A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO

Agile Project Management

Brought to you by Polaris, the world’s first self-driving
Professional Services Automation.
Table of Contents

What Is Agile? 3

What Is Agile Project Management? 3

Why Does Agile Matter? 3

How Is Agile Different? 3

A Brief History of Agile 4

What Are the Four Core Values of Agile? 5

Agile Project Management Principles 5

Phases of Agile Project Management 7

What Is Scrum? 8

Advantages of Agile Project Methodology 8

Disadvantages of Agile Project Methodology 9

Tips for Becoming Agile 10

Which Project Management Methodology Is Right 10

FAQs 11

2
 Why Does Agile Matter?
The agile process allows teams to evolve and optimize at every
step of the software development process, making it a seamless
and collaborative exercise for all stakeholders, including the
clients. Also, the agile methodology has a proven track record
of providing faster outcomes with greater efficacy and purpose.

It is starkly different from other project management

methodologies as it does not mandate elaborate design and
building processes, which can lead to unresolved bottlenecks,
delaying the development process substantially. Instead, agile
commences with addressing the most visible problems for quick
value and course correction. It shifts the focus to providing
immediate value, followed by developing the software and
supplementing desired features.

What Is Agile?
How Is Agile Different?
Agile is a collection of principles used for project management
and software development. This management and software Agile is different from other types of project management
development approach focuses on incremental steps to complete methodologies in its approach. The more conventional methods
projects, enabling teams to deliver on their commitments in bite- of project management usually progress linearly. Thus, teams
sized steps, in short-term development cycles. undertake the planning, designing, implementation, and closing
stages after completing the previous stages. Project teams
Agile allows teams to continuously revisit and tweak their
using the agile methodology work at the same time on different
requirements, plans, and results. Plus, instead of top-down
stages of the project. Also, development and testing teams work
administration and following established procedures without
concurrently in agile, which is not the case in waterfall testing,
changes, the agile approach leans on speedy delivery,
where these teams work separately.
adaptability, and a collaborative process. Thus, it is one of the
most used project management methodologies for software
development.

What Is Agile Project

Management?

Agile project management is an iterative approach to project

management. It focuses on breaking down a big project into
smaller and more manageable tasks, and teams complete them
in short iterations throughout the project life cycle. Thus, teams
using Agile methodology to complete work faster and to be
more adaptive to tweaks in project requirements and workflow
optimization.

Agile methodology enables project teams to work quickly and

collaboratively and complete projects within their defined
3
timeframes and budgetary overlays.
 agile was conceived, emerging as one of the more progressive,

A Brief History of Agile collaborative, and solution-centered methodologies for project

management.

“Thinking outside the box,” agility, and the ability to adapt

and change quickly are much more than buzzwords. These
attributes are crucial to the success of projects and, in extension,
organizations. Companies now prefer getting the job done rather
than detailed documentation, collaboration over negotiation with
the client, and ingenuity and agility over following plans in letter
and spirit. These core values broadly define any modern-day,
future-ready organization. And, these values are also becoming
intrinsic to modern project management methodologies.

But, project management methodologies were not always this

progressive. For example, back in the 1990s, organizations
employed the highly-restrictive Waterfall method for project
management that followed a linear process of initiation,
planning, execution, monitoring, and completion. While it offered
clearly-defined goals, objectives, documentation, and greater
accountability, it also created several constraints because of its
static methods and a highly formal approach.

There were other drawbacks, too, like project methodologies did

not encourage a consultative approach and the assimilation of
clients’ input. Besides, they focused more on planning and not so
much on adaptation.

Project teams and clients increasingly found existing project

management methodologies inadequate in addressing the
gaps between delivered products and the clients’ requirements.
Rampant project delays, unsatisfied clients, and teams’ focus on
documentation instead of clients’ needs forced industry leaders
to devise a new project management technique that addressed
these shortfalls. Also, conventional project management
techniques could not keep pace with evolving customer needs.
Thus, software developers could not fully use versatility when
developing software.

