Evaluation of the effectiveness of risk management strategies in agile and waterfall project management methodologies

Managing risks effectively is a critical challenge in IT projects, where change and uncertainty are constant. This study explored how Agile and Waterfall methodologies perform in risk management within the Honduran IT industry. Results show that Agile is widely preferred for software development projects due to its iterative nature, adaptability, and rapid response to emerging risks. Waterfall, however, remains valuable for projects with well-defined requirements, such as IT infrastructure, where structured planning provides stability. Overall, the study emphasizes that aligning methodology with project type, stakeholder expectations, and team composition is key to effective risk mitigation, offering practical guidance for IT managers in Honduras and similar settings.