
Limitations of the waterfall method
The waterfall method is a structured approach to Practitioner project managementSee course that follows a linear sequence of phases. However, it has some limitations.
Limited flexibility for changes
The structured approachFoundation certificate holders who want to progress to the Practitioner level. of waterfall can make changes challenging once a phase is completed. This rigidity can lead to difficulties in adapting to new requirements, costly revisions if requirements change mid-project and can inhibit creativity and innovation during the development process.
Delayed feedback and product validationAgilePM Foundation V3
The linear nature of the waterfall methodology means that user feedback and validation of the product often come late in the process. This delay can result in missed opportunities to address market needs, reduced chances of early validation of the product and increased risk of developing features that users don’t want.
Potential for longer delivery times2 days or 20 hours
Waterfall methodology can result in longer delivery times due to the extensive upfront planning. This approach can lead to delays in delivering working software to end-users and slower time-to-market compared to more iterative approaches.
Challenges with customer collaborationInstructor-led, self-paced
Waterfall may present obstacles by restricting customer collaboration after the requirements phase. This can lead to limited stakeholder input and a potential mismatch between the final product and the evolving needs of the customer.
Risk of late-stage issues and reworkAgilePM Practitioner exam
The linear progression2.5 hours, scenario-based may result in:
Waterfall vs Agile methods
Waterfall and Agile methods are the most popular software development techniques. To decide which one is best for you, it’s important to understand their main differences. So, let’s compare two methods based on the most important aspects: AgilePM Foundation holders or experienced project managers who want to apply AgilePM in realistic project scenarios and complex environments.
Key differences in approach
Career path example None:
| Waterfall 5 day or 43 hours | Agile |
| Linear, sequential Request a quoteInstructor-led, self-paced | Iterative, incremental |
| Fixed scope Both exams included | Flexible scope[email protected] |
| Long-term planning Includes both exams | Short-term planning +44 (0)207 148 5985 |
| Comprehensive documentationCoursesBoth certificates | Minimal documentationPROJECT MANAGEMENT |
Flexibility and adaptabilityPRINCE2Combined
Waterfall®Still not sure which course is right for you?
- Rigid structure with defined phasesFoundation See our quick guide
- Difficult to accommodate changes once a phase is completeLearn the fundamentals of the PRINCE2 method. or
- Best for Practitioner chat with an advisorprojectsIncludes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.Choose how you learn with stable requirements.Association for Project Management (APM) AgilePM training is available as live online classes or self-paced e-learning, with the option of private courses for teams needing a shared agile project approach.
AgileProject Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) Instructor-led
- Highly flexible, embracing change throughout the projectStart your APM project management career.
- Adapts easily to evolving requirementsProject Management Qualification (PMQ) Live teaching from AgilePM experts
- Suitable for projects in dynamic environments.Advance your APM project management expertise.Group discussions and real examples
Customer involvement and feedbackProject Risk Single Certificate Level 1 Fixed dates to complete quickly
WaterfallEnhance your project risk management skills.
- Limited customer involvement after initial requirements gatheringAgilePM
- Feedback primarily at project completion.®View course dates
Agile – Agile Project Management
- Continuous customer collaboration throughout the projectFoundation Self-paced online
- Regular feedback and adjustments based on customer input.Learn the key principles of Agile Project Management.
Team structure and collaborationPractitioner Learn anytime on any device
WaterfallIncludes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.Pause and resume around work
- Hierarchical team structurePRINCE2Includes quizzes and exercises
- Specialised roles with limited cross-functional work.®
Agile Agile
- Self-organising, cross-functional teamsFoundation View enrol options
- Emphasises collaboration and shared responsibility.Learn the fundamentals of the PRINCE2 Agile method.
Risk management and quality controlPractitioner Corporate / team training
WaterfallIncludes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.
- Upfront risk identification and mitigation planningAI Project Governance Framework (AIPGF)Align teams on one approach
- Quality control primarily at project end.Foundation Use your own project examples
AgileLearn the fundamentals of the governance framework.Flexible scheduling for teams
- Continuous risk assessment and mitigationPractitioner
- Ongoing quality control through regular testing and reviews.Includes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.
making it well-suited for projects with well-defined requirements and stable environments. ™ AgileFoundation All AgilePM courses include accredited training and the APMG exam, helping you gain a recognised AgilePM certification. offers flexibility and adaptability, making it ideal for projects with evolving requirements or uncertain outcomes. The decision to use Learn the fundamentals of Better Business cases.Enrol on an AgilePM coursewaterfall or AgilePractitioner Choose your preferred delivery format and course option below. All options include accredited training and the official exam. depends on several factors, such as project complexity, team dynamics, and organisational culture.Includes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.
