Agile and Waterfall are two popular project management models, especially among software development businesses. However, each model has its own characteristics that are suitable for different types of projects. Viindoo compares Agile vs Waterfall as well as finds out the difference between the two models in this article!
What is the Waterfall model? Advantages - Disadvantages of the Waterfall model
Waterfall is a vertical project management model that was first used in 1970 by Winston W. Royce. This model often divides the project into 5 different phases and requires the implementation team to complete the phases in the correct order, then one step is completed. Because of such sequential nature, this model is named Waterfall.
The stages of the Waterfall model
The Waterfall model has clear advantages and disadvantages as follows:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| A clear and solid execution plan from the beginning to the end of the project. | Projects may take longer than expected when a phase is delayed. |
| Clearly define requirements right from the start, helping to minimize requirements arising. As a result, the project is not delayed in implementation time. | Difficult to detect and handle problems that arise at each stage. |
| The work process is straightforward and unambiguous, starting a new stage means ending the previous one. | Requires complete planning before starting the project, leading to the weakness of lack of flexibility and difficulty in change. |
What is the Agile Model? Advantages - Disadvantages of the Agile model
Agile model is one of the most popular phrases in recent years, as Agile project management is applied by large corporations such as Amazon, IBM, Dell, Spotify, Mozilla, etc.
Basically, Agile project management is an iterative model: businesses will divide a large project into sub-projects (sprint) and execute these projects simultaneously. Each sprint usually consists of phases:
Plan (Sprint Backlog)
Solution Design
Build
Test
Review
Launch
During that process, new products are developed as well as problems are handled continuously. At the end of each sprint, the project leader and related teams review the results and make timely adjustments. This process is repeated until the large project is completed.
Agile method phases
The agile model has the following advantages and disadvantages:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Implementing multiple sprints in a short time helps to promote efficiency and productivity. | Employees are easily distracted and inappropriately allocate time when working on many small projects at the same time. |
| Flexibility to change requirements, and orientation for products and projects. | It is difficult to ensure the common progress of all teams. |
| Customers can participate in feedback, and contribute to the project implementation process, making the product more receptive. | It is difficult to estimate the time to complete the project from the beginning as changes arise during the implementation process. |
>>>> See also: What is Agile project management?
Agile vs Waterfall
Based on the above information, we can see the difference between Agile and Waterfall as follow:
| Waterfall | Agile | |
| Implementation time | Fixed. utlined right away before embarking on the project. | Flexible. Depending on the actual progress and direction of the project. |
| Level of customer intervention | Once the requirements and project objectives are determined, the customer will not participate further in the implementation process. | Customers participate directly, closely and give feedback simultaneously throughout the project implementation. |
| Flexibility | Low level of flexibility. The implementation team will have to complete the first phase before moving on to the next, following the timeline determined from the beginning. | High level of flexibility. Dividing a project into simultaneous sprints allows changes in the approach and implementation of the project without over-affecting the overall implementation process. |
| Costs | Fixed costs. Because projects following the Waterfall model are often planned from the beginning and there is little change in the implementation process. | Flexible costs. Depending on how much the project changes during implementation. |
>>>> Learn More: 12 Agile principles of Agile project management
Which model should I choose for project management?
In fact, there is no such thing as the best model, only the most suitable option. Based on the comparison table above, it is clear that if you want to choose an appropriate project management model, an enterprise needs to be able to answer the following questions:
Businesses should choose the most suitable model rather than finding the best one. Based on the comparison table above, answering the following questions is indispensable in order to choose the right project management model:
Are the goals and scope of the project fixed or not?
The waterfall model - with vertical deployment form, will be suitable for projects with specific results, and fixed scope. Meanwhile, Agile is adaptable to changes in order to bring about the best outcome results that work.
Does the project require strict compliance with regulations and requirements?
If the answer is yes, then the Waterfall model will be the most suitable choice. As analyzed above, the waterfall model is especially suitable for managing projects with strict requirements and regulations.
Meanwhile, Agile will be more suitable for technology companies or startups with a rapid pace of change. Dividing the work into several parts helps businesses quickly respond to changing needs and helps detect and correct errors in a timely manner.
Did the project manager and stakeholders interfere deeply in the implementation process?
The agile model is suitable for projects that require close participation of stakeholders in the implementation process. Breaking down the project into sprints and executing them simultaneously makes it easy for the team to change and adjust as requirements arise. On the contrary, because of its tight and fixed nature, the Waterfall model will often not be flexible enough in this case.
Hopefully, the article Agile vs Waterfall above has provided businesses with the suitable answer, enabling them to recognize the difference between Agile and Waterfall in project management. Viindoo hopes that businesses can choose the most suitable model.