Will Agile replace the Waterfall methodology?

Question

Seeing how Agile is very successful in software projects, and the constant talks about implementing Agile in non-software projects, do you think that the end of Waterfall is near, and that Agile will, sooner or later, replace the waterfall methodology?

Answer 1

I think people are starting to forget the essence of project management: getting the project done on time, on budget, and on scope, regardless of the methodology.

Now about your question on Agile replacing Waterfall, there are many sectors, such as the construction, where the current project management methodology is tested and proven, and I don't think using another methodology will make things better. Agile excels in projects where requirements are fluid (they change all the time), and there are some uncertainties about the shape of the final product (e.g. how would the final product look like). There are many industries that don't have these unknowns, where the requirements are very clear, and where the final product can and will be exactly as the initially planned product. In this case, applying Agile does not makes sense, and may create an unnecessary overhead.

Comments

I agree.
The usage of agile methodology can't fully replace waterfall as it is not perfectly suitable for big projects for big client - lack of possibility on making one-man decisions is a problem. After signing a big contract covering functionality, requirements (on both sides) a single lady on client side can't say: "Hey, maybe it would be better to make it work that way instead".
What's more, we should keep in mind that waterfall allows some changes, even big ones, but only after being approved by the board. Therefore, not every project that has some minor changes duping execution should be considered agile.
Also, in real life we can often see a situation where team tries desperatly to hold on to waterfall because of time or money control. Client changing mind can be a problem here, but of course it can be regulated by proper contract

Answer 2

No. There are good places for both. There are some projects in which Agile is best suited, and there are places where a non-agile approach is best suited.

While there are possibilities to take a more waterfall process and make it iterative, I believe that waterfall or methods like waterfall will continue to exist.
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