Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

What is a significant drawback of the waterfall development model?

1. High adaptability to user requirements

2. Excessive reliance on initial requirements

3. Rapid prototyping capabilities

4. Flexible timelines

The correct answer is: Excessive reliance on initial requirements

The waterfall development model is characterized by its linear and sequential approach to software development. One of the significant drawbacks of this model is its excessive reliance on initial requirements. In the waterfall model, each phase must be completed before moving on to the next, and changes to requirements after the initial phase can be costly and complicated. This rigidity means that if initial requirements are not well understood, or if they evolve over the course of the project, the end product may not fully meet the users' needs or expectations. In contrast, high adaptability to user requirements, rapid prototyping capabilities, and flexible timelines are not typical of the waterfall model. These attributes are more aligned with iterative and agile methodologies, which allow for adjustments throughout the development process based on continuous feedback and evolving user needs. Thus, the excessive reliance on initial requirements stands out as a major limitation of the waterfall approach, as it often leads to issues such as delayed recognition of changes and ultimately, a product that may no longer align with the users' expectations by the time of delivery.