Thus, 17 software developers met in Oregon in 2001 to brainstorm

how they could shorten the time required to develop software
and make it market-ready. The developers zeroed in on two
crucial advantages that such an approach could provide. First,
making products accessible to users in the shortest span could
address the product-market fit issue. And second, getting quick,
early, and continuous user feedback would ensure that the
software worked without glitches and improved on the go.

The developers came together again at a ski resort in Snowbird,

Utah, to create a more concrete solution to the challenges in
software development. They penned a “Manifesto for Agile
Software Development,” also known as the Agile Manifesto. Thus, 4
 What Are the Four Core Values of Agile?

The agile methodology is based on the four core values that as customers are continuously involved in designing the product
differentiate it from other project management approaches like and get to shape its contours early on. This early opportunity to
Waterfall and Critical path method. provide feedback reduces the chance of significant changes at
later stages, eliminating the chances of excessive rework.
• Individuals and interactions over processes and tools

• Working software over comprehensive documentation

Welcome Changing Requirements, Even
• Customer collaboration over contract negotiation Late in Development. Agile Processes
Harness Change for the Customer’s
• Responding to change over following a plan
Competitive Advantage

Agile frameworks do not focus on reducing the variations to pre-

decided requirements but are highly open to changes as they
Agile Project take bite-sized steps. Resultantly, teams can deliver on new

Management Principles requirements or modifications to the original concept as they

work on small patches at a time and receive continuous client
feedback. These attributes make agile a highly nimble approach.
The agile principles outline the agile methodology, besides
laying down the best practices for teams practicing them. The
agile manifesto lists the principles and core values mentioned
Deliver Working Software Frequently,
above. Incidentally, agile principles apply to project management
From a Couple of Weeks to a Couple of
methodologies like Kanban or Scrum.
Months, With a Preference to the Shorter
Timescale
Our Highest Priority Is to Satisfy the
Customer Through Early and Continuous Agile prefers compartmentalizing product development into bite-
Delivery Of Valuable Software sized chunks and sharing them with the clients for their feedback.
Thus, instead of one complete release, the agile approach
This statement reflects that customer satisfaction is a necessary advocates regular and continuous mini-releases. This approach
prerequisite to the success of any project, which teams can increases the speed of product development. Besides, teams
achieve by routinely seeking customer feedback. This approach usually spend a fraction of the time documenting their progress
speeds up the process, allowing teams to make timely changes and work done, which is contrary to the Waterfall product
and avoid cost escalation. It also increases customer satisfaction development methodology.
 These requirements precede all other aspects—functionality
Business People and Developers Must triumphs over aesthetics and excellence.
Work Together Daily Throughout the
Project
Agile Processes Promote Sustainable
Development. The Sponsors,
Excellent project management depends on clear and frequent Developers, and Users Should Be Able
communication among all stakeholders, especially when teams to Maintain a Constant Pace Indefinitely
collaborate in remote and hybrid setups. Agile teams meet,
virtually or in person, and discuss with stakeholders regularly. Setting realistic expectations is crucial to keeping track of
These interactions between business professionals and deliverables as agile teams often work on tight deadlines and
developers increase trust and transparency, positively impacting back-to-back releases. Instead of a lopsided emphasis on
outcomes. delivering the product in a short span of time, agile teams focus
on continuing in a rhythm and delivering consistently. Therefore,
Build Projects Around Motivated this principle stresses the need for maintaining high morale
Individuals. Give Them the Environment and setting achievable targets to avoid overburdening project
and Support They Need, and Trust Them members.
to Get the Job Done

Continuous Attention to Technical

Right people for the right tasks, with the right skills, are necessary
Excellence and Good Design
for seamlessly executing projects. Agile focuses on empowering
Enhances Agility
team members, reducing micro-management, and defining
responsibilities before a project commences. Thus, project
leaders provide the tools, access, resources, and an enabling Setting realistic expectations is crucial to keeping track of
environment in culture, people, and external processes. Teams deliverables as agile teams often work on tight deadlines and
can use these resources to get the job done without being back-to-back releases. Instead of a lopsided emphasis on
micromanaged. These elements ensure the speedier execution delivering the product in a short span of time, agile teams focus
of projects. on continuing in a rhythm and delivering consistently. Therefore,
this principle stresses the need for maintaining high morale

