A Comparative Analysis of Agile and Waterfall Project Management

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Assignment 1
Project Management Methodologies
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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................... 3
Methodology.................................................................................................................................3
Methodology 1: Waterfall.......................................................................................................... 4
Methodology 2: Agile................................................................................................................. 4
Comparison between Waterfall and Agile methodologies............................................................6
Relation of both methodologies with the PLC...............................................................................7
1. Waterfall model relationship to PLC:..................................................................................7
2. Agile methodology relationship to PLC:..............................................................................8
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................... 9
References:.................................................................................................................................. 10
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List of figures
Figure 1: Project Life Cycle............................................................................................................ 4
Figure 2: Waterfall Model...............................................................................................................5
Figure 3: Agile Methodology.......................................................................................................... 6
Figure 4: Relating Waterfall model with PLC.................................................................................8
Figure 5: Relating Agile methodology with PLC............................................................................9
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Introduction
Project Management Methodologies are a group of different procedures that are designed to
support the project managers and those who are involved in the project. There are various
methodologies used in the project management such as PMBOK (Project Management Body of
Knowledge), SDLC, Agile, PRINCE2, and Waterfall. Among them, this project has explained the
similarities and dissimilarities between two methodologies which are Agile and Waterfall and
how they are related to the PLC (Project Life Cycle).
Methodology
The term methodology in project life cycle (PLC) or project management means defining the
plans, development, and control process to deliver the project using the combination of logically
related methods, practices, and processes. For instance, Westland (2017) states that project
management methodology is just a way to describe the system and tools required to build a
project. While Cohen (2017), stated that methodologies are the essential method before starting
any project as it defines a set of processes and principles to manage the project. This suggests
that before building the project, the methodology should be considered as it defines what tasks
are required to be taken and when to perform them in order to reduce the time and use the
correct resources. There are various methodologies for project management and choose the best
one according to the requirements and project scope.
Figure 1: Project Life Cycle
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Define Plan Execute Manage Close

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Methodology 1: Waterfall
The waterfall model gives the clear idea of the requirements of the project and mostly used by
the project managers. But once the process of the project started, there is no chance to made any
corrections. The waterfall methodology has been divided into different stages.
Figure 2: Waterfall Model
In this model, Morse (2016), stated that first of all identify the requirements and then analyze
them, design the approach, implement and test the solution, and if there are any issues, fix them
through maintenance. The other process only gets the start after completing the first one. It is
appropriate to use in the construction and manufacturing projects that are highly structured.
Methodology 2: Agile
Cohen (2017), defines Agile as another project management methodology which is the
alternative to the waterfall model and used to manage the complex and difficult project. This
method provides the fast and supple approach. In Agile methodology, there is no need to collect
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Require
ments
Analysis
Design
Develop
ment
Testing
Impleme
ntation
Mainten
ance

the heavy data as it has an iterative process with minor incremental variations to change the
requirements. It can be demonstrated as:
Figure 3: Agile Methodology
Above figure represents the four minor steps of Agile methodology.
 Scan: First is scan where scanning of all the requirements and risks have been performed.
 Analyze: Second is to analyze the decisions and solutions.
 Respond: Third is to respond to the risks and opportunities.
 Change: Fourth is to make changes and shape the future environments.
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Agile
SCAN
ANALYZE
RESPOND
CHANGE

Comparison between Waterfall and Agile methodologies
According to Gerard (2015), Waterfall and Agile methodologies have similarities as well as
dissimilarities which are explained below:
S.no. Similarities Dissimilarities
1 Both share the same objectives of
bringing the quality product ineffective
and approachable manner.
Waterfall model struggles to bring as it
continually looks back at long-fixed
necessities and priorities while Agile
method observes as forwarding
perception.
2 Both use many of the similar principles. Waterfall model makes plans on the
basis of full sets of requirements while
Agile methods make a plan with a
minimum set of requirements.
3 Both use the similar basic building block
like schedule, resources, cost, and
performance.
Waterfall model is used to direct,
control and manage the project while
the Agile method is used to simplify,
lead and collaborate on the project.
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Relation of both methodologies with the PLC
1. Waterfall model relationship to PLC:
Figure 4: Relating Waterfall model with PLC
Above figure represents the illustration of waterfall model in the linear sequential flow of the
whole process of PLC, Gordiyenko (2014).
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2. Agile methodology relationship to PLC:
Figure 5: Relating Agile methodology with PLC
Above figure represents the how Agile methodology related with the PLC. It is work in an iterative
manner and each iteration gives outcomes for the next phase of the project life cycle and gives
complete documentation.
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Conclusion
It is concluded from the whole report that before developing any project, project management
methodology should be considered as it gives the complete overview and structure of the
requirements of the project. The methodology should be chosen on the basis of project needs.
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References:
Cohen E. (2017) Methodologies: Everything You Need to Know. Retrieved from
https://www.workamajig.com/blog/project-management-methodologies
Gerard M. (2015) AGILE VS WATERFALL-THE SIMILARITIES! Retrieved from
http://www.mariogerard.com/agile-vs-waterfall-the-similarities/
Gordiyenko S. (2014) Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Waterfall Model. Retrieved from h
ttps://xbsoftware.com/blog/software-development-life-cycle-waterfall-model/
Morse A. P. (2016) Waterfall Model: What Is It and When Should You Use It? Retrieved from
https://airbrake.io/blog/sdlc/waterfall-model
Westland, J. (2017) Project Management Methodology – An Overview. Retrieved from
https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/project-management-methodology
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