A linear project management approach where each phase must be completed before moving on to the next, much like a cascading waterfall. Think of it as a strict sequence of steps—requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance—where changes mid-stream are as welcome as a rock in a river. It’s great for projects with clear, defined goals and little room for flexibility, but can feel like a drag if you need to pivot on the fly. Just remember: once you jump in, there’s no turning back until you reach the bottom!