The development of software is just the tip of the iceberg – at least in thoughtfully planned projects. The whole process of software’s preparation, design, and implementation should be adjusted to a particular development model. How to choose the best fitting one?
Every well-executed development process requires preparation. Investing time in software development without research, risk assessment, and planning, even if the idea has great potential, is not something that occurs nowadays – even in small-scale companies. In the competitive market, every phase of the project can be crucial for the final result. What facilitates success is a well-adjusted methodology that increases the efficiency of the work and speeds up the progress without compromising on quality.
Choosing a software development model – what to take into account?
Most organisations have their favorite models that they usually use when preparing projects on both smaller and larger scales. However, sticking to one model, no matter how effective it turned out to be in the past, is not necessarily the best solution. It is worth to have a flexible approach and stay open to innovation in the field of software development project management. The reason is simple – every project is different.
When deciding on a particular project management structure, take into account the following aspects:
- the size of the project;
- the size of the company;
- the deadline (does the client prefer to receive the final result or divide the project into various stages with deadlines);
- the complexity of the project (is it multidisciplinary, does it require particular attention to details, and so on)
- the level of control that the client wants to have over the project;
- your team’s preferences and predispositions;
- past experiences with particular methodologies.
Getting familiar with the characteristics of each methodology and comparing it with the aspects of your project mentioned above will allow you to make the best decision possible. Remember that once you implement one development model, switching to another is very challenging, creates delays and inconsistencies.
Software development models – which to choose?
Among the most popular project methodologies, there are:
- agile: scrum
- SDLC methodologies: waterfall model, verification and validation model
- iterative development: incremental model, spiral model, rup sdlc methodology, prince2, critical path
- kanban
- extreme programming
Each one finds various uses in project management in many sectors of the market.
