1. Suppose that you are a project manager using the waterfall development methodology on a large and complex project. Your manager has just read the latest article in Computerworld that advocates replacing the waterfall methodology with prototyping and comes to your office requesting you to switch. What do you say?2. Suppose that you are an analyst developing a new information system to automate the sales transactions and manage inventory for each retail store in a large chain. The system would be installed at each store and would exchange data with a mainframe computer at the company’s head office. What methodology would you use? Why?

1- Depending upon the current situation we can switch. That means suppose the entire project is mid way that means we already implemented the project by Waterfall methodology then it would take lot of time to switch to Prototype model. Again if we see the efficiency I mean if we complete the project using prototype model and the outcome would be very well and robust then we should definitely switch to prototype model. So depending on the scenario we need to decide whether it would be benificial to switch or not.

2- Difference between Waterfall and Prototype :

I) In case of Waterfall model requirements should be very well known. On the other hand in case of prototype model if the user requirements are not complete then we can choose prototype model.

II) Technical issues should be cleared in case of Waterfall model, on the other hand technical requirements need not be clear.

Advantages of Waterfall:

I) Easy to understand this model and easy to use.

II) It provides structure to inexperienced staff

III) Milestones are well understood

IV) Set requirements stability

Disadvantages of Waterfall Model:

I) All requirements must be known upfront

II) Inhibits flexibility

III) Can give a false impression of progree

Advantage of Prototype Model:

I) Even if user requirements are not complete we can use

II) Even if technical issues are not clear we can use

Disadvantage of Prototype:

I) The Model is complex

II) Risk Assessment expertise is required

III)Time spent for evaluating risks too large for small projects.