a Guide to Waterfall Model in Project Management

Project management is an essential tool for businesses of all sizes, as it helps to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

One of the most commonly used project management models is the Waterfall Model, which is used to provide a structured approach to project management. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the Waterfall Model and provide you with the information you need to decide if it’s the right model for your project.

What is the Waterfall Model?

The Waterfall Model is a linear approach to project management. It is based on the idea that once a stage of the project is completed, it cannot be revisited or changed. As such, it requires a high level of planning and organisation up front, as any changes or mistakes made in the early stages can be difficult to rectify later on.

The Waterfall Model is based around the idea of ‘phases’. Each phase of the project is broken down into multiple tasks, which must be completed in order. The tasks within each phase must also be completed in order, as any changes to the scope or timeline will affect all the subsequent tasks.

Once the tasks in a phase are completed, the team can move on to the next phase. As such, the Waterfall Model is often referred to as a ‘staircase’ approach, as the tasks progress in a linear fashion, like steps on a staircase.

Benefits of the Waterfall Model

The Waterfall Model offers several advantages for businesses. Firstly, it allows for a more structured and organised approach to project management. As the phases and tasks of the project are clearly defined at the start, it makes it easier for teams to stay on track and make sure that the project is completed on time and within budget.

It also helps to reduce the risk of scope creep, as changes to the project must be accounted for in the initial planning stages. This makes it easier for teams to ensure that the project is completed as planned, and that the end result is of the highest possible quality.

Finally, the Waterfall Model is often favoured by businesses due to its simplicity. As the tasks of the project progress in a linear fashion, it is easy to keep track of the progress of the project and make sure that the team is on track.

Drawbacks of the Waterfall Model

Whilst the Waterfall Model offers several advantages, it also has some drawbacks. Firstly, it is not suitable for projects with a high degree of complexity or uncertainty. As the model is based on the idea that each task must be completed in order, it can be difficult to adapt to changes in the scope or timeline of the project.

What’s more, the Waterfall Model is not suitable for projects that require a lot of collaboration or creativity. As the tasks progress in a linear fashion, it can be difficult for teams to iterate on the project and make changes as needed.