When the Waterfall Approach is the Right Choice

One of the first decisions in project management is choosing the right delivery approach. While agile and hybrid methods have become popular, there are still many situations where the predictive (waterfall) approach is the best choice. This approach, recognized in the PMBOK, relies on detailed upfront planning and execution in sequential phases. It may not allow for frequent changes, but it provides something equally important—clarity, stability, and control.

Table of Contents

• When the Predictive Approach Works Best

• Why Use This Approach?

• Action Step

• Final Thought

When the Predictive Approach Works Best

• Stable scope: When the objectives and deliverables are clearly defined at the start.

• Strict compliance requirements: In industries where documentation, audits, and approvals are essential, such as construction, healthcare, or manufacturing.

• Complex coordination: Large projects with many stakeholders and dependencies benefit from a structured, step-by-step model.

• Low tolerance for change: When frequent adjustments could disrupt schedules, budgets, or safety requirements.

📌 For example, large-scale facility upgrades or the construction of a new building work best when managed with detailed upfront planning and a structured process.

Why Use This Approach?

• It creates clear expectations for stakeholders from the beginning.

• Progress can be measured against baselines for time, cost, and scope.

• It ensures accountability and documentation, which are often critical for compliance and safety.

Action Step

Before deciding on your project delivery approach, ask yourself:

1. Is the scope well-defined and unlikely to change?

2. Are compliance and documentation a major priority?

3. Would changes in direction create high risks or costs?

If the answer to these questions is “yes,” the predictive (waterfall) approach is likely the best fit.

Final Thought

The predictive approach is not outdated—it’s dependable. For projects where stability, compliance, and structure matter most, waterfall provides the framework to deliver with confidence.

Thank you for reading! I’ll see you next Saturday. If there’s a specific topic you’d like me to cover, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.