Table of Contents
PROJECT TYPES: A HOLIDAY COMPARISON
WATERFALL VS. AGILE: MUST KNOW DIFFERENCES
KEY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SCRUM AND PRINCE2
PROJECT ROLES COMPARED
SPONSOR
PROJECT MANAGER
PRODUCT OWNER
SCRUM MASTER
OTHER READINGxa
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
REFERENCES AND RESOURCES
Different projects types and different roles
PROJECT TYPES: A HOLIDAY COMPARISON
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A Waterfall (PRINCE2) approach to packing might be used if kayaking in the Greenland wilderness. Anticipate every possibility and pack accordingly because failure to plan is planning to fail, and forgetting something like a sleeping bag may be the end of you, as well as your holiday!
An Agile (Scrum) approach to packing might be used if travelling in India where it may be better to simply bring money and buy what you need, when you need it, depending on the circumstances. No point in having more clothing and equipment than you actually need, it will slow you down and cost you more than necessary.
WATERFALL VS. AGILE: MUST KNOW DIFFERENCES
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What is Waterfall methodology?
Waterfall Model methodology which is also known as Liner Sequential Life Cycle Model. Waterfall Model followed in the sequential order, and so project development team only moves to next phase of development or testing if the previous step completed successfully.
What is the Agile methodology?
Agile methodology is a practice that helps continuous iteration of development and testing in the software development process. In this model, development and testing activities are concurrent, unlike the Waterfall model. This process allows more communication between customers, developers, managers, and testers.
Advantages of Waterfall Model:
It is one the easiest model to manage. Because of its nature, each phase has specific deliverables and a review process.
It works well for smaller size projects where requirements are easily understandable.
Faster delivery of the project
Process and results are well documented.
Easily adaptable method for shifting teams
This project management methodology is beneficial to manage dependencies.
Advantages of the Agile Model:
It is focused client process. So, it makes sure that the client is continuously involved during every stage.
Agile teams are extremely motivated and self-organized so it likely to provide a better result from the development projects.
Agile software development method assures that quality of the development is maintained
The process is completely based on the incremental progress. Therefore, the client and team know exactly what is complete and what is not. This reduces risk in the development process.
Limitations of Waterfall Model:
It is not an ideal model for a large size project
If the requirement is not clear at the beginning, it is a less effective method.
Very difficult to move back to makes changes in the previous phases.
The testing process starts once development is over. Hence, it has high chances of bugs to be found later in development where they are expensive to fix.
Limitations of Agile Model
It is not useful method for small development projects.
It requires an expert to take important decisions in the meeting.
Cost of implementing an agile method is little more compared to other development methodologies.
The project can easily go off track if the project manager is not clear what outcome he/she wants.
KEY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SCRUM AND PRINCE2
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Waterfall is a Liner Sequential Life Cycle Model whereas Agile is a continuous iteration of development and testing in the software development process.
Agile methodology is known for its flexibility whereas Waterfall is a structured software development methodology.
Agile follows an incremental approach whereas the Waterfall methodology is a sequential design process.
Agile performs testing concurrently with software development whereas in Waterfall methodology testing comes after the “Build” phase.
Agile allows changes in project development requirement whereas Waterfall has no scope of changing the requirements once the project development starts.
PROJECT ROLES COMPARED
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SPONSOR
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(Agile Projects)
The person who commissions others to deliver the project and champions the cause throughout the project. They will normally be a senior member of staff with a relevant area of responsibility that will be affected by the outcome of the project. They are involved from the start of the project, including defining the project in conjunction with the Project Manager. Once the project has been launched they should ensure that it is actively reviewed. The Project Sponsor is usually the one who has to negotiate a path through the tricky diplomatic areas of the project!
As champion of the project…
1. Is accountable for the delivery of planned benefits associated with the project.
2. Ensures resolution of issues escalated by the Project Manager or the Project Board.
3. Sponsors the communications programme; communicates the programme’s goals to the organization as a whole.
4. Makes key organisation/commercial decisions for the project.
5. Assures availability of essential project resources.
6. Approves the budget and decides tolerances.
7. Leads the Project Steering Board.
8. Ultimate authority and responsibility for the project.
PROJECT MANAGER
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(Waterfall Projects)
The Project Manager is also responsible for managing the work of consultants, allocating and utilising resources in an efficient manner and maintaining a co-operative, motivated and successful team.
