Question

Discuss project considerations along with SDLC methodologies for implementing projects. Be sure to include some advantages and disadvantages of each methodology. Provide an example that would favorably employ one of the methodologies discussed.

Answer 1

SDLC is basically software development lifecycle. It defines the path through which a software project flows, from its inception to the implementation of the developed software. SDLC methodologies can be used to manage projects taken by a business effectively.

Some of SDLC models used by businesses are:

• Waterfall model:
  • Defines the sequential flow of project
  • A new stage of product development can start only when the last stage has been finished completely
  • Iterations are not facilitated in this model
  • Advantages:
    • Quite easy to implement
    • Each stage of project development has specific deliverables
  • Disadvantages:
    • Project iterations are impossible
    • Not a flexible methodology
• Agile model
  • Iterative and incremental development of project is facilitated
  • Incorporation of change is quite easy in this model
  • Advantages:
    • Project development can be done quite easily
    • Quite flexible methodology
  • Disadvantages:
    • Scalability of the project is not facilitated
    • Usability of the components gets reduced due to incremental releases
• Spiral model
  • Combination of both top down and bottom up product development concepts
  • Product designing and prototyping gets facilitate stage-wise
  • Used for large, complex projects
  • Advantages:
    • Risk analysis and management is quite comprehensive
    • Project estimation of budget and timeline is easy
  • Disadvantages:
    • Quite a time consuming methodology
    • Resource and capital investment is quite costly

Lets consider this example: Microsoft is a product based company which develops various products to facilitate the needs and requirements of the customers. It generally uses the scrum agile methodology. The reason being that the products of the company are incrementally released i.e. first Version 1.0 is released. Based on feedback of customers and new requirements, changes are done on the existing version and Version 1.1 gets released. In such product based companies, product development is a continuous process so as to accommodate the dynamically changing requirements of the clients and customers.