Waterfall Model: The waterfall model is a traditional linear sequential approach to project management where progress flows in stages from one to the next. It is one of the earliest and most commonly used PM methodologies. In a capstone project context, it typically follows these phases: 1) Requirements – what needs to be developed is defined, 2) Design – a detailed plan for how the requirements will be met is created, 3) Implementation – the capstone product is built according to the design specifications, 4) Testing – the product is tested to ensure it meets requirements, 5) Implementation – the completed capstone product is handed over to stakeholders for use. Strengths include its simplicity and structure which provide clear deliverables and milestones. It does not allow for much flexibility or iteration if requirements change.
Agile Methodologies: Agile approaches to PM have grown in popularity for capstone projects as they allow for more flexibility and customer collaboration compared to Waterfall. Common Agile methodologies used include Scrum and Kanban. With Scrum, the capstone project is broken into 2-4 week Sprints where working software/deliverables are created, reviewed by stakeholders in a Sprint Review, and improvements defined for the next Sprint in a planning meeting. Daily stand-up meetings keep the team accountable. Kanban uses a pull-based system where tasks are pulled into different workflow states (To Do, Doing, Done) as team capacity allows versus assigning in blocks like Scrum Sprints. Both are iterative approaches adaptive to changing requirements.
Spiral Model: The spiral model takes elements of both Waterfall and Agile approaches. It follows four phases repeated in iterations or spirals – Planning, Risk Analysis, Engineering, Evaluation. Each cycle produces deliverables while refining requirements and reducing risks. As concept and implementation evolve, riskier aspects are addressed first in subsequent spirals. It is well-suited for capstone projects that deal with uncertainty or complex problems. Students can prototype ideas to validate assumptions incrementally as understanding improves.
Lean Six Sigma: Six Sigma’s data-driven continuous improvement philosophy can enhance capstone project quality through its Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) framework. Students clearly define project objectives and critical customer requirements. Process performance and defects are measured. Root causes of issues are analyzed statistically. Changes to remove waste and variation are implemented and controlled. The Lean portion focuses on optimizing value delivery and reducing non-value added activities through mapping and analysis of project workflow. Together they emphasize quality, efficiency and customer satisfaction.
PRINCE2: PRojects IN Controlled Environments version 2 (PRINCE2) provides a standardized structured approach applicable across industries. Its seven principles, themes and processes can help large multi-phase capstone group projects stay on track and achieve objectives. Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined for the Project Manager, Project Board and Project Assurance quality check. Plans outline what needs to be achieved at each stage-gate review milestone. Changes to scope are managed via its configuration management. Documentation follows templates making information easy to understand at handovers between graduating classes on long-term projects.
Other less common but still relevant methodologies used for capstones depending on context include the V-Model for verification and validation in software projects, RUP – Rational Unified Process for iterative development, and DSDM – Dynamic Systems Development Method which prioritizes meeting user needs to gain early feedback for larger system-oriented student work. Regardless of methodology, good project communication, documentation and stakeholder involvement are key components of successful capstone program management.
Each methodology has relative strengths and weaknesses for different project contexts. Choosing the right one involves analyzing factors like scope, complexity, industry standards, skills available, resources and stakeholder needs for the capstone. Hybrid or tailored approaches often combine benefits from multiple methods. With proper training, any of the methodologies detailed here can help capstone teams deliver quality results through an organized project life cycle tailored for the academic learning environment.