab, M., DeFranco, J., & Graciano Neto, V. (2018). An empirical investigation on the satisfaction levels with the requirements engineering practices: Agile vs. waterfall. IEEE International Professional Communication Conference, 2018–July, 118–124. https://doi.org/10.1109/ProComm.2018.00033
Kovach, J. V., & Ingle, D. (2020). An approach for identifying and selecting improvement projects. Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 31(1–2), 149–160. https://doi.org/10.1080/14783363.2017.1419055
Pellerin, R., & Perrier, N. (2019). A review of methods, techniques, and tools for project planning and control. International Journal of Production Research, 57(7), 2160–2178. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2018.1524168
Shaydulin, R., & Sybrandt, J. (2017). To Agile, or not to Agile: A Comparison of Software Development Methodologies. 1–11. http://arxiv.org/abs/1704.07469
Yngvason, Y. R., Jónasson, H. I., & Ingason, H. T. (2013). Jesus Christ as a Project Leader. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 74(0), 398–407. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.03.033