The Most Efficient and Effective Method and setting achievable targets to avoid overburdening project

of Conveying Information to and Within members.

a Development Team Is Face-To-Face

Conversation
Simplicity—the Art of Maximizing the
Organizational pivot toward remote and hybrid work environments Amount of Work Not Done—Is Essential
may make this philosophy somewhat redundant, but its spirit
remains intact. This principle refers to a real-time exchange of
information between those executing the project and the client. Or Agile stresses getting the things done that impact the project’s
between team members to address their problems. Irrespective, outcomes, which means focusing on the objectives and
the crux is collaboration, which is crucial for agile teams. making decisions that help achieve them. This way of working
declutters provides a simple approach to project management
to streamline processes. Besides, teams can use agile tools to

Working Software Is the Primary reduce work and gain more control over the project.

Measure of Progress

The Best Architectures, Requirements,

Ideation, reflection, and planning are critical, but working software and Designs Emerge From Self-
is more important. Agile methodology focuses on creating Organizing Teams
functional software rather than chasing perfection or flawless
documentation. The software must solve the pain points for The best teams act independently without needing their
which the team designed it, and the client must find it worthwhile. managers’ hand-holding. The team must work together without
hierarchy, encouraging everyone to contribute equally & make tasks over others. And, they create a roadmap of the parts of the
collective decisions rather than letting the management decide project that assume the highest priority.
the road ahead. Project managers must trust their teams to
get the job done. Once they have brought together the best 3. Development

professionals for a project, they must let them act without The development of the product begins after the team
interfering in the decision-making process. finalizes its details after consultations with the client and other
stakeholders. Developers start by building the first “cut” of the
product to create a usable version at the end of each sprint.
At Regular Intervals, the Team Reflects
The team then revises this “cut” multiple times before releasing
on How to Become More Effective,
the final version. Therefore, this version of the product offers
Then Tunes and Adjusts Its Behavior
only basic functionality. Teams can deliver by collaborating,
Accordingly
maintaining quality, aligning with the stakeholders’ priorities, and
providing working products after every cycle.
The best teams pause to reflect on their successes and setbacks
to learn, unlearn and tweak their processes to ensure they 4. Production
deliver better results. Agile does not advocate a strictly-defined The end-users can use the product in the production phase.
approach but continuous improvement with every release. Here, the teams must monitor the software for defects or
But this aspect of continuous improvement also pertains to bugs that they may have overlooked during the testing phase.
processes and teams. Thus, the agile methodology encourages Meanwhile, the product teams train the support teams and
creating a constantly engaged group of professionals who are transfer product ownership to them. Support teams help the
fixated on improving productivity and delivering better results. client address any grievances and offer after-sales services.

5. Retirement

Phases of Agile Project The ‘retirement’ phase is called the ‘end of the product life
cycle’ because companies no longer produce the product.
Management Thus, they inform customers about migration to newer releases
or offer them alternatives to retain them. Products are usually
retired because companies move to new releases or do not
Agile methodology lets teams break the software development
support the older release. Sometimes, companies also factor in
project into smaller segments. This approach helps create a
the product’s cost-effectiveness before making these “phasing
more satisfactory and beneficial product for the client in a much
out” decisions.
shorter timeline. Agile project management encompasses five
stages. They are also called Agile System Development Life
Cycle (SDLC).

1. Project Initiation / Envisioning a Project

This is the first stage in the life cycle and is called the “initiation”
or “envisioning” phase. The teams first outline what the project
intends to deliver and validate the ROI without discussing specific
details. Here, managers identify the resources and determine
the time required to complete the project. This exercise helps
evaluate the costs involved and assess whether the project is
financially viable. In addition, this phase determines the “what,”
“why,” and “how” of the project.

