Predictable Budget | Fixed Price | Time and Material | Dedicated Team |
---|---|---|---|
Quick Start | ✔ | ✔ | |
Predictable Budget | ✔ | ✔ | |
Predictable Budget | predicted | controllable | controllable |
Set Timelinest | ✔ | ✔ | |
Iterative process | ✔ | ✔ |
Every model has advantages and disadvantages and is only effective in certain situations. However, in the IT industry, the most popular engagement models are: time and materials contracts, fixed bids, outstaffing and dedicated teams. We recommend that you analyze the specifics of your project as well as your company objectives before selecting any of the engagement types. If you are unsure, you may get advice from our experts, who can assist you in selecting the most cost-effective model.
Predictable Budget | Fixed Price | Time and Material | Dedicated Team |
---|---|---|---|
Quick Start | ✔ | ✔ | |
Predictable Budget | ✔ | ✔ | |
Predictable Budget | predicted | controllable | controllable |
Set Timelinest | ✔ | ✔ | |
Iterative process | ✔ | ✔ |
A fixed price assumes that the specifications of your product are unchangeable. This doesn't preclude the possibility of changing the specs while the project is still in progress. Just keep in mind that any suggested changes will require additional implementation costs and an analysis of the potential effects they may have on the remaining portions of the project. It's possible that some functionality has already been built in accordance with the previous specifications if the changes are made late in the project.
Fixed-price contracts operate best when the project's cost can be predicted with confidence in advance.
For projects lasting 1-2 months (i.e., small mobile applications or proofs of concept), the fixed price model is preferable. The chance of requirements changing in this circumstance is low, and the project may simply be managed using the waterfall process.