AGILE VS. WATERFALL: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS IN SOFTWARE PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Abstract

One of the major problems in managing software projects is the choice of the correct software development methodology based on the degree of requirements stability, level of risks and expectations in the delivery of software projects. This paper gives a comparative evaluation of Agile and Waterfall methodologies along with the Decision Support Matrix (DSM) that is created to assist in choice of methodology based on factors of requirement volatility, documentation needs, stakeholder involvement, team expertise and urgency of need to deliver. Three real-life project situations are used to assess the applicability of Agile, Waterfall and Hybrid models through the use of DSM. Literature has shown that Agile is more effective in projects that change frequently and have more frequent release cycles whereas Waterfall is more effective in stable and highly controlled projects. Hybrid models are flexible enough and offer an organized approach in cases where there is need to achieve both. These results indicate that the proposed DSM is a useful, systematic and evidence-based model to be used when choosing the best development methodology.