7
2. Iteration
The teams collectively discuss the list of features available in
the final product and ways of creating them. Then, they focus on
breaking down the project into several high-level milestones and
finalizing the project delivery timeline. The teams understand the
assignments critical to the project’s success, prioritizing some
 2. More Flexibility

What Is Scrum? Flexibility is critical to the success of projects because clients’

requirements may evolve while creating software. Thus, a rigid
approach may not allow teams to adapt to changing needs. Agile
For the uninitiated, Scrum is the most widely used agile framework.
enables teams to create better-quality software because they
Hirotaka Takeuchi and Ikujiro Nonaka coined the term ‘Scrum’
can modify their course on the go. This process of continuous
in a 1986 Harvard Business Review article, comparing high-
adaptation also ensures enhanced customer satisfaction and
performing teams to the scrum formation used by rugby teams.
retention.
The Scrum Guide explains Scrum as “a lightweight framework
that helps people, teams, and organizations generate value
through adaptive solutions for complex problems.”

Advantages of Agile
Project Methodology

Adopting the agile methodology approach toward software

development offers several advantages, as outlined below. We
have mentioned some of them below.

1. Attention to Excellence
The agile methodology focuses on creating technical excellence
by doing away with fixed processes that create bottlenecks in a 3. Collaboration

team’s approach to software development. Here, the emphasis Agile encourages a collaborative approach where teams are
is on continuous feedback from clients and other departments, not working in isolation. Instead, all stakeholders of the project,
creating a better understanding of the marketplace dynamics including clients, are equally involved in shaping its outcome.
and the software’s workings. These cumulative advantages This approach helps bring new and untapped ideas on board
enable developers to build better software that is more in sync and provides unique perspectives to developers that they
with the clients’ expectations and more likely to solve customer may otherwise overlook. Diverse perspectives lend more 8
pain points. inclusiveness to the process.
4. A Highly Client-Centered Approach Ensures 3. The Absence of Documentation Can Confuse Teams
Customer Satisfaction

Customer satisfaction takes precedence in the agile methodology

as teams work on the products together, more collaboratively,
creating products faster. Clients also offer direct and regular
feedback that teams work upon when upgrading software. It is
a highly customer-centric approach that allows clients to directly
shape the growth of a product, ensuring higher satisfaction.

5. Improved Collaboration and Exchange of Ideas

The agile method encourages regular team meetings, allowing

members to share their progress and the work to be done. Such
an approach also provides all team members clear visibility into
the tasks at hand and regular feedback that lets them make
immediate changes, increasing the pace of the project.

6. Cost Rationalization
Using agile project management methodology, teams separate
An agile method can help teams reduce project cost as teams
extensive data into bite-sized user stories. . Thus, developers
can review the budget at the end of each stage before making
can find it challenging to understand precise customer
future decisions. It enables teams to understand the costs of
requirements as they do not have any documented plan or
every feature that they can consider before making strategic
detailed approaches to follow. This lack of procedures or
decisions. This ability allows them to conclude whether or not
defined processes can confuse team members when they move
they will continue, withhold or nullify tasks or the project.
from one stage of the project to another.

4. Does Not Work for Projects That May Require Changes and
Disadvantages Run for Long Durations

of Agile Project Agile project management produces smaller deliverables

incrementally. This approach works for software development.
Methodology But such breaking down of information in a highly
compartmentalized manner does not deliver good results in
longer-term projects, such as creating physical infrastructure.
We have discussed the advantages of using an agile methodology.
It is not possible, for instance, to change the construction of a
However, it also has some disadvantages that project managers
bridge after making it. Thus, agile’s scope is limited to software
and organizations must consider.
development.