When to use the waterfall methodP3OChoose delivery format:
Agile methodologies® have become popular in recent years, but the waterfall approach still has its place in certain situations. Let’s explore how and when waterfall can be successfully used.Foundation
Projects with well-defined requirementsLearn the fundamentals of the P3O project management office.Instructor-led
This methodology works best when:Practitioner
- Requirements are known and unlikely to changeIncludes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.
- Stakeholders have a clear vision of the desired outcomeWorkshopsSelf-paced
- The scope of the project is well-defined from the beginning.Introduction to Project Management
Industries with strict regulatory compliance1-day workshop to learn the basics of project management.Choose course option:
Regulated industriesProject Management Essentials such as healthcare and medical device development, aerospace and defence and financial services with strict compliance requirements often adopt the waterfall methodology. These fields often require extensive documentation and adherence to specific protocols.2-day workshop to learn how to manage projects without getting certified.
Large-scale, complex projects with fixed timelinesWriting Business Cases Foundation
Waterfall is often used for large projects that have many interconnected components, lengthy development cycles and strict deadlines and budget constraints. Infrastructure projects or large-scale enterprise-wide system implementations are examples of projects where waterfall is often used.Half-day workshop to learn to write robust business cases.
Projects with limited customer involvement during developmentAI in Project Management
Projects that don’t need much customer involvement during the projectLearn how to use AI tools in everyday project work.Practitioner
Waterfall can be used when:ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
- The only customer interaction is at the start and finishBCS AI
- Little or no user involvement is required in the development cycleFoundation Combined
- The needs of the user are clear and stable.Learn the fundamentals of artificial intellegence.
This method is effective when requirements are well understood upfront and do not change over time, as it follows a AI Project Governance Framework (AIPGF) linear approachFoundation 08 Jun - 10 Jun.Learn the fundamentals of the governance framework.
Selecting waterfall for appropriate projects can lead to timely execution and successful project delivery. However, it’s important to carefully evaluate project characteristics and organisational requirements before adopting this methodology. When applied judiciously, waterfall offers a structured framework for managing complex projects with predictable outcomes.Practitioner AgilePM Foundation course (Online)
Waterfall best practices Scrum
To enhance the success rate of waterfall project management, consider the following best practices: Scrum Essentials AgilePM Practitioner (with Foundation) course (Online)
Thorough requirements gathering and documentation Self-paced training course to learn the essentials of Scrum.
To set a solid foundation for the project, gather and document all requirements comprehensively. This includes conducting detailed stakeholder interviews, creating a comprehensive functional specification, develop clear and measurable acceptance criteria and utilise formal sign-off processes for requirements documentation. Scrum Master £1,699
Effective communication and stakeholder management Choose Scrum Alliance or Scrum.org Scrum Master training courses.
£2,099
Enrol now
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- 11 Jun - 12 Jun
- AgilePM Practitioner course (Online)
- £1,299
- Enrol now
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- Business Analysis Learning Library (BALL)™13 Jul - 15 Jul
- CHANGE MANAGEMENT
- APMG Change ManagementAgilePM Foundation course (Online)
Foundation
- Learn the fundamentals of enterprise change management. £1,299
- Practitioner
Includes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.£1,599
PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT MSPEnrol now® Foundation Learn the fundamentals of programme management.
- Practitioner
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FAQsp>The combined
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Can waterfall and agile methodologies be combined? Select your preferred training course below:
Yes, hybrid approaches exist that blend elements of both methodologies to suit specific project requirements and team preferences.
How long does a typical waterfall project take?16 Jul - 17 Jul APM COURSES
Project duration can vary widely, from a few months to several years, depending on the scope, complexity, and resources available. Select your preferred training course below:
What are the biggest challenges in waterfall project management?AgilePM Practitioner course (Online)
Challenges include handling changes and late-stage issues, maintaining stakeholder engagement, and ensuring that requirements are accurately captured and understood from the outset. AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT COURSES


