How and when should you switch between Agile and Waterfall?

Agile and waterfall are two popular software project management methodologies that have different advantages and challenges. Depending on the context, scope, and goals of your project, you might need to switch between them or use a hybrid approach. In this article, we will show you how to make this transition smoothly and effectively.

1 Agile vs. Waterfall

Agile is a flexible, iterative, and collaborative methodology that delivers software in small increments, adapts to changing requirements, and involves constant feedback from stakeholders. Waterfall is a linear, sequential, and structured methodology that follows a predefined plan, delivers software in one final product, and requires minimal changes after each phase. Both methodologies have pros and cons, depending on the type, size, and complexity of your project.

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Hamood Ur Rehman

Certified Scrum Master | Project Manger |PSM | PMO | Project Coordinator | Project Management | Scrum | Agile | Jira | Nexus Framework | True Leadership |
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While selecting the methodology keep one thing in mind that every project has its own complexity. Depending on the complexity select your methodology that either you do this project in waterfall or in agile. Agile methodology is better for more complex projects or for product based projects. If requirements are crystal clear and there is no change in it then I think you can use the waterfall method. But if the requirements are not clear and change with time then have to use agile methodology.

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Loay Mohamed

Follow for insights, advice, and updates on Digital Transformation, Projects, Products, Agile, Organizational Leadership, Expertise in ERP, and keeping pace with the rapidly changing digital landscape 🌍 | Mentor | Coach
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Simply, do we have a clear scope ahead with a clear understanding from all stakeholders who will be engaged during the project journey, and the project risk of success is not high. (Would say go Waterfall) If you have a non clear scope and have a challenging to implement the project and maybe the output will not satisfy the stakeholder. (At this example I would say go Hybrid "If we have a clear part or partially of the project and risks during the project duration are under control" If not and the project have a long duration, high risk, no clear requirements, Stakeholders are not clear about the outcome but they have a clear vision then go with Agile, and incrementally involve the Stakeholders inspect and adapt based on the situation

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2 When to switch

Switching between agile and waterfall may be necessary due to changing customer expectations, project scope, team size, skills, availability, risks, dependencies, or quality standards. It is important to consider these factors carefully before making a decision, as it can have a major impact on the project budget, timeline, and quality.

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3 How to switch from agile to waterfall

Switching from agile to waterfall requires careful planning. You should define the scope, requirements, and deliverables of your project in detail and get approval from stakeholders. Breaking down the project into phases with assigned tasks, resources, and deadlines is essential. Documenting the project plan, specifications, and standards should be communicated to the team and stakeholders. Monitoring and controlling progress, quality, and risks must be done according to the plan. Reporting any issues or changes to the stakeholders is vital. Finally, delivering and reviewing the final product with stakeholders must be done to get their feedback and acceptance.

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4 How to switch from waterfall to agile

If you decide to switch from waterfall to agile, there are a few steps you should take. Start by reviewing the scope, requirements, and deliverables of your project and prioritize them according to value and urgency. Divide the project into smaller chunks, called sprints, and define the goals, tasks, and outcomes for each. Form a cross-functional and self-organizing team that can work together on the sprints, assigning roles and responsibilities for each team member. Additionally, establish a regular communication and feedback loop with your team and stakeholders using tools such as daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives. Finally, deliver and test working software at the end of each sprint while incorporating feedback and changes into the next sprint.

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Abhinesh Sengar

Enterprise Salesforce Project Manager | Release Train Engineer
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It's a mindset change. Start with training and creating role models and change agents within the organization. Change should be based on Agile manifest and why it's necessary. Teams including business should believe and engage in these discussions. Simply calling scope into features doesn't make anyone agile. As stated it's mindset not methodology. Once the team decides then you can decide whether to use scrum vs kanban according to needs.

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5 How to use a hybrid approach

Sometimes, you might not need to switch completely between agile and waterfall, but rather use a hybrid approach that combines elements of both methodologies. For example, you might use waterfall for the initial planning and analysis phase, and then use agile for the development and testing phase. Or you might use agile for the core features of your software, and then use waterfall for the integration and deployment phase. A hybrid approach can offer you more flexibility, efficiency, and balance for your project, but it also requires more coordination, integration, and alignment between the different phases and teams.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Kareem Abd El-Salam, PMP®, PSPO I™, AgilePM®

Head of Project Management @ Fawry MSME Finance | PMP®, PSPO I™, AgilePM®
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Ultimately, the decision to switch between Agile and Waterfall should be based on a thorough analysis of your project's specific context, objectives, and constraints. Agile and Waterfall can also be adapted and customized to suit your project's unique needs, and hybrid approaches can offer the best of both worlds when appropriate.

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How and when should you switch between Agile and Waterfall?

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1 Agile vs. Waterfall

2 When to switch

3 How to switch from agile to waterfall

4 How to switch from waterfall to agile

5 How to use a hybrid approach

6 Here’s what else to consider

Software Project Management

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How and when should you switch between Agile and Waterfall?

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1 Agile vs. Waterfall

2 When to switch

3 How to switch from agile to waterfall

4 How to switch from waterfall to agile

5 How to use a hybrid approach

6 Here’s what else to consider

Software Project Management

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