Theta's software development methodology is called Pragmatic Agile - a proven, common sense method that uses practical techniques from agile software development and applies them within an overall waterfall model.
Under Pragmatic Agile, waterfall stages such as initiation, business requirements definition, high-level design, build and test are followed as broadly sequential steps. Within the delivery phases, however, Agile approaches are used. This includes an Agile design philosophy supported by a delivery approach that uses iterations (called sprints), and management techniques such as scrum meetings and large visible wall charts, all with a strong focus on people.
Theta is focussed on you, the client. While Pragmatic Agile is our preferred way of working, we're happy to work the way you are most comfortable and will adapt our methods to suit your style. We find we can often use parts of our methodology within the framework of a client's own methodology.
Why Pragmatic Agile?
Waterfall methods are common, easy to understand and easy to plan to. Their sequential steps suit the way businesses typically fund projects and the predictive and repeatable nature of the methods are comforting.
The pitfalls of waterfall projects, however, are well known. If good requirements gathering and change management processes are absent, projects can fail to deliver what the business really wants. Projects also frequently overrun due to the risky 'big-bang' style of delivery. The software delivered under this method can also be over-engineered and costly to maintain.
Agile methods advocate iterative delivery of prioritised requirements with a strong focus on people and collaboration. These methods are better able to handle changing requirements and use lightweight designs. When run well, Agile projects can deliver a solution that is both what the business wants and is cheaper to maintain in the long run. For many organisations, however, using purely Agile methods requires a significant change of culture and expectations. Buy-in across the business - often difficult to achieve - is needed.
The intention of Pragmatic Agile is to offer the best of both of these worlds. Contact us to discuss using Pragmatic Agile on your project.