Choosing A Project Lifecycle

  ProjectsAtWork  

The best approach on any given project depends upon many factors, including the novelty of the work, the duration and size of the project, and access to users and quality project information. Here is a primer on what to consider when choosing between a waterfall and cyclic lifecycle.

The best approach to take with any given project depends upon many factors, including the novelty of the work, the duration and size of the overall project, and your access to users and good quality project information.

The two most common types of project lifecycles are waterfall and cyclic.

A waterfall-type lifecycle is an effective option for well-defined projects with clear deliverables. This lifecycle has a small number of phases or stages for project work that cascade serially through to project completion. For most projects, the efficiency of a single-pass “analyze, define, develop, test, release” approach will yield effective results.

However, for novel projects that differ materially from past workor where you must get started despite significant unknowns and uncertainty, a cyclic or agile lifecycle may be a better choice. An incremental, step-by-step process that provides for incremental delivery of functionality and frequent evaluation of feedback can ensure superior results

Assessing waterfall life cycles. While there are literally hundreds of variations…

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