As a sponsor of projects or programmes, your decisions will significantly influence the project’s outcome. One crucial decision is selecting the right project methodology.
This guide from our CEO John Dean aims to simplify this process by breaking down the phases of three popular methodologies – Waterfall, Agile, and Wagile, while also considering the impact of company culture on your choice.
Waterfall Methodology Phases
- Requirements Gathering: Clearly define all project requirements.
- System Design: Create a detailed system architecture.
- Implementation: Actual building or coding.
- Testing: Rigorous testing of the entire system.
- Deployment: Going live for end-users.
- Maintenance: Ongoing support and maintenance.
Agile Methodology Phases
- Planning: Initial planning and prioritisation.
- Sprint Planning: Short work cycles (sprints) are planned.
- Execution: Work on tasks for the current sprint.
- Review: Evaluate what was accomplished.
- Retrospective: Discuss what went well and what didn’t.
- Release: Deploy the incrementally built product.
Wagile Methodology Phases
- Initial Planning: Similar to Waterfall but less exhaustive.
- Design & Development: A blend of Waterfall’s design and Agile’s execution.
- Sprint Execution: Agile sprints for specific tasks.
- Testing: Iterative testing.
- Deployment: The system goes live.
- Review & Adapt: Ongoing analysis and adjustments.
The choice of methodology is pivotal and should align with both the project’s needs and organisational culture. If your project seems to be going off track a reassessment may be required.
Understanding of these variables equips you to make informed decisions that can significantly impact the project’s outcome.
Comparative Analysis
Planning: Extensive in Waterfall, minimal in Agile, moderate in Wagile.
Design and Development: Separated in Waterfall, incorporated in Agile sprints, blended in Wagile.
Execution: Single and linear in Waterfall, iterative in Agile, can be both in Wagile.
Testing: Post-development in Waterfall, within sprints in Agile, both in Wagile.
Deployment: One-time in Waterfall, multiple in Agile, flexible in Wagile.
Review & Adaptation: Lacking in Waterfall, constant in Agile, essential in Wagile.
Change Specialists work with clients across multiple sectors to support them to achieve successful outcomes for business change and digital transformation programmes.
Contact us to discuss your pending or current programmes of work.