1. Difficult to Predict the Project’s Cost 5. Frequent Client Input Can Change the Scope of the Project

Teams can have difficulty anticipating the project’s cost as they Clients can change their requirements frequently, broadening the
cannot accurately forecast efforts like cost, time, and resources scope of a project – sometimes even changing the deliverables
when beginning a project. This drawback makes it challenging entirely. In addition, as deliverables change, teams may have to
for clients to earmark a specific budget. Thus, they may have to re-write code completely, which is a time-consuming exercise.
hold extra funds in reserve, anticipating additional expenditure Frequent changes can also confuse team members about the
during the project. task priority, causing burnout and impacting the quality of the
output.
2. Change Is Difficult to Implement
Not all team members and clients are progressive and open to
change. Some of them may want to work on pre-decided plans.
Such team members and customers may find agile methodology
too fluid and resist changes, increasing friction and delaying
outcomes, which is counter-intuitive to the concept of agile 9
project management.
 Tips for Becoming Which Project
Agile Management
Methodology Is Right
The following are some tips that can help organizations and
project managers become more agile.
There are no “wrong” project management methodologies or
1. Hire the Right People “perfect” ways to manage a project. What’s best depends on
Agile is all about collaboration among professionals with the the demands of the project under consideration. Teams must
necessary skill set. The right people in the right jobs is critical for the evaluate their needs and the project’s scope, and assess a
success of agile teams. Therefore, managers and organizations method’s advantages before adopting a project management
must hire professionals who have essential expertise in the method.
tools and external processes required to succeed. Plus, they
They must assess whether or not the method offers guidelines
must share cultural values, primarily when most teams operate
to formulate and manage critical factors, including budget,
remotely and physical meetings are rare.
members, resources, timeline, and stakeholders. Other factors
to consider are customer and stakeholder involvement, industry
2. Use the Right Project Management Tools
and sector, timeframe, and budgetary allocation. Teams can
Selecting the right project management tool is vital for
choose a methodology after carefully considering these factors.
streamlining deliverables and for seamless collaboration.
Therefore, organizations and project managers must select a
PSA (Professional Services Automation) tool that uses AI to offer
real-time visibility into important metrics, streamlines resourcing,
financials, and project information, giving an up-to-date live view.
Managers must also ensure that they can leverage historical
and real-time data to quickly adapt to changes and make
instantaneous decisions.

3. Foster Inclusivity and Flexibility

Openness and a culture of sharing information and ideas are

foundations on which agile operates. Therefore, key stakeholders
must not centralize decision-making and must actively seek
feedback, encourage discussions, and adopt implementable
ideas. Also, agile is a flexible approach where tweaking plans
and approaching them without preconceived notions is vital.
What worked before may not bear results now. Thus, teams must
resist taking a pre-decided route to solve problems and must
welcome new ideas..
 FAQ
1. What is agile in simple terms?
Agile is a collection of principles used for project management
and software development. It focuses on incremental steps to
complete projects, enabling teams to deliver on their commitments
in bite-sized steps in short-term development cycles.

2. What are the three Cs in agile?

The 3Cs in agile are “Card,” “Conversation,” and “Confirmation.”
A cardholder creates opportunities for conversation while
“Conversation” underlines the importance of exchanging ideas
to understand user needs. Meanwhile, “Confirmation” ensures
that incomplete work is finished and does not escape the
development team’s attention.

3. Which certification is best for agile?

There are numerous certifications for agile. However, SAFe

Scaled Agilists, Scrum Alliance, Scrum.org, ICAgile, and Project
Management Institute - Agile Certified Professional (PMI- ACP)
have found the most traction among product owners, Scrum
masters, team leaders, and project managers.

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WATERFALL PROJECT MANAGEMENT
A Comprehensive Guide

Brought to you by Polaris, the world’s first self-driving

Professional Services Automation.
 Table of Contents

01
Introduction

02
What Is the Waterfall Project Management Methodology?

03
The Phases of Waterfall Project Management Methodology

04
Pros and Cons of the Waterfall Project Management Model

05
When to Use the Waterfall Project Management Methodology

06
Alternatives to the Waterfall Project Management Methodology

07
Choosing the Right Proiect Management Model

2
 Introduction
For any organization, project management plays a crucial been developed over the years, one of which is waterfall
role in ensuring end services or products are delivered as project management. This guide will provide you with an
intended while meeting specific criteria such as budgets in-depth understanding of all you must know about the
and timelines. Due to its immense importance, various waterfall methodology to successfully leverage it for your
project management methodologies and techniques have project management needs.

