Agile Methodology Pros and Cons

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Agile Methodology Pros and Cons

Sometimes a project requires a sequential design that is followed to get the job done. At other times, however, a more incremental approach is required. That’s at the core of Agile Methodology. It offers a simple design for a project, with workers then putting in “sprints” of work in various increments. At the end of each work session, the priorities for the project are evaluated once again and some tests might be run to see how effective the work has been.

Is Agile Methodology the right course of action for your next project? Here is a look at the pros and cons of this structure.

The Pros of Agile Methodology

It allows for changes to be made.
One of the main benefits of Agile Methodology is the fact that it is very flexible. This is because the collaboration that is incorporated within this design is focused on the principles of the work being done. The process can be quickly changed because the process is not being expressly dictated.

It provides a more precise result.
Because there are working periods that are followed by evaluation periods, there is the chance for more feedback to be put into any project. This includes feedback from the customer or client so that they can get the results they really want. As time goes on, technology or industry advancements can also be easily incorporated after a working session.

It allows for a faster launching cycle.
Agile Methodology requires extensive testing after each working session, which means errors can be located immediately instead of at the end of the entire development cycle. This means that products or services can be launched immediately after completion because testing has happened at every point along the way instead of only at the end.

The Cons of Agile Methodology

It requires vast amounts of organization.
For Agile Methodology to work correctly, a project manager who is highly organized is required to oversee the work being done. If the supervisor isn’t on point and keeping to the mandated schedule, it is very likely for projects using this methodology to be delivered late and over budget because people will work only when they feel like working.

The end results can be unanticipated.
Agile Methodology doesn’t have a definitive plan of action, which means the direction a project will go is dependent on the workers creating a plan as they work instead of following a plan that is already in place. This means clients might not receive what they want because the outcome was very different than what was initially anticipated.

There is often a reduction in the quality of the work being done.
In Agile Methodology, speed is emphasized over quality. This means that work can typically be done in a short amount of time when proper supervision is present, but the quality of the work may ultimately be questionable, even though there is extensive testing involved in the process.

Agile Methodology has its place in the working world, especially when a client was to have a hands-on approach to a project. Is this the right approach to take with your team, business, or career? Weigh these pros and cons and you’ll be able to use this methodology when it seems most appropriate.