The waterfall project management methodology is a structured approach to managing projects that move through sequential phases like a waterfall.
This guide provides an overview of waterfall project management, its key features and steps, and the opportunities and challenges of using this methodology in the workplace.
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Background on the Waterfall Project Management Methodology
The waterfall methodology is a linear, sequential approach to managing software development projects where progress flows downwards through several phases like a waterfall.
This methodology follows a plan-driven approach with structured stages and strict sequencing from start to finish.
The waterfall methodology rose to prominence in the 1970s for software development projects.
It remains a popular traditional project management timeline approach in many organizations due to its structured, orderly nature.
However, agile approaches like Scrum have gained favor over waterfall in recent years.
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5 Key Features of the Waterfall Methodology
The waterfall methodology has several defining characteristics:
- Linear sequential phases – Project activities flow in a linear, top-down sequence through requirement analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance.
- Plan-driven – The project scope, timeline, and deliverables are determined upfront in the planning stage. These plans are followed throughout the life cycle.
- Rigid structure – Each phase has defined inputs and outputs and must be 100% complete before moving to next phase.
- Little flexibility – Scope changes are difficult to incorporate when moving down the waterfall.
- Documentation heavy – Each phase requires extensive documentation which is signed off before proceeding downwards.
5 Steps to Use the Waterfall Methodology
The waterfall methodology consists of these 5 stages:
1. Requirements analysis and definition – All requirements are gathered and defined with customer input. Requirements are frozen before moving to next phase.
2. System design – The software architecture and technical specifications are designed based on requirements.
3. Implementation – The system is developed and programmers code the software based on the designs.
4. Testing – Rigorous testing is performed to identify any defects before release.
5. Maintenance – The system is deployed and maintained by fixing issues and adding minor enhancements.
Opportunities and Challenges of Waterfall
The waterfall methodology has some key opportunities:
- Works well for projects with clearly defined requirements upfront.
- Easy to understand and implement with its structured phases.
- Milestones are well defined at each sequential stage.
- Strong emphasis on documentation benefits maintenance.
However, waterfall also poses some key challenges:
- Little flexibility in incorporating changes once requirements are frozen.
- Integration issues may arise from strict sequential phases.
- Testing happens too late in the life cycle.
- Not suited for complex or iterative projects.
- Customers only see finished product at the end.
10 Key Characteristics of Waterfall Methodology
1. Linear sequential phases.
2. Plan-driven approach.
3. Defined inputs and outputs for each phase.
4. Rigid structure and sequencing of stages.
5. Heavy documentation focus.
6. Requirements frozen upfront.
7. Working software delivered late.
8. Project scope, budget, timeline fixed early.
9. Milestones at end of each phase.
10. Minimal customer involvement.
10 Examples of Waterfall Methodology in Action
1. Government software projects like tax systems, social services.
2. Payroll systems development and implementation.
3. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system implementations.
4. Bank core banking software projects.
5. Insurance software development life cycle.
6. Legacy system migrations to new platforms.
7. Large-scale IT infrastructure projects.
8. Constructing office buildings and real estate projects.
9. Automotive and manufacturing engineering projects.
10. Big data analytics system development.
Summary
The waterfall methodology offers a structured, sequential approach to managing projects when requirements are clearly defined upfront. It works best for straightforward, non-complex projects.
Using its linear phases can ensure a systematic progression towards pre-determined project goals e.g., sales methodologies. However, waterfall provides minimal flexibility for changes and delays working software.
Overall, understanding the opportunities and challenges of waterfall can help assess if it is the right fit for a particular project.
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With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.