PM FPX 4080 Assessment 1 Comparing Agile to Waterfall

Student Name

Capella University

PM-FPX4080 Agile Project Management

Prof. Name:

Date

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 than Agile.

No Ambiguous Requirements

Because Waterfall requires clear, unambiguous requirements, it is not well-suited to projects where needs are expected to evolve.

Resource Availability

Waterfall demands that all necessary resources are available at the start of the project to avoid delays during development.

Short Timeline

Waterfall is typically used for projects with a short timeline, where the requirements are clear from the outset.

Waterfall Project Phases

Initiation
Requirement Gathering & Analysis
Design
Implementation
Maintenance

Waterfall Examples

Construction
Manufacturing
Healthcare

Part 2: Approach Most Appropriate for CapraTek

Agile vs. Waterfall

This section evaluates the suitability of Agile and Waterfall methodologies for CapraTek, based on the nature of the project and the specific needs of the company.

Project Team Thoughts

The project team’s perspectives on both methodologies will be presented to weigh the pros and cons of each approach.

My Thoughts

My personal analysis on which approach is better suited for CapraTek, taking into consideration the project’s requirements, timeline, and potential for changes.

Waterfall & Agile Benefits/Successes

Product

The success of both methodologies depends on the product being developed. Agile may be better for projects with evolving requirements, while Waterfall suits stable, well-defined projects.

Mission

Agile and Waterfall can both contribute to a successful project mission, depending on the complexity and adaptability of the project.

Stakeholders

Stakeholders may prefer Agile for its emphasis on collaboration and feedback, while Waterfall’s structured approach may appeal to those seeking clear, early-stage planning.

Product

Both Agile and Waterfall can fail if the wrong approach is chosen for the project. Agile may struggle with fixed requirements, while Waterfall may fail if requirements change.

Mission

Project missions can fail if the chosen methodology does not align with the project’s adaptability needs or complexity.

Stakeholders

Stakeholder dissatisfaction can arise if their preferred level of collaboration or planning is not met, depending on whether Agile or Waterfall is used.

References

Agile – philosophy and principles. PM Partners. (2020, January 1). Retrieved February 2, 2022, from https://www.pm-partners.com.au/what-is-agile-philosophy-and-principles/

Altvater, A. (2020, April 24). What is agile methodology? How it works, best practices, tools. Stackify. Retrieved February 3, 2022, from https://stackify.com/agile-methodology/

Capella University. (2022, January 31). Assessment 1 Instructions: Comparing Agile to Waterfall. Blackboard Learn. Retrieved February 3, 2022, from https://courserooma.capella.edu

Characteristics of Agile Development Success. (n.d.). Digital.ai. Retrieved February 2, 2022, from https://digital.ai/glossary/agile-development-success

Dillon, L. (2021, September 3). Waterfall Project Management: The ultimate guide. ClearPoint Strategy. Retrieved February 3, 2022, from https://www.clearpointstrategy.com/waterfall-project-management/

Eby, K. (2016, July 29). Comprehensive guide to the agile manifesto. Smartsheet. Retrieved February 2, 2022, from https://www.smartsheet.com/comprehensive-guide-values-principles-agile-manifesto

Five phases of Agile Project Management Framework (APM). (2021, September 6). Kissflow. Retrieved February 2, 2022, from https://kissflow.com/project/agile/5-phases-of-the-apm-framework/