The objective of this plan is to enhance effective delivery within a Waterfall Team, using a specific set of metrics to monitor and improve performance. By comparing Planned vs Actual Delivery Dates, teams can better meet deadlines by implementing detailed planning and progress reviews. Tracking Scope Creep helps ensure the project remains on track with minimal deviations, requiring clear requirements and strict change control. Monitoring Budget Variance ensures financial accuracy, suggesting thorough budget forecasting and cost control. Defect Density measures product quality, advocating for enhanced testing processes and quality assurance. Lastly, Customer Satisfaction evaluates the end-user's approval, emphasizing the importance of feedback and communication.
Top 5 metrics for Effective Delivery for Waterfall Team
1. Planned vs Actual Delivery Dates
This metric compares the initially planned delivery dates to the actual delivery dates to assess the team's ability to meet deadlines
What good looks like for this metric: 80% of projects delivered on time
How to improve this metric:- Conduct detailed planning sessions
- Implement regular progress reviews
- Improve risk management practices
- Enhance communication within the team
- Optimise resource allocation
2. Scope Creep
Measures the changes and additions in the project scope after the project has commenced, indicating how often the team deviates from the original plan
What good looks like for this metric: Less than 5% increase in scope
How to improve this metric:- Establish clear project requirements
- Implement strict change control processes
- Engage stakeholders early and often
- Document all changes meticulously
- Maintain a project scope baseline
3. Budget Variance
This metric tracks the difference between the budgeted costs and the actual costs incurred, indicating financial planning accuracy
What good looks like for this metric: Less than 10% budget overrun
How to improve this metric:- Conduct thorough budget forecasting
- Monitor expenditures closely
- Implement cost control measures
- Review financial reports regularly
- Optimise purchasing processes
4. Defect Density
Measures the number of defects identified within a certain timeframe or phase of the project, reflecting product quality
What good looks like for this metric: Fewer than 1 defect per 1000 lines of code
How to improve this metric:- Enhance testing processes
- Implement automated testing tools
- Provide training on quality standards
- Review code regularly
- Incorporate quality assurance in each phase
5. Customer Satisfaction
Assesses the stakeholders' and customers' satisfaction with the delivered project through surveys and feedback mechanisms
What good looks like for this metric: Customer satisfaction score above 8 out of 10
How to improve this metric:- Gather customer feedback regularly
- Act on the feedback received
- Improve stakeholder communication
- Deliver regular project updates
- Ensure project deliverables meet expectations
How to track Effective Delivery for Waterfall Team metrics
It's one thing to have a plan, it's another to stick to it. We hope that the examples above will help you get started with your own strategy, but we also know that it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day effort.
That's why we built Tability: to help you track your progress, keep your team aligned, and make sure you're always moving in the right direction.
Give it a try and see how it can help you bring accountability to your metrics.
