Agile vs Waterfall Project Management

Agile Project Management

• Agile project management is an incremental and non-linear approach.
• Agile projects are broken down into manageable tasks completed in short iterations.
• Agile teams adapt to changing requirements and optimize workflows.

Agile Software Development

• An approach that follows the Agile Manifesto.
• Final products are delivered following multiple iterations.

How Agile Project Management Works

• Does not require traditional project manager oversight.
• Teams share responsibilities, improving communication and collaboration.
• Results are analyzed frequently, allowing for adaptation to feedback and desired results.

Waterfall Method

• A linear and sequential approach to project management and software development.
• Projects are structured in distinct phases that are completed before moving to the next.
• Phases include: requirement gathering, system design, implementation, integration and testing, deployment, and maintenance.
• Most suitable for projects with well-defined requirements with minimal change.

Agile Pros and Cons

Benefits

• Allows employees to work on tasks that leverage their strengths.
• More efficient resource utilization and faster deployment.
• Increased flexibility and adaptability to changing needs.
• Faster problem detection and resolution.
• Improved collaboration leading to better product functionality that meets user needs.

Disadvantages

• Can be difficult to manage without predetermined paths of action.
• Provides less predictable outcomes.
• Not ideal for businesses requiring extended analysis or market research.
• Requires good collaborative skills and personal relationships.

Criticisms

• Limited documentation, which weakens software design.
• Lack of structure can be challenging.
• Not suitable for junior developers.
• Requires a high level of cultural change to adopt successfully.
• Difficulty in developing realistic work effort estimates can complicate contract negotiation.
• Can be inefficient if not managed effectively.
• Increases the risk of scope creep.

Agile Core Values and Principles

• Based on the Agile Manifesto, emphasizing 4 core values and 12 principles.
• Four Core Values:
  • Individuals and interactions over processes and tools.
  • Working software over comprehensive documentation.
  • Customer collaboration over contract negotiation.
  • Responding to change over following a plan.

12 Principles of Agile

• Guide teams in decisions and product development.
• Principles:
  • Prioritize customer satisfaction through early and continuous delivery.
  • Welcome and leverage change for the customer's advantage.
  • Deliver working software frequently, with shorter timeframes preferred.
  • Team members should collaborate daily throughout the project.
  • Build projects around motivated individuals, providing support and trust.
  • Face-to-face communication is the most effective method of conveying information.
  • Measure progress based on the final product.
  • Promote sustainable development, maintaining a constant pace.
  • Striving for technical excellence and good design enhances agility.
  • Embrace simplicity and maximize the amount of work not done.
  • Self-organizing teams generate the best architectures, requirements, and designs.
  • Regularly reflect on how to improve and adjust team behavior accordingly.

Key Components of Agile Project Management

• User Stories: High-level work request definitions that provide enough information for effort estimation.
• Sprints: Short iterations for task completion (1-3 weeks).
• Stand-Up Meetings: Daily meetings to track progress and ensure alignment.
• Agile Board: Tracks the progress of the project.
• Backlog: A list of outstanding tasks that are estimated and prioritized during planning sessions.

Agile Team Roles

• Scrum Master: Facilitates sprint adherence, resolves issues, and acts as the team's advocate.
• Product Owner: Defines sprint goals, manages the backlog, and represents the customer's voice.
• Team Members: Execute work within each sprint.
• Stakeholders: Provide feedback and approval during the sprint process.

Cross-functional Agile Teams

• Members possess skills beyond their traditional areas.
• A team might have members with design, data analysis, or coding skills.

Scheduling in Agile Projects

• Detailed plans are only made for imminent tasks.
• Staff schedules are overseen and managed collaboratively.

Explore the fundamental concepts of Agile and Waterfall project management methodologies. This quiz will guide you through the differences in approaches, team dynamics, and project structures. Test your understanding of both incremental and linear strategies in software development.