Planactual

Planactual is a software development methodology that combines elements of both plan-driven and agile approaches. It was developed by Scott Ambler and is designed to address the limitations of traditional plan-driven methods and the flexibility of agile methodologies. The core idea behind Planactual is to create a balanced approach that leverages the strengths of both paradigms while mitigating their weaknesses.

In Planactual, the development process is divided into two main phases: the planning phase and the actual phase. During the planning phase, a detailed plan is created, including requirements, design, and a schedule. This phase is similar to traditional plan-driven methods, where a comprehensive plan is established before development begins. However, unlike traditional methods, the plan in Planactual is not set in stone. It is flexible and can be adjusted as needed during the actual phase.

The actual phase is where the development work takes place. This phase is more agile, with a focus on iterative development, continuous integration, and customer feedback. Teams work in short iterations, typically lasting one to four weeks, and deliver working software at the end of each iteration. The plan is reviewed and updated at the beginning of each iteration based on feedback and changing requirements.

One of the key features of Planactual is its emphasis on risk management. The methodology includes techniques for identifying and mitigating risks early in the development process. This helps to ensure that the project stays on track and meets its goals.

Planactual is particularly well-suited for projects that have a mix of stable and volatile requirements. By combining the detailed planning of traditional methods with the flexibility of agile approaches, Planactual can help teams deliver high-quality software on time and within budget.