Agile Project Management -- Is it Better than Waterfall Method?
In agile methodology, what is agile project management , the big picture is divided into small puzzle size segments, then fixing them with each other at a suitable time. Certainly the other methodologies have their own significance, which makes them appropriate for consideration by a lot of business firms. But by having a close glance at agile methodology, we come to know the reasons for which this particular methodology is being used by numerous software and web design firms. There are several reasons for which numerous firms prefer agile methodology over the waterfall method.
Amendment can be made in Accordance With the Time and User Needs:
Sometimes after the completion of the phase, there arises a need of going back due to several significant reasons. So it is considered as a limitation of the waterfall method as we cannot make amendments in the already designed and executed software in accordance with the time and users requirements. The issue can only be resolved by designing altogether a new system, which involves a considerable amount of time and resources.
Possibility of Changes:
However in case of agile methods, changes can be made quite easily due to the logical programme. Modification of new ideas can be made in the already accomplished stage. Unlike the waterfall methods, this will not involve the entire designing of the new system. By adhering yourself to this approach, you can not only upgrade your programs but also reduce your overall expenses.
Launchable Working Model at Every Stage:
The product is considered as launchable at the conclusion of every stage. Doing this will detect and remove the errors, if these are encountered at the end of a particular phase during the development cycle. However, this is not possible with the waterfall method as the product is only tested at the end of the entire cycle. This means that in case of detection of any error, you have to rewrite the complete program again.
Customer Satisfaction:
In case of agile methods, customer satisfaction is given utmost priority. Amendments can be made in accordance with the particular needs of the customers. But, this is not possible in case of waterfall method. Making changes in case of waterfall methods would mean that you have to initiate the entire project from the very beginning.
Modular Nature and Departmentalization:
The nature of agile methodology is modular, which means you have to employ suitable as well as purposeful programs and designs. This means that you should have a launchable working model so that it can be easily released when required, even when it is not compatible with the particular requirements of the customers. But, the product is released only once in case of waterfall methods. This will lead to the dissatisfaction of the customers, if occurrence of any problem or delay takes place.
Departmentalization is allowed in case of both methods. It is performed at each phase of the developmental process in case of waterfall method. But, effective use of the departmentalization is done in case of agile methodology.
Conclusion:
We can say that waterfall methods have got advantages as its stages are systematically planned, particularly for logical design, deployment and execution. But what is agile project management is an excellent preference for those projects having an involvement of software development and web designing. Nowadays, more and more firms are using agile methods in their projects.
