Salesforce Business Analyst Certification Practice Exam

What is the main characteristic of the Waterfall project management approach?

1. Iterative development with frequent feedback

2. Pre-defined phases that do not allow revisiting earlier steps

3. Flexibility to change requirements throughout the project

4. Collaboration among cross-functional teams

The correct answer is: Pre-defined phases that do not allow revisiting earlier steps

The main characteristic of the Waterfall project management approach is its reliance on pre-defined phases that do not allow revisiting earlier steps. This methodology is linear and sequential, meaning that each phase must be completed before moving on to the next. Once a phase is finished, it is generally not intended for revisiting or revising, which means that the project moves steadily downward through distinct stages such as requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. This structured approach provides clarity on timeline and scope at the outset; however, it can be limiting because once a phase is completed, alterations to earlier phases can be difficult and costly. Since changes typically require revisiting completed phases, this rigidity is a notable trait of the Waterfall model. In contrast, iterative development, flexibility in changing requirements, and collaboration among cross-functional teams are more synonymous with Agile methodologies, which emphasize adaptability, ongoing feedback, and continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle. These characteristics set Agile apart, emphasizing rapid iterations and close collaboration, in stark contrast to the singular focus of Waterfall.