Agile Process Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM)

Dynamic System Development Method (DSDM) is a agile project management methodology, created and maintained by the UK-based DSDM Consortium., which includes both vendors and experts. It was originally based upon the concepts of Rapid Application Development. DSDM finds itself on the same level as Scrum, meaning that it lists a small number of practices for project management of software development, while leaving the details of the real work (building a product) to be filled in by the development teams.

 

There are eight principles underpinning DSDM Atern. These principles direct the team in the attitude they must take and the mindset they must adopt in order to deliver consistently.

1. Focus on the business need :

To successfully apply this principle to all project decisions, the DSDM team should understand business priorities and commit to deliver at least the Minimum Usable Subset. A valid business case should be created before the project starts, and continuously supported.

2. Deliver on time :

To make sure that the project is delivered on time, the DSDM team is splitting the work into increments, prioritizing the project requirements and protecting the deadlines. Long-term project goals are delivered on time through the on-time delivery of each increment, or Timebox.

3. Collaborate :

The DSDM teams improve the performance through successful collaboration with the right stakeholders. To ensure effective work, each team member should be empowered to make decisions within his areas of expertise

4. Never compromise quality :

The desired quality of the project products is agreed on in the beginning of the project by defining the acceptance criteria. Continuous testing, reviews and documentation are crucial for ensuring an acceptable quality level.

5. Build incrementally from firm foundations :

Before significant resources are dedicated to the project delivery, DSDM build a solid understanding of the project requirements and proposed solution. After each project increment, or Time box, is delivered, the project priorities and viability are re-assessed.

6. Develop iteratively:

The development process is split into iterations, or Timeboxes. A crucial part of every iteration is results demonstration and business feedback. Such approach allows the DSDM team to adjust to the changes in business needs.

7. Communicate continuously and clearly:

DSDM methodology encourages informal communication. The communication needs of the project are fulfilled by the daily stand-up meetings and workshops. Solution prototypes are shared with the stakeholders as early as possible to benefit from the feedback.

8. Demonstrate control :

To make sure that the project is in control of the project manager, planning and progress tracking and crucial.

The DSDM project consists of 7 phased steps which are organized and embedded in a rich set of roles and responsibilities and are supported by several core techniques.

• Roles and Responsibilities
• Team Organization and Size
• 7 Phases to Rule Them

1. Pre-Project
2. Feasibility Study
3. Business Study
4. Functional Model Iteration
5. Design & Build Iteration
6. Implementation
7. Post-Project

The DSDM consortium has compiled 10 most important factors from its members:

• Acceptance of DSDM philosophy before starting work.
• The decision making powers of users and developers inside the development team.
• The commitment of senior user management to provide significant end-user involvement.
• Incremental delivery.
• Easy access by developers to end-users.
• The stability of the team.
• The development team skills.
• The size of the development team.
• A supportive commercial relationship.

Evolutionary prototyping in DSDM projects satisfy 2 principles,

• Frequent Delivery
• Incremental development

Implements critical functionality first so can discover difficulties early in the development process and allow having early deliverable to get user feedback.

The necessary feedback-loop is provided by a workshop which is the last important technique in a DSDM project.

DSDM differentiates on the following for types of prototypes,

1. Business Prototype : Allow assessment of the evolving system
2. Usability Prototype : Check the user interface
3. Performance Prototype : Ensure solution will deliver performance or handle volume
4. Capability Prototype : Evaluate possible options

Weakness of DSDM:

• Licensing cost
• Relatively high barrier to entry
• Cultural shift in organization
  
  
  
  
  
   

Wathsara Wishwantha Daluwatta