Agile or Waterfall - depends on your approach & requirements in Business Analysis

Agile and Waterfall are the methodologies of SDLC. SDLC stands for Software Development Life Cycle. SDLC is a structured process used to develop high quality software in a systematic manner. It defines the phases involved in building software from planning to maintenance. The 4 SDLC methodologies are: Sequential (Waterfall), Iterative, Evolutionary, Agile. 1) Sequential – it is also known as traditional approach. The Sequential (waterfall) methodology follows a step-by-step approach. Each phase of the project must be completed before moving to the next phase. Once a phase is completed it is difficult to make changes. 2) Iterative – In this method, the software is developed in multiple iterations like versions. Each iteration improves the version by adding new features and enhancements. It has RUP (Rotational Unified Process) Model. 3) Evolutionary – Initially, this model develops a sample version i.e. Prototypes. Stakeholders or clients will review this prototype and gives feedback. This prototype is then refined until the final system is ready. 4) Agile – It develops a software in small increments, this is also known as sprints. Each sprint Delivers action or working part or feature of the system. In this methodology, it consists of Scrum model. Agile and Waterfall are the most used and best methodologies for business analysis. Waterfall is the model for Sequential methodology and Scrum is the model for the Agile methodology. In Development approach aspect waterfall follows linear and sequential approach while Agile follows Iterative and Incremental approach. Waterfall is less adaptable to changes after project initiation like the changes can be costly. While Agile embraces changes throughout the development process. In waterfall methodology, it will contain a detailed planning at the project’s start and changes may be discouraged. In Agile methodology, it consists of Incremental planning like it welcomes and accommodates the changes and also it revisits the planning regularly. In Waterfall methodology, entire system will be developed and delivered at the end of the project but in Agile methodology, software will be delivered in small or functional increments i.e. Iterations or sprints. In Waterfall methodology, the client involvement will be limited during the development phase and more at the beginning and end stage of the project. While in Agile methodology, there will be frequent client collaboration throughout the development process. In the aspect of documentation, Waterfall methodology is generally detailed and formal structure, while the Agile methodology is maintained the documentation, but the focus is more on working software and collaboration. In Waterfall, testing is usually done after development of the system while in Agile, testing is performed continuously during each iteration. In waterfall methodology, Business Analyst will follow an approach to develop a service or application i.e. like Planning, gathering the requirements, requirement analysis, Designing stage, Development stage, Testing stage, Deployment stage and UAT & Sign Off stage. It won’t allow the changes i.e. Change requests during the project because it takes a huge process to accept like it has to be gathered, analyzed, prepare mockups and take approvals and more on. While in Agile, BA will be going to act as Product owner, they will be going to convert those requirements into user stories, epics and creates product backlog and Sprint backlogs and following the updates from the teams through Scrum ceremonies during the entire project. It allows the changes even in development stage. And tracks the progress of the product development through Sprint burndown and burnup and product burndown and burnup charts. While coming to the part of choosing best Methodology for Business Analysis, each methodology has its different aspects in approaching to the solution for business, so it depends on the aspects like stakeholder availability, resources availability, business requirements and many more. Waterfall Methodology will be suitable when the requirements are stable and informed while gathering and Agile methodology will be suitable when the requirements are frequently changing due to their business needs. By considering several aspects in business analysis, we can choose Agile (Scrum) Methodology is the best methodology in Business Analysis.