Agile Business Analysis Practice Exam 2025 - Free Agile Business Analysis Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary disadvantage of the horizontal approach is that there is an inherent risk of incomplete functionality until the last slice is delivered. In this approach, development teams often work on features across a wide slice of the product horizontally, which means that different components or functionalities may be developed simultaneously. However, this can lead to situations where essential functionalities are not fully developed or integrated until the final stages of the project. As a result, stakeholders may not see a complete and operational product until the entire horizontal slice is delivered, making it difficult to assess usability and functionality throughout the development process.

This potential for incomplete functionality can create challenges in terms of user feedback and testing, as users may not be able to interact with finished features until the end. It hinders iterative feedback loops, which are crucial in Agile methodologies that emphasize regular assessment and adaptation based on user input.

Understanding this risk is vital for Agile Business Analysts and teams as they plan and execute projects, ensuring a balanced approach to slicing product features that mitigates the risk of incomplete delivery while still accommodating stakeholder expectations and iterative development principles.