Project development: stages and methodologies for successful implementation

Each project is a unique event. Despite this, the processes of development and project management lend themselves to a certain standardization.

Some methodologies can be applied to all types of projects in different areas. Others are only suitable for managing specific projects.

Properly selected approaches and methods will ensure stability in the operation of the product, safety and stability of functional features. But, before we learn the features of the main management models, let's consider the stages of a typical project.

Stages of project development

Project development usually includes the following stages:

• – Definition of the strategy (description of the requirements, assessment of their implementation, budget and the possibility of performing work for customers on mutual terms).
• – Analysis (the study of certain functions, relationships and attributes).
• – Design (data collection).
• – Implementation (product development, team interaction to achieve goals).
• – Testing (product testing).
• – Implementation (product launch, customer testing).
• – Technical support (constant interaction with customers).

The alternation of stages can vary based on the selected model of the project development process.

When starting a new project, the manager must choose a way to communicate with all stakeholders. It is this decision, in the end, that will determine the future of the workflow and the efficiency of work.

There are many approaches to project development and management. Before making a choice, you need to clearly understand and evaluate each methodology, because they all imply different strategies that contribute to the successful implementation of the project.A well-chosen methodology is also the right management principles, teamwork and many other advantages.

Basic Project Management Methodologies

Methods of project development, like any business models, have their own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

In some, the main thing is the speed of project implementation. Others are focused on managing collaboration or covering the components of the project.

Here are the main methodologies that are popular:

• Waterfall (Waterfall model).
• Agile.
• Scrum.
• Lean.
• Kanban.
• Prince2.
• Six Sigma.

Each methodology deserves special attention, but especially often in the development environment you can hear the discussion "Waterfall vs. Agile".

These different development methods have been attracting attention for decades. They are different, but they are distinguished by the fact that both models do not lose relevance and are not going to give up their positions in the future.

Agile is an agile development and management model. The method is characterized by small cyclic changes that are implemented in response to changes in requirements.

Agile is usually chosen by startups or products with the field of innovative technologies, where it is important to get ahead of competitors and release the product faster.

Here are some interesting sources where you can learn more about what Agile is:

The cascade (waterfall) model is characterized by consistency. It's basically demand-driven.

Waterfall is most suitable for life support projects, where any mistake can lead to serious consequences.

Here you can read about the effectiveness of Waterfall:

How to choose a methodology for development

A properly chosen development model will provide an effective step-by-step guide to the work.

How to choose the right model?

1. Focus on the result. Visualizing the results and benefits you plan to achieve will help bring you closer to choosing the right development method.

2. Evaluate the team. It is important to know its strengths and weaknesses. This will also help you find the best approach.

3. Consider the entire project. Analyze the project timeline, its limitations, the tools needed, and all those involved.

Remember that even if a certain method seems like the right solution, it may not always work. Or it may require adjustments in the future.

Conclusion

Even a properly selected development methodology does not guarantee the successful completion of the project.

When choosing one approach or another, it is important to consider different aspects of the product and the characteristics of the team. You can combine models. The main thing, through trials and trials, is to find the most optimal approach to solve the problems of your business.