Project Management Methodologies: Kanban, Scrum, and Waterfall – Which One Fits Your Team?

Choosing the right project management method is as important as the work itself. Three widely used methods – Waterfall, Scrum, and Kanban – are each built for a particular kind of team and project. In this guide we explain each method simply, cover its pros and cons, and help you choose the one that suits your team.

What is a project management method?

A project management method (methodology) is a framework that defines how work is planned, divided, tracked, and delivered. Choosing the right method helps speed up delivery, make progress transparent, and reduce rework. The three common methods are: Waterfall (step by step), Scrum (time-boxed iterations), and Kanban (a continuous flow of work).

The Waterfall method

In the Waterfall method, the project is divided into sequential phases, and each phase begins after the previous one ends: requirements, design, build, testing, and delivery. This method suits projects whose requirements are clear and fixed from the start (such as construction projects or well-defined contracts).

• Advantages: clear planning and budgeting, thorough documentation, well-suited to projects with fixed requirements.
• Disadvantages: little flexibility in the face of change; if a requirement changes mid-project, going back is costly.

Scrum

Scrum is an Agile method that advances work in short, time-boxed intervals called sprints (usually one to four weeks). At the end of each sprint, a usable part of the product is delivered. Roles such as the Product Owner and Scrum Master, along with regular daily meetings, keep the team coordinated.

• Advantages: rapid adaptation to change, frequent delivery and early feedback, well-suited to product and software teams.
• Disadvantages: requires team commitment and defined roles; for very small teams or support work it can feel heavy.

Kanban

Kanban displays work on a visual board with columns such as To Do, In Progress, and Done, and it manages a continuous flow of work. By limiting the number of items in progress (WIP), it prevents overcrowding and bottlenecks. Kanban is very well-suited to support teams, operations, and ongoing work.

• Advantages: visual transparency, high flexibility, a simple start without heavy roles and meetings.
• Disadvantages: for projects with hard, scheduled deadlines it is not enough on its own and needs control metrics.

Which project management method should you choose?

The choice of method depends on your type of project and team:

• Waterfall: when requirements are fixed and clear from the start and no change is expected.
• Scrum: when a product is being built, frequent feedback is needed, and the team can work in sprints.
• Kanban: when the flow of work is continuous (support, operations, incoming requests) and priorities change constantly.

Many teams use a combination of these methods; for example, Kanban for ongoing work and Scrum for development projects.

How does project management software help you apply these methods?

Implementing all three methods becomes far simpler with project management software. Hamahang project management and ticketing software from Barsavosh Fanavaran provides both a Kanban board and a Gantt chart, tracks tasks with an owner and a deadline, and keeps the team coordinated on a single platform with its ticketing system and organizational messenger. To learn more, read the complete guide to project management software and the article what is project management software.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Scrum and Kanban?

Scrum advances work in time-boxed sprints with defined roles and meetings, whereas Kanban manages a continuous flow of work on a board with a limit on items in progress and offers more flexibility in changing priorities.

Is Agile different from Scrum?

Yes. Agile is a general approach, and Scrum and Kanban are two ways of implementing it. Waterfall stands in contrast to the Agile approach.

Which method is better for a small team?

For small teams and ongoing work, Kanban is usually the best start because of its simplicity and flexibility; as the team grows and takes on development projects, Scrum can be added.

Can you use several methods together?

Yes. Combining methods is common. For example, many teams use Kanban for support and Scrum for development projects at the same time.

Further reading

• What Is a Ticketing System and Why Do Companies Need One?
• The Best Project Management and Enterprise Ticketing Software in Iran: A Buyer’s Guide (2026)
• Enterprise Messenger vs. Ticketing System: Key Differences

Complete guide: project management and ticketing software