Project Life Cycle ~ Agile and Waterfall

Greetings Dear Reader,

In the project management world there are two basic approaches which both have value.  The waterfall approach cascades a series of step to completion of a project. If is focused on a series of predefined requirements, a plan or schedule, and those guide the project.  The agile approach focuses on the needs of those who will use the end result.  It is more about what is to be accomplished than the demands of the predefined requirements. 

Both are effective.  One can argue over which is better but a true project manager will agree that there is a proper use of both depending on the project.  Mixing them can be disastrous.  There can be moments of each in the other but they are few of them.

The waterfall approach came first and agile arose out of needs unmet by that approach.  This week I was reading about the difference between living under the law of the Old Testament and in the fulfillment of the law in the New Testament. 

People often describe this as living under law or grace.  I feel that is a false distinction.  The law still required one to live under the grace of the Father.  It still demanded that one live by faith.  Without faith it is impossible to please God.

The law is intended to show us that we are imperfect.  It is a taskmaster to show us our need for grace.  We no longer need that because we have the example of Christ.  I must not insist that someone live under law whether it is Old Testament or otherwise.

Completing the journey is fulfilled by meeting the requirements of the journey.  I can choose a systematic approach as long as I do not ignore the needs of my fellow travelers.  I can choose a needs-based approach as long as I do not forget that there are rules that must be obeyed.  Either way I need to walk in grace as that is the only hope I see.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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