Waterfall methodology, explained

Summary

This video offers a clear guide on planning and managing a project using the Waterfall methodology, focusing on scenarios with defined scope, resources, and deadlines. The process begins by identifying thematic clusters like guest management, catering, and music for an event (e.g., a birthday party). From there, milestones and actionable steps are defined, and realistic timelines are created. The video emphasizes the importance of accountability and careful planning to ensure project success, with flexibility in execution as long as scope, resources, and deadlines remain unchanged.

Takeaways

• 😀 Waterfall methodology is ideal for projects with a clear scope, known resources, and a set deadline.
• 😀 Agile methodology is not recommended in scenarios where the project's scope is clear and resources are fixed.
• 😀 Start by breaking the project into thematic clusters (e.g., guest management, catering, music for a birthday party).
• 😀 Define clear milestones for each cluster to mark the achievement of specific goals.
• 😀 Break down each milestone into actionable steps that have clear, binary completion criteria (e.g., 'Was it done?' Yes or No).
• 😀 Use a practical rule of thumb: break down tasks to a level where you can confidently say whether they are completed or not.
• 😀 Estimate realistic durations for each task, factoring in external influences like delivery times for physical mail.
• 😀 Arrange tasks in a logical sequence and identify dependencies to understand the project's timeline.
• 😀 Check if the estimated project timeline fits the deadline and adjust tasks or resources if needed.
• 😀 Assign a responsible person (accountable person) to each task or cluster to ensure the project stays on track.
• 😀 Flexibility is allowed in Waterfall planning, but changes are limited to scope, resources, and deadlines.

Q & A

What is the main methodology recommended for project planning when the scope and resources are clear?

The main methodology recommended is Waterfall, especially when the scope is clear, resources are limited or known, and there is a fixed deadline. Agile is more suitable for scenarios with uncertain scope or flexible resources.

How do you begin planning a project using the Waterfall methodology?

Start by defining the project's scope and breaking it down into clusters or categories. For example, in a birthday party, clusters could include guest management, catering, and music.

What are milestones in the context of project planning?

Milestones are key achievements within each cluster that indicate progress. They are defined as concrete goals that, once achieved, show that a particular cluster has been completed. For example, all drinks are available at the party.

How do you define the steps required to achieve a milestone?

You break down the milestone into specific, actionable tasks or steps. These could include tasks like drafting and finalizing invitations, proofreading, translating, or ensuring invitations are sent and received.

What is the recommended level of granularity when breaking down tasks?

The tasks should be broken down to a level where you can clearly say 'yes, it was done' or 'no, it was not done.' For example, instead of saying 'invitations are handled,' specify something like 'invitations were translated into English.'

Why is it important to think about the time it takes for each step in a project?

It’s important because you need to understand how long each task will take in real time, not just in terms of effort. This includes considering external factors like delivery times for physical invitations or other dependencies.

What should you do if the project timeline doesn't fit the deadline?

If you realize the project will miss its deadline, you can either renegotiate the deadline or adjust the plan by removing less critical tasks or speeding up certain processes.

What is the role of accountability in project planning?

Each task or cluster should have an accountable person who ensures that the task is completed within the timeline. If no one else is assigned, the project manager takes on that responsibility.

Can the Waterfall plan be flexible after it's created?

Yes, the Waterfall plan can be adjusted, but the scope, resources, and timeline must remain the same. Changes can be made to the structure as long as the project stays within the agreed parameters.

What is the final step after planning the project?

Once the project is planned, you execute the plan while monitoring progress. Regular check-ins with accountable persons can help ensure that the project stays on track and adjustments can be made if necessary.