A development approach is a method used to create and develop a product, service, or result throughout the project life cycle. There are various development approaches, including predictive, hybrid, and adaptive. The predictive approach is best when the project and product requirements can be defined and collected at the start of the project. This approach is also known as the waterfall approach and is often used when there is a significant investment involved and a high level of risk. The scope, schedule, cost, resource needs, and risks can be well-defined in the early phases of the project life cycle and tend to be stable. This approach allows the project team to reduce uncertainty early on and do much of the planning upfront.
The hybrid approach is a combination of the predictive and adaptive approaches and is useful when there is uncertainty or risk around the requirements. This approach is also useful when deliverables can be modularized or developed by different project teams. The hybrid approach often uses an iterative or incremental development approach. An iterative approach is useful for clarifying requirements and investigating options, and an incremental approach is used to produce a deliverable through a series of iterations, each adding functionality within a predetermined time frame.
The adaptive approach is used when the project and product requirements are not fully known or understood at the start of the project. This approach is best when there is a high level of uncertainty and when requirements are expected to change frequently. The adaptive approach is also known as the agile approach and is focused on rapid iteration and constant adaptation to change. This approach is best when working with a customer or end-user who is closely involved in the project and can provide ongoing feedback.
In summary, the appropriate development approach will depend on the specific needs and characteristics of the project and product. The predictive approach is best when requirements can be defined and collected at the start of the project, the hybrid approach is useful when there is uncertainty around the requirements and deliverables can be modularized. The adaptive approach is best when there is a high level of uncertainty and a need for rapid iteration and constant adaptation to change.
Key concepts:
- A Development approach is a method used to create and develop a product, service, or result throughout the project life cycle.
- A Predictive approach is a development approach that is useful when the project and product requirements can be defined, collected, and analyzed at the start of the project. This approach is also known as the waterfall approach and is often used when there is a significant investment involved and a high level of risk.
- A Hybrid approach is a development approach that is a combination of the predictive and adaptive approaches. It is useful when there is uncertainty or risk around the requirements and when deliverables can be modularized or developed by different project teams.
- An Adaptive approach is a development approach that is used when the project and product requirements are not fully known or understood at the start of the project. This approach is also known as the agile approach and is focused on rapid iteration and constant adaptation to change. It is best when working with a customer or end-user who is closely involved in the project and can provide ongoing feedback.
- An Iterative approach is a development approach that is useful for clarifying requirements and investigating options. It may produce sufficient capability to be considered acceptable prior to the final iteration.
- An Incremental approach is a development approach that is used to produce a deliverable through a series of iterations, each adding functionality within a predetermined time frame. The deliverable contains the capability to be considered as completed only after the final iteration.