What Is Waterfall Project Management

The Waterfall model is a famous approach in the world of project management. It is best for long projects that require detailed planning and proper structuring. It combines creativity and organization with innovation. This approach is based on the conventional approach and is hence very trustworthy.

This article will teach us more about the waterfall model, such as its uses, stages, benefits, components, and other approaches. Also, you can learn about the complete project management course on the PhysicsWallah.

What is Waterfall Project Management?

Waterfall Project Management is based on the idea of sequential and linear flow. It is also referred to as a sequential or linear model. This model is based on step-by-step progress; the next stage comes only after completing the previous stages.

This model works on a well-defined timeline and a structured approach. It was put forward by Winston W. Royce in the year 1970. The waterfall model undergoes many changes, but the principles remain the same.

The principle of waterfall project management is based on a one-directional flow. As the name suggests, it is like water flowing steadily downward with no chance of moving backward, just like a waterfall.

Also, in the waterfall model, you cannot move the previous stage or the one you previously completed. In the flow, you can only move forward after finishing the stage before it. This means you need to complete each phase before moving on to the next one.

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When to Apply the Waterfall Model in Project Management

Some of the factors that needed to be present for the waterfall model to be implemented. Let us have a look at the conditions one by one.

Well-Defined Requirements

If the aim of the project and the requirements are well-defined at the beginning of the project, then we can consider using the waterfall model approach.

The expectations of the stakeholders must be clearly defined, as they do not support frequent modifications or changes.

Known Process

It involves a well-defined project that is well aware-of the project goals. The waterfall model may be the best one for the project if the steps are well-understood and correctly matched with the linear nature of the model.

Clear Deadlines and Expectations

If the project goals are clear and stakeholders know their requirements properly, then this model can be considered. This model provides better management through its structured and well-defined approach.

Less Client Participation

The waterfall model requires less client participation during project development. It does not require frequent feedback and suggestion. Hence, the requirements are clear at the initial stage of the project.

Less Modification or Changes

The waterfall model uses a less flexible approach and a sequential flow. Hence, all the steps must be clearly understood and defined, as any modification during the project’s development is not possible. The waterfall model is a sequential model which implements a linear approach. Some of the major steps involved in the waterfall project management model are given here.

Planning and Requirement Phase

This is the starting phase of the waterfall model. Planning and requirement analysis is carried out in this phase. Let us take a look at some of the major steps that need to be followed.

Waterfall Model In Project Management
Planning Tasks	Description
Understanding Customer Requirements	Utilize interviews, questionnaires, and process reviews to gain a detailed understanding of the needs of customers.
Determining Project Goals	Define the nature of the goal, short-term and long-term project goals
Identifying Stakeholder Expectations	Check the expectations of the stakeholder related to the project completion time and budget.
Conducting Research	Competitive research to check the project goals and insights.
Identifying Team Members and Roles	Clear Responsibilities must be assigned according to the job roles.
Scheduling a Meeting	Organize an initial meeting involving the entire team and stakeholders to share goals and timelines.

Designing Phase

This phase develops the blueprint, or framework, of the project. The steps and tasks involved in the design phase are mentioned in the table.

Waterfall Management In Project Management
Tasks	Description
Logical Design	The team engages in brainstorming sessions to develop conceptual ideas and designs
Physical Design	Ideas from the logical design phase are transformed into detailed steps or goals.
Identifying and Listing Tasks	Tasks and goals needed to be enlisted clearly with proper planning
Creating Workflow and Schedule	Communicate with the team members regarding the workflow, phase sequence, and task assignments

Implementation Phase

In this phase, all the plans and designs are put into action. The implementation phase deals with the following tasks, as given in the table.

Waterfall Management In Project Management
Tasks	Description
Monitoring Progress	To determine whether a project is ready for the next phase, monitor and track progress towards each project goal.
Finding Challenges	Identify and address any implementation challenges, with the project manager coming up with solutions.
Communicating Progress	Following predetermined reporting schedules from the planning phase, inform stakeholders of the status of the implementation.
Testing Development	Testing completed work at various stages will inform improvements at later stages.
Introducing the Project	Presenting the finished product to clients and other stakeholders to get their feedback and reviews.