What Is the Waterfall Project

Management Methodology?
The waterfall project management model takes a linear projects that follow a single timeline with highly detailed
approach in which project activities are broken down into plans. Team members are given clearly defined roles and
sequential steps or phases and each phase is entirely are encouraged to work linearly towards the goal. A typical
dependent on the deliverables of the previous phase. waterfall project management model can be broadly
As such, through the different phases of the project, the divided into the phases seen below.
process flows in only one direction, similar to a waterfall.

The first formal diagram of the waterfall process is typically

attributed to an article written by Winston W. Royce, an Requirements

American computer scientist, in 1970.However, no single Design

person is formally credited for the creation of the waterfall Implementation

project management methodology. The original model Verification

proposed by Royce for software development is shown Maintainance

below.

SYSTEM
REQUIREMENTS
This method’s success or failure depends on the effort
SOFTWARE
REQUIREMENTS
given during the initial phases. As most of the research and
ANALYSIS
planning are done early, the estimates for each phase are
PROGRAM
DESIGN
more accurate, resulting in more predictable outcomes.
CODING
Any change to the project parameters usually means a
TESTING
complete or partial rework of the previous phases, making
it more complicated and more expensive to change course
One of the most traditional project management once the project is underway. As a result, changes to the
methodologies, the waterfall model is particularly useful in project phases or goals are typically discouraged.

The Phases of Waterfall Project

Management Methodology
As described by Royce, the original waterfall model all of these models is that they all follow a strict linear
defined 6 steps or phases. However, variations in the progression, with one phase only starting once the
process were developed over the years, and some of previous phase is completed. Here we’ll be taking a look
these models have 5 or 7 phases. In these models, some at the five most commonly recognized phases in the
of the steps from the original waterfall model were broken waterfall project management methodology.
down or merged into other phases. What is common to
1. The Requirements And Planning Phase 2. The Design Phase
The first phase in the waterfall model is focused entirely This phase is all about uncovering and designing the
on planning and preparing for the later phases. After solutions to the problems indentified inestablished by
all, the success of this methodology depends on all the requirements phase. During this phase, the project
project requirements being collected and analyzed at manager adds to the project plan by building on and
the beginning. Therefore, the project manager must organizing the project specifics. This includes the tasks
ensure that requirements, objectives, and variables are and activities necessary to deliver the project scope as
documented at every stage of the project. This should well as the order of their progression. In addition, details
include details such as costs, risks, dependencies, such as budgets and timelines are fleshed out and
timelines, and success metrics. The key to success with documented against the project phases and resources.
the waterfall model is to put a lot of time and effort into While the planning phase determines what needs to be
the first phase. By planning the project down to a granular delivered, the design phase determines how to get there.
level now, project managers can prevent the need to go
back to the planning phase down the line.
During the project planning phase, the project manager
must also identify the deliverables across the project
lifecycle and their dependencies. These must be lined up
against the different phases to ensure that team members
have complete visibility into their next set of tasks. The
project manager must also use this time to assign roles to
each resource in the project to prevent bottlenecks down
the line.

3. The Implementation Or Coding Phase

The third phase of the waterfall model is when the actual
work takes place. All the planning and designing activities
from the previous phases are put into action here. If
significant changes are necessary during this step, the
entire project may be moved back to the design phase
and the process begins again.

4
The exact tasks and activities involved in the Typically, the testing phase in a waterfall project
implementation phase vary greatly between industries, management system is of a short duration. After all, the
but the goal remains the same – get the deliverables highly detailed planning and designing phases should
ready. For example, a manufacturing organization may weed out most potential issues in the final deliverable.
use the implementation phase to create a prototype of Nonetheless, project managers must consider a way to
the product. On the other hand, a software development discover, report and fix issues as the project progresses
company will find its implementation phase filled with instead of leaving it all for the testing phase.
coding activities and release milestones.
5. The Deployment And Maintenance Phase
4. The Testing and Verification Phase Once the deliverables are tested, they are deployed to
Thorough testing is necessary before the deliverable, stakeholders or clients as the finished product or service.
whether a product or a service, is rolled out. Every project In many cases, this also involves an official product or
deliverable needs to satisfy some criteria laid down by the service launch. However, for most industries, this does
project stakeholders. The deliverables are checked during not mark the end. Instead, the project then moves into the
the testing phase to see if they meet those criteria. maintenance phase. During this phase, minor modifications
For example, in a software development project, testers may be made to the product or service to improve
may need to check for errors in the code. Another performance or rectify defects. Stakeholders may even
example is a manufacturing project where the end product request new features or capabilities during this phase.
must be tested against safety standards.

