Waterfall And Agile SDLCs

Waterfall And Agile Sdlcs

There are two system development life cycle (SDLC) methodologies that can be used by WeLoveVideo, Inc. to create its customer relationship management (CRM) system. The two methodologies are waterfall and agile SDLC. The waterfall method is cascade system development life cycle that resembles the flow since it has processes that move step by step through the stages of analysis, projecting, realization, testing, implementation, and support (Osetskyi, 2017). On the other hand, agile method takes iterative method when it comes to software development. All planning in agile is not carried out upfront and it focuses on being lean (Upwork, n.d.).

There are five typical phases in the entire systems project. These are planning and requirement analysis, designing project architecture, development and programming, testing, and deployment. The CRM system project has many stakeholders and the stakeholders have got different requirements. These stakeholders are top management (require enhanced customer experience), marketing managers (require good tracking of marketing budget), customers (ease of navigation and guided help), retail/call center/field agents (require ease of navigation and high speed), and partners and dealers (require self-care functionality) (Infosys, n.d.). Both agile and waterfall methods have pros and cons.

The best method that should be used by the organization in the development of CRM system is the waterfall method. Some of the attributes in WeLoveVideo, Inc that dictate the recommendation are; the organization is urgently in need of a CRM, WeLoveVideo, Inc would prefer a project that is not costly, and the company would like a system that is client-oriented. Waterfall method does not take a long time compared to agile method. Also, waterfall method is not costly. References Infosys. (n.d.). Customer relationship management. Retrieved from Osetskyi. (2017). SDLC models explained: Agile, waterfall, V-Shaped, iterative, spiral. Retrieved from Upwork. (n.d.). Agile vs. Waterfall: A side-by-side comparison. Retrieved from

Paper For Above instruction

Operations management plays a critical role in the success of companies like WeLoveVideo, Inc., especially in projects involving system development life cycles (SDLC). It ensures that resources are utilized efficiently, processes are optimized, and project milestones are achieved on time and within budget. Effective operations management aligns technological initiatives with strategic business goals, facilitating smooth development, deployment, and maintenance of systems such as CRM. Given the diverse stakeholder requirements and the urgent need for a CRM system, operational efficiency is vital for delivering a high-quality product that meets user expectations and enhances customer satisfaction.

In the context of WeLoveVideo, Inc., applying sound operations management principles can streamline processes such as requirements analysis, project planning, resource allocation, and quality control. For example, choosing between waterfall and agile methodologies requires assessing operational capabilities and constraints. The waterfall approach, characterized by linear phases, is suitable when project requirements are well-understood and unlikely to change significantly. Its simplicity and cost-effectiveness are advantageous for organizations seeking quick, reliable results without extensive iterative cycles.

Conversely, agile development emphasizes flexibility, continuous feedback, and iterative progress—making it well-suited for projects where requirements may evolve or are not fully understood upfront. Effective operations management in an agile environment involves managing cross-functional teams, maintaining backlog prioritization, and ensuring rapid deployment of functional components. In WeLoveVideo's case, the urgent need and clear scope favor a waterfall approach, enabling rapid, cost-effective implementation while minimizing operational complexity.

Furthermore, operations management should address capacity planning, supply chain coordination, and stakeholder communication. Proper scheduling minimizes bottlenecks and ensures deliverables align with strategic deadlines. For instance, resource bottlenecks during analysis or development phases can cause delays and inflate costs. Implementing robust project management tools, such as Gantt charts or Kanban boards, helps visualize workflows and facilitates proactive problem resolution.

Quality assurance (QA) is another critical aspect managed within operations. Establishing clear quality standards, testing protocols, and defect management procedures ensures the CRM system functions reliably once deployed. In waterfall projects, QA is typically performed after development, whereas in agile, continuous testing occurs throughout. Given the project's urgency and resource considerations, a structured test plan integrated into the development cycle guarantees timely identification and correction of issues.

Additionally, operations management involves risk mitigation—anticipating potential project disruptions such as scope creep, technological challenges, or vendor issues. Developing contingency plans and maintaining open communication channels with stakeholders can mitigate these risks, ensuring project continuity. For WeLoveVideo, stakeholder engagement, especially with top management and end-users, is vital for aligning expectations and adapting to unforeseen changes.

To further improve operations, implementing process improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma can identify inefficiencies and reduce waste. For example, streamlining documentation processes or automating routine tasks can accelerate project phases and reduce costs. Continuous process evaluation also supports future technology implementations, fostering organizational learning and resilience.

In summary, operations management is fundamental to ensuring the successful development and implementation of WeLoveVideo’s CRM system. It encompasses resource planning, process optimization, quality assurance, risk management, and stakeholder coordination—all tailored to match the project's scope, urgency, and organizational priorities. Effective operations management not only facilitates project success but also provides a foundation for ongoing technological advancements, customer satisfaction, and competitive advantage.

References

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