What Is Waterfall Project Management?

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Have you ever asked yourself, "What's the most straightforward way to manage a project?”

The answer is, “Waterfall Project Management.”

The Waterfall methodology—also known as the traditional approach—is a sequential development process, which means that each phase must be complete before the next phase begins.

Waterfall gets its name because each phase of the project cascades into the next.

This video provides a simple overview.

Overview of Waterfall

• At the beginning of the project, you create a detailed project plan that includes all the requirements.

• You then proceed through a series of clearly defined phasesuntil you’ve fully executed on the plan.

• Tasks and phases are completed in a linear, sequential manner, which means the output of each phase acts as the input to the next phase.

• Each participant has a clearly defined role and none of the phases or goals are expected to change.

There are 5 main phases:

1. Requirements: This is where you gather and analyze all the information about the project and identify the different functions and features you need.

2. Design: Once you understand the requirements, you design the project workflow, architecture and system.

3. Implementation: In this phase you start the actual development, making sure you use your requirements and specifications.

4. Verification: Once you complete coding, you start testing. This is to ensure that there are no errors and the product meets its requirements.

5. Maintenance: Finally, when you deploy the project, you provide subsequent support and maintenance to make sure the product works.

Pros

• Simple and easy to follow

• Requirements are clear

• Design is completed in advance

• Phases do not overlap and are clearly planned

• Detailed documentation

• Cost can be planned in advance

Cons

• Not adaptable to change

• Requires a lot of planning

• Does not allow you to work on multiple phases at the same time

• Involves high levels of risk

• Not a good approach for complex projects

• Does not involve client feedback during development

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Waterfall works best for projects with these characteristics:

• Short and simple

• Scope is known

• Clear and fixed requirements

• No changes are anticipated

• Stakeholder involvement is only required at set milestones

Photo by Octavian Dan on Unsplash

Waterfall Methodology is best suited for projects that are clearly defined; require structure and strict deadlines; and where change is not anticipated.

The next time you manage a project, ask yourself:

If you answered "yes" to these questions, Waterfall is most likely the best methodology for your project.