Waterfall is a sequential model of the project life cycle consisting of several phases. Here are some principles underlying the Waterfall methodology:
- Phases: Waterfall is divided into several distinct phases, each of which must be completed before the next phase begins.
- Rigid Planning: The project plan is developed at the very beginning, and the entire project must adhere strictly to this plan.
- Strict Deadlines: All work within a given phase must be finished by the end of that phase.
- Rigorous Change Management: Any changes to project requirements should be made at the start of the project. Afterward, no additional changes should occur that could impact the project timeline.
- Limited Communication: Interaction with the client primarily occurs at the beginning and end of the project.
- Outcome: The final result must be fully completed and verified before handover to the client.
These principles help manage the project and monitor its execution within specified timelines and client requirements. However, because the Waterfall methodology does not accommodate flexibility or changing requirements, it might be less suitable for projects where client demands may evolve during the course of work.
The key characteristic of the Waterfall model lies in its sequential and linear approach to project execution, where each phase concludes before the subsequent one commences.Tools for managing projects under the Waterfall methodology include Gantt charts, Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) diagrams, network diagrams, Gantt Chart diagrams, progress reports, and other project management tools.
There are various online services that can be utilized for managing Waterfall projects. Some of the most popular ones include Microsoft Project, GanttPRO, Smartsheet, Wrike, Trello, Asana, Monday.com, and others. These services offer a wide range of planning, resource management, deadline control, and performance tracking tools, providing transparency across all team members.
Additional online services for managing projects using the Waterfall methodology are:
- ProjectManager.com
- Basecamp
- Zoho Projects
- Workfront
- LiquidPlanner
- Clarizen
- JIRA
- ClickUp
Each of these services offers unique features and capabilities for project management, along with tools for tracking progress and completing tasks.