The Water-Scrum-Fall Method

Note: This was originally posted in a discussion as part of a Boston University Metropolitan College graduate-level course in Project Management with Professor Richard Maltzman.

In practice, hybrid models are quite common in project management, especially in software development. The most popular hybrid model is the combination of the Waterfall and the Agile Scrum methodologies, known as the ‘Water-Scrum-Fall’ method (Jabar et al, 2017). In the Water-Scrum-Fall method, early phases of planning are done in a traditional Waterfall process. However, once the software development begins, the team pivots to a Scrum process (Wysocki and Orłowski, 2019).

This hybrid approach combines the flexibility, value focus and efficiency of Agile with the planning and preparation of Waterfall. While Agile brings value to the final product, Waterfall brings key project management value in determining the budget, obtaining financing and reducing risk. (Wysocki and Orłowski, 2019).

The two approaches compliment each other quite well, and in the Water-Scrum-Fall Method, the two are leveraged to effectively plan, while still allowing a flexible, iterative execution.

Hybrid methodologies are a growing trend, regardless of organization size or industry. From 2016 to 2017, the use of the pure Scrum methodology decreased by as much as 50% (Wysocki and Orłowski, 2019).

Regardless of the chosen methodology, it must be tailored to fit the team culture, goals and work. Agile, Waterfall and hybrid methods have great benefits, but there is no one right way (Jabar et al, 2017).

References

Fair, J. (2012). Agile versus Waterfall: approach is right for my ERP project? Paper presented at PMI® Global Congress 2012—EMEA, Marsailles, France. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute. Retrieved September 24, 2020 from: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/agile-versus-waterfall-approach-erp-project-6300

Jabar, M., Ali, N., Jusoh, Y., Abdullah, S., Mohanarajah, S. and Nawi, N. (2017, December 07). Agile Methodologies and The Use of Its Waterscrumfall Derivative For Software Project Development. Acta informatica Malaysia. Vol.1 (2), p.11-12. Retrieved September 24, 2020 from: https://actainformaticamalaysia.com/archives/AIM/2aim2017/2aim2017-11-12.pdf

Wysocki, W. and Orłowski, C. (2019). A multi-agent model for planning hybrid software processes.

Procedia computer science. Vol.159, p.1688-1697. Retrieved September 24, 2020 from: https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/pii/S1877050919315406