A lot of people assume that only new projects ought to switch to Agile. That’s not necessarily accurate. Switching a failing waterfall project can inject new life into a project, giving it a chance for success. Moving to agile has both long-term and short-term advantages.
Long-term advantages
Long-term advantages contain increased project awareness for new team members, restored confidence in the original project idea, along with the inclusion of clear and present organization essential design requirements that had been not evident at the project inception and therefore fell out of scope.
Even though waterfall projects fail for numerous factors, there’s a direct correlation between failed projects and overall project timescale. Part of the reason for this is that lengthy projects typically see a fair level of staff turnover. New team members may possibly not realize the original project or might have in no way been totally integrated when coming onboard. After a particular time period, even the original team members have difficulty maintaining a clear view of project goals, regardless of how well they had been articulated at the onset of the project. Switching a failing project from a waterfall-based type of project management to agile techniques gives organizations the opportunity to review project objectives, analyze past performance, and refresh the project team’s understanding.
Short-term Positive aspects
There are clear short-term advantages in switching to agile. As expenses rise and no deliverables are produced, failing projects often fall under the critical eye of top-level management. A switch to agile enables a project to begin producing recognizable outcomes in the short term. This will aid to raise the falling opinion and remind the organisation of the initial perceived value of the project.
A switch to agile is especially advantageous when a project is struggling to pass the test and review stage. The agile method is specifically suitable in this scenario as it inherently promotes quick turnaround, fast response, and instant solutions.
For a project with an out-of-control budget, switching to agile will enable for tighter financial control across the significantly smaller agile iterations. When planning a far-reaching waterfall project, budget is usually calculated incorrectly, as it is almost impossible to foresee each and every feasible future problem. Agile, on the other hand, allows for shorter budgeting periods, clearer indication of future budget requirements and tighter controls on overspending.
Conclusion
Waterfall projects often bog down when plans don’t match reality. Switching these failing projects over to agile can yield both immediate rewards and long-term improvements. The implementation of the agile methodology, which includes its iterative approach to software development, enables a failing project team to swiftly revisit and redevelop issue project areas as needed. This single benefit alone is frequently sufficient to save the project, as results regardless of how tiny are deemed preferable to no results at all.