Pros and Cons of The Waterfall Project

Management Model
As with any project management methodology, there are The Advantages Of The Waterfall Model
both advantages and disadvantages to using the waterfall
model. Therefore, project managers must not be quick to 1. Clearly Defined Structure
dismiss this model as an outdated one. In fact, waterfall At the core of the waterfall model lies a clearly defined
models are often the ideal choice for certain kinds of set of steps. Every project must follow those fixed steps,
projects. Take a look at the advantages and disadvantages and each step must be completed before the project can
below to see why. be taken to the next one. As a result, any roadblocks to
project progress are identified immediately and resolved
quickly.
2. Focus On End Goal 4. Comprehensive Documentation
With waterfall project management, the end goal drives Documentation is a core feature of the waterfall
the project from start to finish. All team members and project management model. As each phase comes to
stakeholders are aware of this goal from the very a close, project managers must review and document
beginning and are committed to achieving it. As a result, every step before moving to the next phase. Thanks
the team is less likelyt to get caught up in details and to comprehensive documentation, it becomes easier
deviate from the plan as the project progresses. This to transfer knowledge to new resources or to ensure
makes waterfall project management particularly useful for transparency.
smaller projects with clearly defined goals.
5. Reduced Financial Risk
3. Intuitive Methodology Each phase in the waterfall model clearly outlines tasks
Unlike other project management methodologies, the and activities and the accompanying requirements.
waterfall model is highly intuitive. Typically, project Therefore, project managers can easily estimate each
managers don’t need any visuals beyond Gantt charts to task’s labor and time costs well in advance. Moreover,
understand the project. Additionally, the waterfall model there will be fewer changes in the scope or tasks as
follows a linear progression. Therefore, no certifications or the project progresses, lowering the risk of overblown
training are necessary for team members and managers to budgets. Overall, waterfall methodology allows for easier
get started on the actual work. forecasting of budgets with greater accuracy, and reduced
financial risk down the line.

Pros and Cons of The Waterfall Project Management Model

Pros Cons

• Clearly Defined Structure • Low Support for Changes

• Focus on End Goal • Delayed Testing
• Intuitive Methodology • Shuts out End-users & Clients
• Reduced Financial Risk • Longer Delivery Timelines

The Disadvantages Of The Waterfall Model 2. Delayed Testing

Under the waterfall methodology, testing is typically done
1. Low Support For Changes when the project is nearing completion. Therefore, all the
The waterfall project management methodology is about deliverables have already been created before they are
following a specific set of phases. There is only one reviewed or tested. A significant amount of time and effort
direction the project moves, and that is forward. There is has been spent to get to this point. If the deliverables need
almost no scope for unexpected changes. If the project revision for any reason, it will result in substantial delays
faces a roadblock that requires a change in its goals, and overblown budgets. This is one of the most significant
scope, or plan, making that change will not be easy. In issues with the waterfall model.
many cases, the entire project may need to go back to
the planning phase, rendering all the work done up to that
point moot. 6
3. Shuts Out End-Users and Clients 4. Longer Delivery Timelines
The waterfall project management model is almost The waterfall model requires all tasks to be completed
exclusively internal, as it is all about enabling internal and documented before one phase is closed and the
teams to move through the different project phases in the next phase starts. Without 100% completion, there can
most efficient manner possible. There is little to no focus be no transition to the next phase. This, inevitably, leads
on the clients or end users of the project. This can be a to longer timelines. In addition, roadblocks or change
challenge for projects that require the opinions of the end requests further increase these timelines as the teams
user or the clients. In such situations, change requests have to restart from the very beginning. For this reason,
may arrive during the late stages of the project, leading to many project managers avoid using the waterfall method
delays and other issues. for complex projects.

