{"id":19108,"date":"2021-06-22T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-22T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.planview.com\/what-is-waterfall-methodology\/"},"modified":"2021-06-22T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2021-06-22T05:00:00","slug":"what-is-waterfall-methodology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.planview.com\/what-is-waterfall-methodology\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Waterfall Methodology?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <!-- .post-meta --><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many new project managers &#x2014; as well as non-project managers who have the mantle of project manager thrust upon them &#x2014; are surprised to learn that there is not one single, universal methodology for building, executing and completing projects. In fact,<\/span><a href=\"\/pms-guide-project-management-methodologies\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">there are dozens of them<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, each with its own structure, rules, advantages and disadvantages. One of the most popular and established of these methodologies is called waterfall. Let us start answering the question &#x201C;what is waterfall methodology?&#x201D; by looking at the basic definition of this approach.&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><img class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/media.planview.com\/clarizen\/wp-content\/upload\/2021\/04\/iStock-1074634016-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"what is waterfall methodology\" height=\"533\"><\/h2>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.planview.com\/what-is-waterfall-methodology\/#Waterfall_Methodology_Definition\" >Waterfall Methodology Definition&#xA0;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.planview.com\/what-is-waterfall-methodology\/#Waterfall_Methodology_and_Change\" >Waterfall Methodology and Change&#xA0;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.planview.com\/what-is-waterfall-methodology\/#Waterfall_Methodology_and_Collaboration\" >Waterfall Methodology and Collaboration&#xA0;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.planview.com\/what-is-waterfall-methodology\/#Waterfall_Method_Stages\" >Waterfall Method Stages&#xA0;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.planview.com\/what-is-waterfall-methodology\/#Waterfall_Methodology_Advantages_Disadvantages\" >Waterfall Methodology Advantages &amp; Disadvantages&#xA0;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.planview.com\/what-is-waterfall-methodology\/#Waterfall_Agile_Hybrid\" >Waterfall + Agile Hybrid<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waterfall_Methodology_Definition\"><\/span><b>Waterfall Methodology Definition&#xA0;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Waterfall methodology owes its name to the fact that, just as a waterfall in nature trickles down, steps in a project flow forward in a linear and sequential manner &#x2014; and once they are done, there is no turning back. Or at least there shouldn&#x2019;t be, unless the project is seriously troubled and it is necessary to perform a major course correction (or what is called<\/span><a href=\"\/five-best-practices-project-baselining\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">re-baselining<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in project management vocabulary).&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waterfall_Methodology_and_Change\"><\/span><b>Waterfall Methodology and Change&#xA0;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One of the core features of waterfall methodology &#x2014; and the most obvious characteristic that distinguishes it from other methodologies like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apm.org.uk\/resources\/find-a-resource\/agile-project-management\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Agile<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pmi.org\/learning\/library\/kanban-template-software-task-management-4367\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kanban<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> &#x2014; is that the original project plan is created with fixed dates and milestones. And while it is possible (and on some longer and more complex initiatives probable) that during execution the plan will require some adjustment based on unforeseen issues, the goal is to adhere as closely as possible to the original blueprint. Significant changes are typically viewed as negative, and are symptoms of a troubled project.&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waterfall_Methodology_and_Collaboration\"><\/span><b>Waterfall Methodology and Collaboration&#xA0;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Effective<\/span><a href=\"\/the-importance-of-collaboration-on-an-enterprise-level\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">collaboration<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is a cornerstone of all project management methodologies &#x2014; and ultimately, successful projects and healthy portfolios. However, how collaboration takes place differs significantly from one approach to another. With waterfall methodology, it is typically unnecessary for individuals to be engaged in constant collaboration, because tasks do not overlap. That is, one individual (or it may be a work group or team) completes their respective task, and then the next individual makes their contribution, and so on. Compare this with Agile methodology, where constant collaboration is essential since tasks often overlap, and many assignments are iterative in nature (i.e. the specific details of an assignment are revealed as the project moves forward).&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waterfall_Method_Stages\"><\/span><b>Waterfall Method Stages<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#xA0;<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Generally, there are six core stages in waterfall methodology:&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">\n<h3><b>Requirements&#xA0;<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As discussed above, in waterfall methodology all project requirements and details are identified before the project starts. This includes tasks, scheduling, resources, risks, budgeting, communications, success metrics, and so on.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Analysis&#xA0;<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During the analysis stage, the project manager and other relevant stakeholders (e.g. executives, PMO, sponsor, implementation team, etc.) build models, schemas and business rules to carry out the project. Note that in some organizations and projects, the requirements stage and the analysis stage are integrated into one process.&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Design<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once it is clear what needs to be done (per the requirements and analysis stages), it is necessary to design the infrastructure, technology and architecture required to carry out the project. If there are any design limitations (e.g., technology or resources are unavailable), then adjustments must be made to expectations and scope.&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Implementation<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Implementation (also referred to as execution) is when planned work is carried out by various individuals and teams. As highlighted previously, major changes to the plan are discouraged and usually symptoms of a troubled project. The exception is if some positive opportunity arises &#x2014; for example, new technology or additional resources become available &#x2014; that enables the project to complete required business objectives faster and\/or at a lower cost.&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Verification&#xA0;<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During the verification (also referred to as testing) stage, the output generated by the project is evaluated to ensure performance and quality. If issues are identified, then they need to be addressed and resolved before moving onto the next stage.