Waterfall Project Management Methodology: Phases & Benefits

Waterfall Project Management Methodology is a well-known methodology that has shaped the project execution. Among the various project management methodologies available, the Waterfall Methodology stands out as providing a structured and sequential approach.

Therefore, in this article, we will tell you what exactly is Waterfall Project Management Methodology, and why does it play an important role in project management? READ ON!

Make sure to check: Agile Methodology in Project Management: Ways to Implement it!

Waterfall Project Management Methodology

Waterfall Project Management Methodology is a sequential approach to project development that grows sequentially through phases such as design, development, testing, and analysis.

Therefore, Waterfall project management is best suited for projects with extensive, detailed plans that need only one timeline.

Phases of Waterfall Project Management Methodology

Each phase of waterfall management must be completed before the next one can begin; once completed, they cannot be returned.

Here are the following phases:

• Requirements
• Design
• Implementation
• Verification
• Deployment or Delivery
• Maintenance

S. No	Phase	Description
1.	Requirements	Gathering detailed project information is essential during this phase. Various methods such as interviews and discussions can be used to ensure clarity. Once the project requirements are clear, distribute your team’s finalized requirements document.
2.	Design	After the requirements have been established, the structure and system design for the project are created. This phase describes how the project will meet the requirements defined before.
3.	Implementation	In this stage, programmers use data collected in the previous phase to create a functional product. Code is frequently implemented gradually, with integration occurring at the end of a particular stage or the beginning of the next.
4.	Verification	To make sure it fulfills the requirements, the project is tested after it is implemented. Hence, quality assurance, error checking, and any necessary adjustments are all part of this phase.
5.	Deployment or Delivery	The product is complete at this point, and your team submits the deliverables for deployment or release.
6.	Maintenance	The product was delivered to the client and is now in use. Patches may be developed as problems arise, and major issues may necessitate a return to phase one.

Read More: Project Management Strategy for Project Success!

Benefits of Waterfall Project Management Methodology

There are the following benefits of using waterfall project management methodology:

• Ensures easy access to the initial system design and allows for specification changes.
• Allows large or dynamic teams to work effectively toward a shared goal defined during the requirements phase.
• Ensures an organized and disciplined organizational structure.
• Aids in management control and departmentalization while adhering to set deadlines.
• Provides an easy way to understand, follow, and arrange tasks.
• Promotes positive coding practices by first articulating designs and then moving on to implementation.
• Defines milestones and deadlines clearly.

When to Use Waterfall Project Management Methodology?

Use the waterfall project management methodology only if your project fulfills the following standards:

• Every requirement is understood, specified, and constant
• The project is simple and brief
• There is sufficient training and resource availability
• No clear requirements exist
• Stable tools and techniques are employed, rather than dynamic ones

Waterfall vs Agile Methodology

• Agile methodology differs from waterfall methodology in that it minimizes initial preparation in preference for adaptable high-level plans. 

• Agile teams respond to market changes by dividing projects into iterative phases of a month or two and adjusting course regularly. 

• Agile encourages self-organizing teams and involves stakeholders, which sets it apart from the Waterfall methodology.

Waterfall vs Scrum Methodology

• Scrum, an Agile framework, places a premium on adaptability, delivering high-quality products in two to four-week increments known as “sprints.” 

• It takes an iterative, incremental approach, with a focus on continuous improvement. 

• Unlike the Waterfall model, Scrum is built on effective communication, collaboration, transparency, and inspection, recognizing and embracing changes throughout the project.

You may also check: 7 Project Management Resources: Ways to Manage Them!

Frequently Asked Questions