WaterFall vs Agile Methodology

The Waterfall and Agile methodologies are two of the most popular approaches to project management. The biggest difference between the two is the process in which each are completed. The Waterfall methodology is linear and rigid, meaning each task must be completed prior to starting the next. Conversely, the Agile methodology allows project workers to complete tasks in different phases at different times. Of course, there is a time and a place for both of these approaches. It simply depends on what you are trying to accomplish and how much time you have to complete it.

Diving deeper into the Waterfall method, it’s essential to understand that the entire process is sequential. Due to this, there is a low amount of flexibility, however it allows the project team to know a concrete plan of all the steps from the initiation of the project. An example of a project that would require a waterfall method would be the construction of a new building. The phases of the project are well defined and planned out. You cannot put drywall up in the building before the foundation is in place. You must complete the phases of the building in increments, which is another reason why construction *usually* takes so long. (See Chinese apartment built in 28 hours here)

The Agile methodology is another extremely important approach to project management. Since there is not a lot of structure in this approach, it allows for high flexibility and the ability to complete the project in shorter amount of time. Additionally, the project can change directions and workers can experiment with new ideas. An example of a project that would most likely use the Agile methodology would be the development of a video game. Most of the time, there are not concrete steps on how the game needs to be executed, but rather it allows the capability to build, test, and enhance from any phase of the project.