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Lack of flexibility
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Delayed testing and integration
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High dependency and risk
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Here’s what else to consider
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The waterfall model is a traditional approach to information system development that follows a linear and sequential process. It consists of several stages, such as requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance, that are completed in a fixed order and with minimal feedback loops. The waterfall model can be useful for simple and well-defined projects that have clear and stable requirements, but it also poses some challenges and risks for information system development. In this article, you will learn about the main drawbacks and pitfalls of using the waterfall model and how to avoid or mitigate them.
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- Jimmy Gaston Veteran | HoH Alum | Project Manager | TS-SCI 3
1 Lack of flexibility
One of the main challenges of using the waterfall model is that it does not allow for much flexibility and adaptation to changing requirements, user feedback, or environmental factors. Once a stage is completed, it is difficult to go back and make changes without affecting the whole project schedule, budget, and quality. This can result in delivering a system that does not meet the actual needs and expectations of the stakeholders, or that becomes obsolete or incompatible with new technologies or standards. To overcome this challenge, you need to ensure that the requirements are well-defined and agreed upon at the beginning of the project, and that they are validated and verified throughout the development process. You also need to communicate effectively with the stakeholders and users, and manage their expectations and requests realistically.
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2 Delayed testing and integration
Another challenge of using the waterfall model is that it postpones the testing and integration of the system until the end of the project, when all the components are ready. This can lead to discovering errors, bugs, or defects that are costly and time-consuming to fix, or that require major changes in the design or implementation. It can also make it harder to ensure that the system works as intended and meets the quality standards and performance criteria. To overcome this challenge, you need to apply rigorous quality assurance and control methods throughout the development process, and perform regular reviews and inspections of the deliverables. You also need to plan and execute effective testing and integration strategies that cover all the aspects and functions of the system, and that involve the stakeholders and users.
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3 High dependency and risk
A third challenge of using the waterfall model is that it creates a high dependency and risk among the stages and the tasks of the project. Each stage depends on the completion and approval of the previous one, and any delay or error can affect the whole project. This can make it difficult to manage and coordinate the project resources, activities, and stakeholders, and to cope with uncertainties or contingencies. It can also reduce the motivation and creativity of the project team, as they have to follow a rigid and predetermined plan. To overcome this challenge, you need to establish clear and realistic project objectives, scope, and deliverables, and to monitor and control the project progress and performance. You also need to foster a collaborative and supportive project culture, and to empower and motivate the project team.
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- Jimmy Gaston Veteran | HoH Alum | Project Manager | TS-SCI
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See AlsoHomepage | A+E Networks EMEA
Minimum viable product is a good perspective to keep if a project sponsor isn’t sure what the final product needs to look like and a project needs to start. Along the way, a hybrid approach or even shift to agile could take over when trying to incorporate new features or other functions not identified early on in the development.
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4 Here’s what else to consider
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