When to Use The Waterfall Project

Management Methodology
Despite the challenges and drawbacks of the waterfall in place that must be followed for all projects. In these
approach, there are still scenarios where it shines. In circumstances, the waterfall approach will be easier to
fact, the reason waterfall continues to persist despite the implement.
development of other project management methodologies
is simply because it can be useful. Some of the industries 3. Low Client Involvement
that regularly employ the waterfall model are: Not all projects require constant hands-on involvement
• Construction from the client or the product owner. If the project requires
• Engineering the client to check in only during the initial phase and
• Manufacturing subsequent milestones, then the waterfall methodology is
• IT an excellent choice.
• Software development
Ultimately, the decision to use waterfall project 4. Existing Product Improvements
management will depend on certain factors. They are as For projects that involve enhancing or improving an
follows: existing product, the requirements are already fixed at the
start. Therefore, the waterfall method may offer the best
1. Strict Requirements
route for these projects.
Projects that need to follow regulatory requirements or
have several initial requirements, with very little room
5. Inflexible And Fixed Timelines And Budgets
for changes, will find the waterfall model to be the ideal
If the project has strict timelines and budgets to follow
approach.
with no leeway, the waterfall model will be ideal. After all, it
provides a more predictable outcome in terms of timelines
2. Strict Processes
and budgets.
Some organizations tend to have inflexible processes

Alternatives to The Waterfall Project

Management Methodology
There are plenty of project management models available Some of the most common alternatives to the waterfall
today, each with its own pros and cons. Therefore, it is only model are as follows.
a matter of choosing the best option for the project at hand.
Agile Project Management Methodology best of waterfall and agile under one single model.
One of the most widely used project management This allows for optimization of the team’s time and
methodologies today, Agile is also the best-known resources, while maximizing end-user satisfaction. Under
alternative to the waterfall model. It is, after all, the the hybrid model, the initial phases of the project may
antithesis of the waterfall model in many ways. It is follow the waterfall model to get a design approved. After
far more flexible in nature, allowing team members to approval, the project moves to an agile methodology for
take advantage of any opportunity that crops up as the development and testing.
project progresses. Agile is often employed by project
managers when the end goal is unclear from the start or Scrum Project Management Methodology
when the end product or service will be adjusted as the Another popular project management model, Scrum
project progresses. Choosing between agile and waterfall allows for the organization and management of the moving
project management ultimately boils down to the degree parts of any project. Scrum also originated from the need
of flexibility available, the potential for changes, and the to manage software development projects, but is now
project requirements. employed across various industries. However, unlike
waterfall, Scrum works well when project deliverables are
Waterfall-Agile Hybrid Methodology likely to change and the solutions are unknown. It also
A recent development, the hybrid methodology brings the allows for recurrent interactions with clients or end-users.

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 Choosing The Right Project
Management Model
The waterfall project management methodology offers At the same time, it is essential to have the right project
several benefits for certain kinds of projects. However, management platform in place. With the correct project
the choice of the project management model clearly management tool, managing the project and its variables
depends on the various aspects of the project, such as its becomes significantly easier. A good tool will enable
timelines, deliverables, budgets, requirements, and more. complete visibility into all project data and metrics, which,
Therefore, a careful analysis of the project against existing in turn, enables a smarter decision-making process.
methodologies is important when undertaking any project.

About Polaris
Polaris, the world’s first Self-driving PSA, has created a new category for Professional Services
Automation. For the first time, leaders get intelligent help with decision making as Polaris does
the heavy lifting, analyzes real-time data, and delivers live recommendations on the best possible
choices for them to decide from. Polaris is created by the team at Replicon, the Time Intelligence
company, with over 25 years of industry leadership in enterprise time tracking. Replicon supports
thousands of customers across 70 countries, including PwC, SAS, NTT, NSC Global, Omnicom,
and Aon.

To learn more, visit www.polarispsa.com

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