1. Waterfall Methodology
- A linear and sequential project management approach. Each phase (e.g., requirements, design, implementation) must be completed before moving to the next.
- Key Features:
- Fixed project scope and timeline.
- Requirements are well-documented upfront.
- Suitable for predictable and less flexible projects.
- No scope for changes during development.
- Advantages:
- Easy to understand and manage.
- Works well for small, well-defined projects.
- Disadvantages:
- Inflexible; hard to adapt to changes.
- Late discovery of issues.
2. Agile Methodology
- An iterative and incremental project management approach focused on flexibility and continuous feedback.
- Key Features:
- Projects are divided into small, manageable chunks called iterations or sprints.
- Continuous collaboration with stakeholders.
- Focus on working software over documentation.
- Allows changes even late in development.
- Advantages:
- High adaptability to changes.
- Faster delivery of features.
- Better customer satisfaction.
- Disadvantages:
- Requires experienced team members.
- Scope creep is common if not managed properly.
3. Scrum (A Subset of Agile)
- A framework within Agile for managing and completing projects in short iterations (sprints).
- Key Components:
- Roles:
- Product Owner: Defines the product vision and prioritizes work.
- Scrum Master: Ensures the Scrum process is followed and removes obstacles.
- Development Team: Builds the product.
- Artifacts:
- Product Backlog: List of all features/tasks.
- Sprint Backlog: Tasks selected for a sprint.
- Increment: Completed deliverables at the end of a sprint.
- Events:
- Sprint Planning: Defines goals for the sprint.
- Daily Standup: Short daily meeting to track progress.
- Sprint Review: Showcasing completed work to stakeholders.
- Sprint Retrospective: Reflecting on what went well and what can improve.
- Roles:
- Advantages:
- High team collaboration.
- Quick delivery of prioritized features.
- Disadvantages:
- Can be challenging for large teams or long-term projects.
- Requires constant commitment from all members.
Key Differences: Agile vs. Scrum vs. Waterfall
Aspect | Waterfall | Agile | Scrum |
---|---|---|---|
Approach | Linear, sequential | Iterative, flexible | Iterative, team-focused |
Flexibility | Low | High | High |
Documentation | High | Minimal | Minimal |
Team Size | Large or small | Small to medium | Small, self-organizing teams |
Customer Involvement | Low | High | Very high |
When to Use Each Methodology?
- Waterfall:
- Clear requirements and fixed deadlines.
- Projects with minimal changes (e.g., construction).
- Agile:
- Dynamic and evolving requirements.
- Technology/software projects.
- Scrum:
- Small teams working on software projects with tight collaboration.
Quick Revision Tips
- Waterfall = Rigid, Sequential.
- Agile = Flexible, Iterative.
- Scrum = Agile + Defined Roles & Events.