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Verification Phase

After the successful implementation of the project and presenting it to the stakeholders, now verification process is carried out along with testing, objective fulfillment, and others. Some of the major tasks involved in this phase are given in this phase.

Waterfall Management In Project Management
Tasks	Description
Goal-based Measuring	Project success can be determined by comparing results to predetermined objectives.
Payment to Team Members	Arrange payment for team members, especially contractors, upon project completion.
Paperwork Management	Deal with the paperwork required to complete the project, such as signing contracts or closing documents.
Project Evaluation	Conduct a thorough project review, examining accomplishments and potential improvement areas.

Maintenance Phase

This is the last phase of the waterfall model. Time-to-time maintenance like progress, working, etc.

Waterfall Management In Project Management
Tasks	Description
After-Project Maintainance	Examine the need for additional maintenance after the project is finished, especially in the case of software development.
Planning Phase: Maintenance Considerations	Project managers should think about and specify maintenance expectations during the planning stage.

Advantages of Using The Waterfall Model

The waterfall model works on a simple and organized approach in which the project moves forward sequentially. It offers many advantages and some of the main advantages that the waterfall model offers are mentioned below.

The waterfall model has a clear and well-defined structure. It uses a structured approach with clear phases that is systematic and organized.
It can easily handle a long-term project due to its simple and organized approach.
There is a strong focus on the proper documentation of the complete lifecycle of the project. The documentation has many advantages, like serving as a record book containing all the major decisions taken during the development of the project.
The most important merit of the waterfall model is that it is effortless to understand and manage. It provides a straightforward approach for the working team.
It establishes a clear definition of the scope at the start of the project, which helps in managing and developing an effective approach for the project throughout its lifecycle.
There is less chance of significant changes occurring after implementation because the stakeholders are only involved in the project at the beginning and are clear about all the requirements and expectations.
Knowing the expectations in advance makes it easier to set clear milestones and guarantee the success of major projects.
The projects that must be finished on time and with good communication between phases most often benefit from the waterfall model approach.
It also carries out risk planning and identification and helps in better risk management throughout the project life cycle.

Disadvantages of the Waterfall Model

The waterfall model is an efficient model, but it also has some major disadvantages that must be kept in mind. It suffers from late risk management, less flexibility, no adaptability, and many others.

The waterfall model seriously lacks the flexibility to a very great extent. As you need to predefine all your requirements at the start of the project, no modifications can be made after that.
It suffers from the late detection issue as it cannot detect any defects in real-time, which leads to a loss of resources and time.
There is negligible adaptability in the waterfall model, as it cannot adapt according to market requirements, evolving technologies, etc.
You cannot move backward in any phase and make changes in anything you want. Hence, it is known as the one-direction model.
Also, you can only move forward after completing the previous stage first.
If any corrections are needed, it is a very time-consuming process as you need to move to the starting phase of the project life cycle and start from there.
There is always a higher risk of a project failure and mostly because of the shift in the requirements of the stakeholders.
It cannot address any uncertain conditions that may arise during the project lifecycle.
There is no feedback possible in between the cycle, which leads to less improvement or effective changes in the project.

Waterfall Project Management FAQs

What are the different phases of the waterfall model in project management?

The waterfall model follows a sequential flow and contains step-wise stages.
- Requirement and Planning Phase
- Designing Phase
- Implementation Phase
- Verification Phase
- Maintenance Phase

Which type of project requires the waterfall model in project management?

Long-term projects whose requirements can be specified during the planning phase can use the waterfall model for their projects.

Is the waterfall model adaptable and flexible?

A waterfall model is not adaptable or flexible as it does not support any modification during the project development phase. It generally follows a linear approach where you can advance to the next step only after clearing the previous step.