Software Development Delivery Models

Most software projects fail because of one fundamental mismatch:

The delivery model doesn’t fit the problem.

Traditional plan-driven models like Waterfall were built for predictability and control. But when customer expectations shift and product scopes change midstream, these rigid approaches cause delays, misalignment, and expensive rework.

The bigger issue? Separation of planning and implementation into siloed stages.

What stakeholders envision rarely matches what teams ultimately build.

Modern delivery models solve this through flexibility and iteration:

• Agile methods like Scrum and Kanban break work into manageable pieces with fast feedback cycles
• Hybrid models like Scrumfall combine iterative development within broader governance frameworks
• Enterprise frameworks like SAFe enable coordination across teams while maintaining strategic alignment

The shift isn’t just about methodology.

It’s about enabling teams to deliver high-quality software efficiently AND respond to change.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The best teams blend techniques based on their context.

The key is maintaining agility while ensuring sufficient planning and quality control.