Project Management is an integral part of any project because it helps ensure its success. To ensure that projects run smoothly, numerous project management methodologies are available for use.

Here in this post, we'll look at some essential differences between different project management methodologies (linear, evolutionary, or iterative).

1. Waterfall or Linear Model
2. Iterative Development
3. Evolutionary Development

Summary

In the waterfall model, the project plan details what will be done and when. Once all stages have been completed, the project is considered complete. A project manager can begin working on the project as soon as they know what needs to be done.

The iterative methodology is based on the idea that new ideas should be tested early and often throughout the product's life cycle. It also encourages frequent feedback from users during the design process.

Evolutionary Development is used to develop software products that require extensive customization. The development team works together to create a detailed specification document that describes each application feature. Afterward, they work together to build out the functionality in small increments. This approach is similar to agile development, where developers work in short iterations to deliver features. However, unlike agile development, the user requirements are not changed frequently. Instead, the user requirements are set up once and followed through until completion.

Waterfall or Linear Model

This project delivery model works the same way as a natural waterfall; the stream of water flows from top to bottom. The project starts with collecting requirements from the client. The project goes through different phases, one after another. The project's scope and roles are defined at the early stage of the project. The next phase of the project starts when the previous phase has been completed.

This is also called the linear approach because the project is executed based on a sequential workflow.

A linear project plan has a sequential order of activities. All phases must be completed before moving on to the next one. For example, if you're building a house, the foundation and walls structure would need to be made before the roof could go up.

Iterative Development

Iterative development is a software development process that starts with creating an initial version and then iterates through multiple versions until it reaches the final product. The process can be described as follows:

1. Create an initial version

2. Test, debug, and fix bugs in the initial version

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each subsequent iteration

4. Release a new version

5. Continue to repeat steps 1–4

Iterative models are more common among smaller teams. These approaches encourage collaboration and flexibility.

Evolutionary Methodology of Project Development

The evolutionary approach of project delivery is an iterative and incremental approach to software development that involves making changes and improvements through repeated testing, evaluation, analysis, planning, and implementation cycles.

In place of releasing an entire product at once, you develop and deploy pieces of functionality one after another.