Chapter 1. Frameworks: Choose Your Weapon

Every major achievement in human history—from building the Pyramids to launching a spaceship—required ==Project Management.== In the modern business world, a project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service. To succeed, you must first choose the right framework.

1. Waterfall vs. Agile: The Great Debate

Choosing a methodology is like choosing between a blueprint and a compass. One provides a fixed path; the other helps you navigate as you go.

Waterfall vs. Agile Comparison

Feature	Waterfall Model	Agile Methodology
Philosophy	Linear and Sequential	Iterative and Incremental
Planning	Completed upfront in detail	Continuous throughout the project
Flexibility	Low; changes are expensive	High; adapts to feedback quickly
Best For	Predictable, regulated industries	Fast-moving tech and startups

2. The Project Lifecycle (SDLC)

Regardless of the framework, most projects move through five fundamental stages.

Initiation

Defining the project goal, scope, and securing the budget

Planning

Creating a roadmap, identifying risks, and assigning tasks

Execution

Developing the product and performing the actual work

Monitoring

Tracking performance and ensuring everything stays on track

Closing

Handing over the deliverables and conducting a lessons-learned session

3. When to Pick Which?

There is no “One size fits all” in project management.

Use Waterfall if: The requirements are fixed, the technology is stable, and the project is highly regulated (e.g., Construction, Aerospace).
Use Agile if: The market is changing fast, the requirements are evolving, and the end product is digital (e.g., Software Development, Marketing Campaigns).
==Hybrid Approach==: Many modern organizations use a “Waterfall-Agile Hybrid,” using Waterfall for long-term budgeting and Agile for day-to-day execution.

Important

The Iron Triangle: Remember that every project is balanced by three constraints: Scope, Time, and Cost. If you change one, at least one other must be adjusted to maintain quality.

4. Conclusion: The Foundation of Execution

Frameworks are not religious doctrines; they are ==“Tools for Success.”== By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each, you can design a management process that empowers your team instead of suffocating them.

📚 Prof. Sean’s Selected Library

[A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)]: The global standard for project management terminology and concepts.
[The Phoenix Project] - Gene Kim: A novel about IT, DevOps, and helping your business win through Agile.
[Agile Estimating and Planning] - Mike Cohn: A practical look at how to manage uncertainty in fast-moving projects.

Next time, we will explore ‘Scope and Schedule Management’—learning how to break down complex goals into a manageable Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).