The person responsible for developing, in conjunction with the Project Sponsor, a definition of the project. The Project Manager then ensures that the project is delivered on time, to budget and to the required quality standard (within agreed specifications). He/she ensures the project is effectively resourced and manages relationships with a wide range of groups (including all project contributors).
1. Managing and leading the project team.
2. Recruiting project staff and consultants.
3. Managing co-ordination of the partners and working groups engaged in project work.
4. Detailed project planning and control including:
5. Developing and maintaining a detailed project plan.
6. Managing project deliverables in line with the project plan.
7. Recording and managing project issues and escalating where necessary.
8. Resolving cross-functional issues at project level.
9. Managing project scope and change control and escalating issues where necessary.
10. Monitoring project progress and performance.
11. Providing status reports to the project sponsor.
12. Managing project training within the defined budget.
13. Liaison with, and updates progress to, project steering board/senior management.
14. Managing project evaluation and dissemination activities.
15. Managing consultancy input within the defined budget.
16. Final approval of the design specification.
17. Working closely with users to ensure the project meets business needs.
18. Definition and management of the User Acceptance Testing programme.
19. Identifying user training needs and devising and managing user training programmes.
PRODUCT OWNER
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(Agile Projects)
The Product Owner acts in the interests of the users of the product or the stakeholders of a project. Consequently, he is responsible for the success of the project and must prioritize the technical requirements of the project over the entire project period, adding new ones and discarding obsolete ones as necessary.
SCRUM MASTER
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(Agile Projects)
This person is responsible for ensuring that all processes are followed correctly. As a kind of moderator, he ensures that the team can communicate successfully, shields them from external disruptions, and helps with methodological issues. In short, his job is to eliminate obstacles preventing effective teamwork.
Each Scrum team working on a product should be no larger than five to ten people. Each team member should be goal-oriented and be able to work independently on their own tasks.
Last, but certainly not least, are stakeholders. Although they don’t have a central role within the Scrum process, considering their wishes and feedback is key for the project success. Stakeholders can be either a) the clients, b) the eventual end users, or c) the management of the corresponding project.
OTHER READING
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If you have enjoyed this you may like the following…
What should be included in Project Management?
https://www.adaptconsultingcompany.com/2023/01/05/what-should-be-included-in-project-management/
The Pros and Cons of having a methodology
https://www.adaptconsultingcompany.com/2023/01/04/the-pros-and-cons-of-having-a-methodology
Mediation, facilitation and team building
https://www.adaptconsultingcompany.com/2023/01/03/mediation-facilitation-and-team-building/
Why you need project assurance to look at your contract (and not just a lawyer)
https://www.adaptconsultingcompany.com/2023/01/02/why-you-need-project-assurance-to-look-at-your-contract-and-not-just-a-lawyer/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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An experienced Management Consultant and Project Manager, used to working with people and teams in complex legal, regulatory, and technical environments.
• Management Consultant MBA
• PostGrad International Compliance Association
• PostGrad EC Competition Law
• APMG Change Practitioner
• PRINCE2 Project Manager
• Data Protection Officer (GDPR Practitioner)
• International Coaching Federation ICF Trained Coach
• IoD UK Business Mentor
• Chartered Management Institute Tutor for Level 3,5 & 7
• Experienced team and change facilitator
I have more than 30 years’ experience delivering projects, programme and change and have gathered many tools, templates and tips for every type and scale of project. I love drinking coffee and exchanging ideas, so if you need anything please feel free to message me.
Follow me on a journey exploring new ideas and opportunities @timhjrogers #timhjrogers
Tim HJ Rogers
MBA Management Consultant + Change Practitioner
ICF Trained Coach, IoD Business Mentor, Mediator
PRINCE2 Agile-Scrum Projects, Programmes and PMO
Mob 447797762051 Tim@AdaptConsultingCompany.com
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REFERENCES AND RESOURCES
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Agile Roles & Responsibilities
https://www.bmc.com/blogs/agile-roles-responsibilities/
The 7 Scrum Artifacts: Definitions & Examples
https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/scrum-artifacts
About Agile
https://www.guru99.com/waterfall-vs-agile.html
About Waterfall and the leading approach to Waterfall which is PRINCE2
https://prince2.wiki/