When following the waterfall project management methodology, there are five distinct phases. Essentially, it is the opposite approach of agile project management, where adjustments and adaptations are made continuously throughout a project to consider feedback and other alternations as they arise.Īlso Read: Understanding KPIs in Project Management Phases of the Waterfall Project Management Methodology Because of this, it is preferred when there are clearly defined goals and processes in place. Once a stage closes and the next begins, it can be difficult and expensive to revisit a previous stage using this method. Much like a waterfall cascade, one process cannot start until the other has been completed and approved.

The name is derived from the linear strategy wherein one category “falls” into the next. The waterfall approach to project management methodology is a strategy that is used to manage all aspects of a project using a linear and sequential process. Additionally, for professionals seeking to enhance their project management skills, the Post Graduate Program in Project Management provides valuable insights and knowledge. The waterfall project management methodology, a longstanding industry dominator, remains a preferred choice in many organizations.

In cases where the advantages of one approach aren’t distinct, the company’s objectives, culture, and preferences should also influence the decision. Initially, the nature of the project itself must be considered, as certain methods may be better suited. To determine the optimal methodology, the project manager needs to take several factors into account. Some of the most commonly used strategies include Lean, Scrum, Critical Path, Kanban, Six Sigma, Prince2®, Agile, and Waterfall. There are a plethora of popular project management methodologies that each have their strengths and weaknesses and best use cases. Project management is a broad term that encompasses several methods and strategies that are used to develop, plan, organize, and execute all phases of a project’s lifecycle.

Phases of waterfall project management