&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Launch&#xA0;<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The launch (also referred to as deployment) stage is when the output generated by the project is made available to the customer or marketplace.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h3><b>Maintenance<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the maintenance stage, teams provide upkeep and fix problems with the final output. Note that this final stage is usually associated with software development projects. For other kinds of projects, such as launching a marketing campaign or developing a pharmaceutical drug, post-project maintenance is typically handled by a different department, division or team (e.g., Customer Success, Product Support, etc.).&#xA0;&#xA0;&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waterfall_Methodology_Advantages_Disadvantages\"><\/span><b>Waterfall Methodology Advantages &amp; Disadvantages&#xA0;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As we explore the answer to &#x201C;what is waterfall methodology?&#x201D;, it is helpful to look at its basic advantages and disadvantages compared to other methodologies (e.g., Agile, Kanban, Scrum, XP, etc.).&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Advantages of waterfall methodology include:&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Project plans are relatively easy-to-follow, because requirements and scheduling are clearly established at the beginning, and each individual knows what they should do and when.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Project plans have distinct stages that do not overlap. For example, projects that are in the design stage will not move into the execution stage until all design aspects are complete.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The clear and structured approach makes it simpler to measure progress using agreed-upon metrics and key performance indicators.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Team members who onboard after the project starts can get up-to-speed quickly, since they can clearly see the requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The verification\/testing stage significantly reduces the chances that the finished product will have any major defects, or will not be acceptable to the customer or marketplace.&#xA0;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Disadvantages of waterfall methodology include:&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It can take longer for projects to develop, execute and complete, since there is a significant up-front time and effort investment. In addition, if one stage takes longer than anticipated then the start of all subsequent stages are pushed back.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It can lead to conflict and confusion if customers are not fully aware of what they want at the outset, and therefore seek to make significant changes once project execution starts or has completed. To mitigate this risk, projects that use a waterfall model should have clearly established rules regarding change management.<\/span><b>&#xA0;<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waterfall_Agile_Hybrid\"><\/span><b>Waterfall + Agile Hybrid<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A growing number of organizations are adopting a hybrid approach that combines waterfall and Agile. This involves taking a waterfall approach to project needs analysis, design and planning, shifting to Agile during execution, and then shifting back to waterfall at the end for pre-delivery testing and client integration. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When implemented effectively and driven by<\/span><a href=\"\/to-hybrid-or-not-to-hybrid-that-is-the-question\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">project management software that supports both waterfall and Agile<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, this framework can measurably accelerate turnaround, boost productivity, control costs, and increase customer satisfaction. It is also a strategic and practical way for organizations that have traditionally used waterfall to<\/span><a href=\"\/how-to-manage-hybrid-projects\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">gradually introduce Agile into the environment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Of course, for a hybrid waterfall+Agile approach to work, proponents of both methodologies need to compromise. Waterfall advocates need to reduce their expectations regarding control and predictability, while Agile advocates need to be willing and able to work with strict deadlines and budget controls.&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>The Final Word&#xA0;<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is waterfall methodology? It is an established and effective framework to develop and deliver projects. However, it is not the only approach. And as noted above, while there are some significant benefits, there are also some important drawbacks as well. It is up to each organization and project manager to determine whether waterfall is the right method for a specific initiative, and if so whether it is prudent or necessary to make some adjustments (e.g., adopting a hybrid waterfall+Agile approach).&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ultimately, the right methodology is the one that helps projects make it to the finish line on time, in budget, and having achieved all business objectives. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"client-logo\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarizen.com\/customers\/\" title=\"Siemens Energy\"><img class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/media.planview.com\/clarizen\/wp-content\/upload\/2020\/08\/siemens_energy-200x100.png\" alt=\"Siemens Energy\"><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarizen.com\/customers\/\" title=\"IIROC Success\"><img class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/media.planview.com\/clarizen\/wp-content\/upload\/2020\/07\/IIROC_logo-200x100.gif\" alt=\"IIROC Success\"><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarizen.com\/customers\/\" title=\"Financial Services Institution\"><img class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/media.planview.com\/clarizen\/wp-content\/upload\/2020\/04\/FINANCIAL-SERVICES-IMG-200x100.jpg\" alt=\"Financial Services Institution\"><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarizen.com\/customers\/\" title=\"M Squared\"><img class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/media.planview.com\/clarizen\/wp-content\/upload\/2020\/03\/m-squared-logo-200x100.jpg\" alt=\"M Squared\"><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarizen.com\/customers\/\" title=\"Aliancys Success\"><img class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/media.planview.com\/clarizen\/wp-content\/upload\/2019\/12\/aoc_aliancys-logo-800x400-200x100.jpg\" alt=\"Aliancys Success\"><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarizen.com\/customers\/\" title=\"Bonfiglioli Success\"><img class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/media.planview.com\/clarizen\/wp-content\/upload\/2019\/11\/bonfiglioli_logo-800x400-200x100.jpg\" alt=\"Bonfiglioli Success\"><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many new project managers &#x2014; as well as non-project managers who have the mantle of project manager thrust upon them &#x2014; are surprised to learn that there is not one single, universal methodology for building, executing and completing projects. In fact, there are dozens of them, each with its own structure, rules, advantages and disadvantages&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":205,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[521,35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19108","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-lean-agile","category-pmo-project-management-organizations"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.8 (Yoast SEO v26.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is Waterfall Methodology?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A growing number of organizations are adopting a hybrid approach that combines waterfall and Agile. 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