Title: The Waterfall System Development Model: Advantages and Disadvantages

The Waterfall Model is an efficient sequential software development methodology formed and utilised
to streamline the process of designing, testing, and maintaining a system's lifecycle (Shelly and
Rosenblatt, 2012). This model has been widely acknowledged within the system development
community due to its rigidity and precise nature. However, with the progress in technology, alternative
methodologies have emerged offering a more flexible and adaptive approach, often jeopardising the
Waterfall model's viability. This essay will explore the benefits and shortcomings of the Waterfall Model,
focusing on its thumbnail formation and classical nature.

The Waterfall Model’s key advantage lies within its simplistic linear structure, which systematically
breaks down software development into specific and manageable stages (Leffingwell, 2007). This
ensures that each project phase is completed thoroughly before the commencement of the next step,
providing a transparent roadmap of the project’s progression. The model's uniformity ensures a
systematic approach towards identifying issues and errors, reducing time wastage for developers and
project managers.

(Bibliography: Shelly and Rosenblatt (2012) “Systems Analysis and Design” URL:
https://www.cengage.co.uk/books/9781305494602/)

(Leffingwell (2007) “Scaling Software Agility: Best Practices for Large Enterprises” URL:
https://www.amazon.com/Scaling-Software-Agility-Practices-Enterprises/dp/0321458192)

In addition, the Waterfall Model's typical coordination of tasks eliminates substantial overlap in the
project management process, leading to effective resource allocation and productivity maximisation
(Mueller, 2003). Employing this method ensures clear communication and understanding across all
project participants promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall project.

(Mueller (2003) "Waterfall Model in Large Scale Systems” URL:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311277769_Waterfall_Model_in_Large_Scale_Systems)

However, the Waterfall Model is not without limitations. Tremendous emphasis on advance planning
often leads to challenges in accommodating changing client requirements, a strong disadvantage in
dynamic business environments (Royce, 1970). This rigidity not only affects the final outcome but can
also create long term structural instabilities within the system.

(Royce (1970) "Managing the Development of Large Software Systems" URL:

https://www.cs.umd.edu/class/spring2003/cmsc838p/Process/waterfall.pdf)

The inherent flaw in the model's linearity lies in its inability to return to the previous stage once a phase
is completed (Bennatan, 2005), creating project susceptibility to unanticipated circumstances.
Furthermore, testing as the last stage can mean late detection of errors and high corrective costs.

(Bennatan (2005) "On Time, Within Budget: Software Project Management Practices and Techniques"
URL: https://www.wiley.com/en-gb/On+Time%2C+Within+Budget
%3A+Software+Project+Management+Practices+and+Techniques%2C+3rd+Edition-p-9780471202973)

In conclusion, while the Waterfall Model has many benefits such as its organised and consistent
structure, its inflexibility and inability to adapt to changes place it at a disadvantage compared to more
agile methodologies. Regardless of these limitations, it remains an essential model and resource for
understanding system development.