Assume a project is run strictly phase-by-phase in fixed order (plan-driven), so e.g. design must be fully complete before implementation begins and finished phases cannot be changed. What advantages and disadvantages arise from deviating to a flexible/agile approach, and would a project manager, a customer, and a developer each prefer the plan-driven or the flexible variant — and why?
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Answer
- Agile gains: accommodate changing requirements, earlier feedback/working software, overlap phases instead of 100% completion gates.
- Plan-driven gains: plannability, predictability, clear phase separation, traceability, fewer surprises.
- Project manager weighs plannability/budget control vs. flexibility; customer values early feedback and adaptability; developer values freedom and avoiding costly early-phase mistakes.
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