The success of a project lies on the capacity of the management to choose the best and most efficient information system. This requires that the management takes adequate time to look at the most reputed information management utilities which aid in successful planning and decision making. Currently, there is a wide range of planning methodologies in the software development market. This paper examines the Agile software methodology against the waterfall methodology with a view to determine which of the two guarantees a more efficient planning approach based on the software design. The following is the detailed analysis of the two models.
The waterfall model employs sequential development design whereby the software development process is broken down into various phases, with each phase performing a specified sub-task. Progress in this model is seen as flowing steadily downwards in the model of a waterfall through the various phases of conception, initiation, analysis, construction, testing, implementation and maintenance ( Asahi Technologies, 2017). In this sequential design, the output in one phase of the manufacturing process becomes the input of the subsequent phase. This requires that the first phase is thoroughly worked on before embarking on the next stage. The waterfall model was a hardware oriented model which was later adapted to software development. This model later became the first project management approach to employ software utilities in the manufacturing and construction environment ( agilemanifesto.org, 2001).
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Typically, a proposed change in the product feature at the implementation phase requires a lot of modification and even reworking of the design of the product. This means that an extra cost has to be met to accommodate the multiple change requests. Additionally, moving back to the previous phase to attend to an adjustment request poses a great challenge to the manufacturing process. If multiple change requests are made at the testing stage, a lot of extra expenses are incurred. This makes it unsuitable for complex projects whose requirements may change constantly ( Foster, 2013).
The other big challenge to this methodology is that managing risk mitigation strategies is difficult since testing is basically one of the last stages in the waterfall model. Risk mitigation requires that risks and challenges are monitored in the previous development stage which, in the waterfall model, is a great challenge ( Asahi Technologies, 2017).
As a result of the numerous pitfalls associated with the waterfall model, software developers sought to design better development methodologies to address the challenges inherent in the waterfall model. At this point, the Agile development model came to focus. Agile software development involves a set of guidelines for software development which operates on the basis of collaborative efforts of self-regulating cross-functional teams. This model employs an adaptive planning, evolutionary development, timely delivery and continuous improvement. This methodology creates a rapid and flexible development environment which is responsive to change ( agilemanifesto.org, 2001).
The Agile development approach is an iterative model that is designed to enable variables such as requirements, designing, building and testing to run parallel to each other. These variables are divided into smaller timeframes called sprints. In this methodology, project requirements are not predefined but progress logically through collaboration with clients.
The agile model breaks the project into small tasks which do not require massive planning efforts. Iterations are divided into small timeframes, ranging between one to four weeks. Clients are presented with the product samples at the end of each iteration. This minimizes the production cost since there is immediate response to change in requirements. Since the feedback cycle is short, issues in the proposed product design are addressed promptly ( Asahi Technologies, 2017). Additionally, there is open communication between clients and the development team which ensures enhanced efficiency. Agile model therefore comes as a suitable development methodology which is quick to learn with user friendly interfaces. A survey conducted by Standish Group rated the success rate of Agile-supported projects at 39 per cent compared to 11 per cent success for waterfall developed projects. Agile model is associated with better quality products and a cost effective manufacturing environment making it unmatched to waterfall methodology.
Generally, the agile methodology comes with numerous advantages especially when handling complex projects. First, the model has short planning loops making it adaptable to changes required by clients at any phase of development. Secondly, the client is constantly involved throughout the product development process making it possible to devise solutions tailored to suit the clients’ expectations. Thirdly, team cohesion is achieved as a result of interactive environment created by Agile systems ( Asahi Technologies, 2017).
This wide array of gains from the use of Agile model explains why many organizations are increasingly turning to it. This model is the latest approach to the organizational needs of cost effective quality production. Agile methodology is, therefore, a great paradigm in the manufacturing sector. Executive managers need to speedily install and implement Agile systems to maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly changing manufacturing environment.
References
agile manifesto.org. (2001). Manifesto for Agile Software Development . Retrieved from http://agilemanifesto.org/
Asahi Technologies. (2017). Why Agile is the best alternate methodology to Waterfall? Retrieved from https://www.asahitechnologies.com/blog/why-agile-is-the-best-alternate- methodology- to-waterfall/
Foster, R. (2013). Don’t go chasing waterfalls: a more agile healthcare.gov . Retrieved from
http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/dont-go-chasing-waterfalls-a-more-agile- healthcare-gov
